Healing Wounds is a relief but Itchy as well.

 If you have ever experienced a wound, you know how annoying it can be when it starts to itch. You may wonder why your skin feels so itchy when it is supposed to be healing. In this blog post, I will explain the reasons behind this common phenomenon and some tips to relieve the itchiness.

Why does a wound itch very much when it is just about to heal?

Itchy Wound

Itching or pruritus is defined as an unpleasant sensation on the skin that provokes the desire to rub, and it is mediated by free nerve endings transmitted by C-fibres located in the uppermost layer of the skin. Wound healing involves multiple chemical mediators like histamine, prostaglandins and growth factors produced by the cells in the blood. Histamine is an important chemical mediator involved in the allergic reactions. The role of histamine in wound healing is dilatation of blood vessels to facilitate the entry of immune cells onto the wound site to ward off infection. But at the same time, it acts on the nerve endings causing itch. During the process of healing, all types of damaged cells are being replaced or repaired. Even the nerve cells are included during this healing. When the newly repaired nerve cell starts to grow and become functional in sending and receiving signals, which occurs during the healing phase itching starts to happen.

Wound healing stages


The area of the skin where the injury site is located is so thin compared to the undamaged skin and the newly formed nerve cells are more sensitive to stimuli. The new skin that is formed is devoid of the normal oil glands. This dryness also provokes the nerve endings causing itching. Collagens are biological bridging fibres that form an important constituent of the human connective tissues. The initial formation of collagen in the proliferative phase is not in an orderly fashion. This has a sense of tightness and when we start moving when the wound is healing, these fibres stretch which is perceived as pain/itch. Sometimes mechanical stimuli, like cold air and other chemicals like substance P can induce itch.

Allergy on Hand

Itching can also be caused due to allergy for the ointments/medications applied and also sensitivity to the plaster. Some people have tendency towards formation of keloid, a condition in which there is pain and itching in the scar beyond 6 months.

How to relieve wound itching?

Wound itching can be very frustrating and tempting to scratch, but scratching can damage the new skin and delay the healing process. Here are some ways to soothe your itchy wound:

  1. Apply a cold compress or ice pack on the wound for 10-15 minutes. This can reduce inflammation and numb the nerve endings.
  2. Use a moisturizer or lotion on the wound to keep it hydrated and prevent dryness.
  3. Avoid using harsh soaps or detergents on the wound as they can irritate the skin and cause more itching.
  4. Wear loose-fitting clothes that do not rub against the wound or cause friction.
  5. Take antihistamines or anti-inflammatory drugs as prescribed by your doctor to reduce histamine levels and inflammation.
  6. Consult your doctor if you have signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, pus, fever or increased pain.
  7. Seek medical attention if you have severe itching that interferes with your daily activities or sleep, or if you have a history of keloid formation.

Note:  These are general suggestions. Its better to consult with a doctor before using any of these methods.

Wound itching is a normal part of healing, but it can also be very annoying and uncomfortable. By understanding why it happens and how to deal with it, you can make your wound healing journey more pleasant and faster. I hope you found this blog post helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for reading!

Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

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