What should I do if my surgical scar itches?

Jan 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Wenmin

Introduction

In general, itching of a surgical scar may be related to normal reactions during the wound healing process, dry skin, wound infection, scar hypertrophy, or neurodermatitis. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention and follow the doctor's guidance for general treatment or medication as needed. In daily life, excessive friction or scratching of the wound area should be avoided to reduce irritation to the scar tissue.

Generally, itching at a surgical scar may be related to normal reactions during the wound healing process, dry skin, wound infection, scar hypertrophy, or neurodermatitis. It is recommended to seek timely medical advice and undergo general treatments or medication under a doctor's guidance. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Normal reaction during the wound healing process

During the healing of a surgical wound, new nerve endings and blood vessels grow into the scar tissue. These newly formed nerve endings are more sensitive to stimuli, making them prone to causing itching. It is recommended to keep the wound clean and dry, avoiding excessive friction or scratching to reduce irritation to the scar tissue.

2. Dry skin

After surgery, the skin barrier function at the wound site may be compromised, leading to moisture loss and dry skin, which can cause itching. It is recommended to use a gentle moisturizing cream or lotion on the skin around the wound to maintain skin hydration and help relieve itching.

3. Wound infection

Wound infections are usually caused by microorganisms such as bacteria or viruses entering the wound. The infection leads to localized inflammation, which stimulates nerve endings and causes itching. Symptoms often include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. Follow your doctor's instructions to use medications such as Amoxicillin capsules, Cefixime dispersible tablets, or Roxithromycin capsules for treatment.

4. Scar hypertrophy

Scar hypertrophy is typically caused by excessive proliferation of fibrous connective tissue. During wound healing, fibroblasts proliferate excessively, forming scar tissue. Symptoms generally include raised scars, redness, and firm texture. Follow your doctor's instructions to use medications such as Asiaticoside cream, Heparin sodium cream, or Compound Acetate Dexamethasone cream for treatment.

5. Neurodermatitis

Neurodermatitis is usually triggered by psychological factors such as anxiety or stress. Inflammation increases the sensitivity of skin nerve endings, causing itching. Symptoms may also include lichenification of the skin and pigmentation. Under a doctor's recommendation, medications such as Loratadine tablets, Cetirizine hydrochloride tablets, or Ebastine capsules can be used for treatment.

In daily life, it is important to keep the skin moisturized, regularly clean the wound, avoid excessive friction or scratching at the wound site, and minimize irritation to the scar tissue.

View All

What to do for a burn injury

After a burn injury, prompt scientific measures should be taken to alleviate damage. Generally, the affected area can be managed by continuously rinsing with cool water. Preventive measures should be strengthened in daily life to avoid contact with high-temperature objects and open flames. Handle burns gently and never arbitrarily puncture blisters. After seeking medical care, follow the doctor's instructions for wound care, keep the wound clean and dry, and immediately return for re-evaluation if signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or pus occur.

View Full Answer

What should be done for deficiency of both yin and yang?

In general, deficiency of both yin and yang may be caused by factors such as aging, excessive fatigue, kidney deficiency and overstrain, combined deficiency of the lungs, spleen, and kidneys, or heart and kidney damage. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general management, medication, and other approaches under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, it is important to maintain emotional stability, avoid excessive anxiety or depression, and follow a balanced diet.