Why do my scars still itch?
264 Answers
Last Updated: 05/08/2018 at 1:07am
★ This question about Self-Harm was starred by a moderator on 5/12/2016.
Moderated by
Jill Kapil, PsyD
Psychologist
I have over 9 years of clinical experience, specialize in anxiety, and am passionate about my work. My approach is collaborative, empathic, supportive, and goal-oriented.
Top Rated Answers
Because scars are part of your skin, just skin forming over a damaged area of your skin. It honestly because of irratiation sometimes.
Anonymous
July 9th, 2015 12:59pm
My itch too sometimes. It is quite natural. It is just the skin getting irritated at times. Those will go.
Because they are healing, try not to itch, it's going to be okay. Let them heal, and use them as a reflection!
Anonymous
July 10th, 2015 4:12am
Scars itching can be annoying, but the reason they itch is because the nerve endings were damaged. Don't worry about it because you know it will be healing.
This itching may be due to the healing process. It may also be due in part to some dryness of the skin overlying the scar. Finally, it is partly to due to the fact that small nerve endings that were cut during the surgery are growing back into the area.
Sometimes scar wounds can get irritated, but it helps to keep the scar wounds clean with soap and water. When the scars have healed better and, rather than an open wound, feels more like a bump on your skin, you can use lotion to help it stay smooth! I personally love Aveeno, and generally any light scented lotions should help!
There could be multiple reasons for this but since we can't see them, we can only have a shot in the dark and throw guesses at you. If you're ever really concerned about anything medical to do with your body, your GP is always the person you should definitely see. They're not only qualified to give you advice and any medications you may need but they also know you, your situation and your history. They will be able to give you a much more accurate answer than any of us ever could. I hope this helps.
Anonymous
July 10th, 2015 8:16pm
It may also be due in part to some dryness of the skin overlying the scar. It is also partly to due to the fact that small nerve endings that were cut during the injury are still growing back into the area.
Anonymous
July 11th, 2015 2:22am
When fresh wounds turn into scars, it itches because its healing. The scar part is not done healing and will itch when its 3-4 months old aswell.
Anonymous
July 11th, 2015 6:01am
This can be a psychological problem where your depression wants to remind you, or it could just be normal
Anonymous
July 11th, 2015 11:58am
You should see the doctor for a consultation. You should get a professional advice as it can cause infection.
they're scars and if you think about them a lot, it probably makes them itch because you're thinking about them in general.
Anonymous
July 11th, 2015 5:06pm
Your arms still itch because you have cut open your skin. Your skin believes that it is trying to fight an infection or something.
I am not a doctor, but perhaps the skin is still healing. Things often itch when they are healing, so perhaps the scar tissue is still doing a bit of mending around that area.
It could be that or a psychological itch that is reminding you of the scars.
When scars heal they become dryer than the other parts of your skin. I use cocoa butter when my scars starts to itch and it stops the itching usually within 20 minutes.
Anonymous
July 12th, 2015 12:20pm
Sometimes it's a matter of a habit. You should notice it and intentionally ignore. You can also see a dermatologist, if it's been for too long and you're already over it.
Not sure if you mean an emotional/mental itch, like you want to hurt yourself more because you're unhappy or a physical itch... but it could be psychological. Otherwise see your doctor if your scars don't look/feel right. They should be healing, unless you're not leaving the scars alone.
I am not sure why scars still itch. This is a medical problem and I suggest you consult your physician.
If they have already faded away, then it's probably because of your own mind. When you look at the part of your body where the scar was, for a second if you feel everything you felt on the moment you got the scar, and that makes it feel like it's itching. Sometimes it can also be a way to forget about what that scar has once meant. Or even it seems like it's itching so you remember that there's a scar there, and that represents a part of you.
It depends. If they are scars from deep wounds, they will probably itch for longer, as it will take longer for them to heal fully. A tip I would give is to not scratch or pick off the scab, as it can delay the healing process.
They are healing! They itch because of dead skin I believe. But, if they itch, don't scratch them! You'll do more damage & disrupt your immune system's process of healing them.
Anonymous
July 16th, 2015 1:21pm
Sometimes the memory of the wound can cause them to itch. I've noticed if your stressed that can cause them to itch as well, kind of a reminder from when it happened.
Anonymous
July 17th, 2015 5:11pm
Most scars, self-inflicted or not, tend to itch occasionally. It's perfectly normal and just part of the healing process.
Anonymous
July 17th, 2015 7:20pm
Probably because you think about them, or your body thinks that they're still fresh. It might just be because you're overthinking the fact that you have scars, so your brain's sending phantom itches to the scars. It's like when you think about head lice and suddenly your head feels itchy.
Anonymous
July 18th, 2015 5:28am
If they itch still then they probably aren't fully healed or whatever you used could have caused some kind of reaction.
Most likely, your itching is due to the healing process. The nerves in your skin are healing and sending signals that can be experienced as itching. It can be uncomfortable and may last months or even years. If it is really bothersome you can check with your doctor for assessment and treatment if needed.
Anonymous
July 18th, 2015 10:09pm
Because they are still sensitive, try getting some anti itch cream? Just don't scratch it'll get much worse do you do.
Sometimes scars will itch due to weather change. Sometimes they still me be fresh scars so that will itch/irritate your skin. Also I found that in high stress or anxious or depressive situations I tend to itch in general and that increases the itching of scars.
Anonymous
July 19th, 2015 3:01pm
Scars can itch if they are still healing and if it is constant on a daily basis try and see your local doctor as they will try and find out why.
The itching of scars may be part of the healing process, and I would strongly advise against scratching them, for this may draw blood. I would suggest getting your scars checked over by a dermatologist, as I am not a trained medical professional in this aspect.
Related Questions: Why do my scars still itch?
why does cutting make me feel better but then bad afterwards?I harm myself on purpose. I never do it because I need to cope, I do it because I like the pain and like to have something on my body. I know I should stop, but I don't want to. Why is that?Does cutting for only a few months and stopping make me any less of a self-harmer?How do I explain scars when a young child asks about them?What do I say to people that ask about my scars without making them uncomfortable?How to deal with self-harm alone?Why do some wounds turn purple?Is scratching yourself with a paper clip on purpose considered self harm when you don’t bleed?Whenever I bandage myself with rolled gauze I can never get it tight enough, so it always ends up slipping off. I want to be able to bandage myself properly. Any tips?If I don't have a bandage big enough to cover a cut what else can I use?