Why does wounds itch while healing

That is why we thought it was about time to put the ten most common and persistent myths of wound care to the test. Read on — after a few minutes you will know how to better relieve pain , avoid complications and support the wound healing process of any future wound or small injury. This a myth that has persisted for decades. Surprising, as the top priority of wound care should always be to keep a wound as clean, germ-free and protected as possible.

That is why after having cleaned the wound with disinfectant free of alcohol, so that it doesn't hurt you should always apply a plaster on the injured area! All Elastoplast plasters are breathable and protect the wound from external influences, so that dirt and bacteria cannot penetrate and the risk of infection is reduced.

In addition, the wound pad of the plaster will cushion the wound and protect from painful friction and pressure. Result: Wound healing can take place as undisturbed as possible. Another common myth is that bacteria are supposed to feel especially comfortable under a wound dressing. Quite the contrary is true: Using the correct plaster to cover up a wound which has previously been cleaned out will protect it from contamination through germs and bacteria, thus preventing possible infections.

Especially anti-bacterial plasters containing silver as active ingredient of the wound pad are proven to act against a broad spectrum of bacteria and will promote wound healing. The silver contained in their wound pad actually has a direct effect on the bacterias' cell metabolism, preventing a further increase in the number of bacteria and actively combating those microorganisms.

Wounds that take especially long to heal maybe a symptom of a disease such as diabetes mellitus, or may indicate an impaired immune system or blood circulation problems.

Therefore it is important to have your wound checked by a doctor for possible causes if you suspect that it takes longer than usual to heal in spite of it being properly cared for. Thinking that this may be true makes sense, as it is easy to assume that a wound may be the more painful the deeper it is.

However, just the opposite can be the case. For years, I have advised patients that itching is a sign of healing. The body is unable to recognize the difference between a clean clinical wound made by a sterile scalpel and the dirty wound of a dog bite. Any injury to the skin is interpreted in an identical manner. During the healing process, the body infiltrates a wound with inflammatory cytokines to clean the area of any foreign body or infection. These pro-inflammatory cytokines produce itch.

In many skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, the body inappropriately dumps pro-inflammatory cytokines into the skin, thereby causing the sensation of itching.

These include increased pain, discharge, an unpleasant smell which often signals an infection , swelling, and redness. If the wound takes more than thirty days to show signs of improvement - or you are experiencing severe itching - it is essential that you speak to a medical professional.

These warning signs may indicate a serious underlying issue. If your wound is itchy but appears to be healing normally, don't worry about it. Keep the area clean, dry, and avoid scratching. Whenever you feel frustrated, remember: itching means your body is working to repair the cut. Understanding Healing Wounds and Itchy Skin There are numerous theories about why your skin itches as it heals. Histamine Reaction Medical experts generally agree that a wound itches when histamine is released by the cells.

How the Reaction Is Triggered Just how the process is triggered requires a more scientific explanation. New Skin Growth As time passes, your wound will transition from a fresh state to a healing state. Scratching an Itchy Wound It's interesting to note that even medical professionals can't say exactly why wounds itch when they are healing. Effective Ways to Deal With an Itch There are a number of ways to avoid scratching a wound while it heals.

Some of the most effective include: Washing the area gently with soap and water. This can remove dead skin cells that may be causing irritation. A moisturizer can lessen the effects of an itchy wound and prevent dryness. Covering up the wound with a bandage or clothing. Your desire to itch will be dramatically reduced. Applying an anti-itch cream , lotion, or cool compress to dull the itching. They can prevent you from damaging your skin or introducing bacteria to the wound.

It may also help to cut your fingernails. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life.

Kid's Health from Nemours. What's a scab. Itchy skin after burn injury. Allen HB, et al. Pruritus of healing wounds: Why 'scabs' itch. J Clin Exp Dermatol Res. Lerner E. Why do wounds itch? How wounds heal. Updated May 17, Seattle Children's. Wound infection.

April 16, Johns Hopkins Medicine. Michigan Medicine. Incision care after surgery. May 27, Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page.