After skin damage, scars form - this is a normal reaction of the body to exposure. During wound healing, soreness, itching, or burning sensation may occur. But what if the scars itch? How to determine - is this a normal process or a symptom of a serious illness? Doctors recommend that you undergo a thorough medical examination without fail - this will help prevent the occurrence of health problems.
What causes itching?
The wound healing process goes through several stages. Each of them is accompanied by certain symptoms, one of the symptoms is a feeling of itching. There are times when a person feels severe discomfort in the area of skin lesion even after complete healing of the wounds. Most often, the old scar after surgical manipulation, which suddenly begins to itch, is disturbing. Why does a scar itch? There are several reasons for which unpleasant symptoms may occur:
- With hypertrophic scars, a process of degeneration into keloids is likely.
- In the process of mechanical action, itching often occurs in the area of the scar. If the fabric constantly rubs against clothing, then slight inflammation may appear, which provokes the appearance of unpleasant symptoms.
- Most often, the scar is subjected to friction after abdominal surgery.
- Dry skin. If a person does not eat properly, then the body is deficient in vitamins. Under such conditions, the skin is flaky and the scars itch. Such symptoms can also occur during the development of skin disease, so it is important to consult a doctor immediately.
- With chickenpox, streptoderma, herpes, there is a similar symptomatology.
- In the process of developing melanoma, a feeling of itching and burning appears. A disease is a malignant formation that arises from a nevus, mole, or birthmark. The site begins to bleed and crack. Under these conditions, an oncologist's consultation is urgently needed.
- A cause for concern should be the systematic manifestation of an unpleasant symptom. If the scars itch after removing the moles, you should immediately consult a doctor and not self-medicate.
- After treatment with certain drugs, itching may occur. "Kontraktubeks" often provokes the appearance of such a side effect - the phenomenon indicates that the tissue heals.
- In some cases, the skin itches due to systematic stress or anxiety. In addition to such symptoms, redness and swelling may occur. Only after a thorough medical diagnosis can you precisely determine the cause, on the basis of which an unpleasant symptom has arisen.
- Surgical thread. Why does the scar itch after surgery? In the process of surgical intervention, the doctor uses a self-absorbable thread, a portion of which remains in the tissue and causes a reaction of the protective function of the human body. In the process of material rejection, severe discomfort and itching can occur. In rare cases, peeling is observed or swelling occurs. During the conversion of damaged skin, burning may occur.
How to alleviate the condition?
First of all, it is necessary to find out the factor that provoked the appearance of itching. Without determining the cause, the treatment will produce a short-term effect. The scar often scratches after the operation. Under such conditions, relieve unpleasant symptoms with:
- "Radovida";
- "Akriderma";
- "Sinaflan";
- Bepantena.
Such drugs help eliminate itching and irritation. Thanks to the mint solution, you can soothe the skin. To do this, pour mint (60 g) with boiling water (2 cups) and send to infuse for an hour. After this, the infusion is necessary to process the problem areas.
Physiotherapy
To eliminate the feeling of itching, doctors often use hardware in the process of treating a patient, namely:
- In the process of laser excision, it is possible to shut off the blood supply to the scars and prevent the development of severe inflammation.
- Removing liquid residues can be done by laser grinding.
- Medicines and phonophoresis will improve the overall well-being of the patient.
If the scars are very itchy, then the doctors prescribe a microcurrent or magnetic therapy to the patient. Such procedures should be carried out strictly as prescribed by the attending physician. Self-medication can harm and provoke the development of serious complications.
Preventative measures
To prevent the occurrence of itching at the location of the scar, it is necessary to eliminate the effect of provoking factors. It is advisable that the scar does not come in contact with the seam of the clothes - this will prevent the appearance of irritation and prevent the formation of such symptoms.
It is equally important to observe basic hygiene rules and properly care for the scar. Only approved cosmetics should be used that do not cause an allergic reaction or irritation. If one of the symptoms of a skin disease appears, seek the help of a qualified professional.
Traditional methods of treating scars
If the scar turns red and itches, a folk remedy should be prepared. To get rid of unpleasant symptoms, you can try using traditional medicine against scars. Among the most effective recipes are the following:
- Grind melon seeds and eggshell in equal proportions. Mix everything thoroughly until a homogeneous consistency is obtained and add vegetable oil to the main mixture. Such a compress will help eliminate the feeling of itching and burning of the skin. Apply the drug until complete recovery.
- Combine beeswax (1 tbsp.) And olive oil (3 tbsp.) And mix thoroughly. Apply to the site of unpleasant symptoms.
- St. John's wort and vegetable oil combine in equal proportions and insist for 13 days in a cold place. Apply compresses until the unpleasant symptoms disappear.
Using white clay and camphor oil can improve the overall well-being of the patient. For this, the ingredients are mixed in equal proportions and applied to the skin. The duration of treatment will be determined by a specialist. Before carrying out therapy with a folk remedy, it is recommended to visit a doctor, since self-medication often aggravates the course of the disease. First of all, it is necessary to undergo a thorough medical diagnosis and only then start therapy.
Contraindications to the use of ointments
The inflammatory process often provokes a feeling of itching, burning and irritation. It is forbidden to use ointments with:
- infectious skin diseases;
- dermatomycosis;
- tuberculosis
- syphilis.
Effective ointment
If the general health condition worsens and the scar from the cut is scratched, it is necessary to consult a doctor before carrying out the treatment. Among the most effective drugs are:
Uniderm. The medicine will help eliminate irritation, redness and inflammation. With psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, allergies, such a medication is prescribed. The duration of therapy depends on the severity of the disease. In special cases, the drug is used until the symptoms are eliminated. Apply no more than once a day. Side effects are manifested in the form of:
- acne;
- sweating;
- severe redness;
- burning and itching.
It is forbidden to use ointment for necrotic and viral infections of the skin. In the process of carrying a baby, it is not recommended to carry out the Uniderm therapy.
Note to patient
Why do old scars itch? Only a doctor will definitely answer this question. This symptom often occurs with skin diseases. Doctors do not recommend self-medication, as this can aggravate the course of the underlying disease, which provoked the development of an unpleasant symptom.
Scars can scratch for several reasons. Only the attending doctor can determine the provoking factor after a thorough medical diagnosis of the patient. Based on the results of the patient’s study, the specialist will prescribe an individual therapy regimen. If a person has other serious diseases, then self-medication can be fatal.
During pregnancy and lactation, it is forbidden to use any medications without first consulting a doctor. Self-medication can harm not only the future mother, but also the baby.