Itchy scratchy incisions?

[Mom2_4 0]

I am just over 2 weeks out from surgery and have been noticing that since my steri-strips have come off, that my incisions are super itchy. I have never had any kind of allergy to bandages or tape. There is no rash that I can see either. Has anyone else had this problem?

[Alexandra 55]

Itchiness, I was always told, is an indicator of healing. Are your incisions healing well and are just itchy? Maybe you're just sensitive to that phenomenon. Have you ever noticed it before?

If it doesn't pass soon you might mention it to your doctor, but it's probably just healing itches. Good luck!!

[christasha 0]

mine itched FOREVER . . . and several people I talked to at support groups said the same thing . . . it's the healing process. I am allergic to adhesive . . . and they didn't use any one me . . . so it was just the healing process. Hang in there . . .it take awhile - but it will get better!

[minpinmom 2]

I am less than 2 weeks out and mine are itching like crazy also! I too have been told it is due to healthy healing, But yikes - the itching is insane.

[Linda Lu 1]

I agree it is most likely healing (if it were the adhesive you might see redness, swelling, rashes etc.). I too had some bad episodes of itching...I admit to scratching in the area around the incisions when I really couldn't take it, but what I found most helpful was the Eucerin calming lotion and also Sarna sensitive helped too. Then distract yourself!

[jtorie 0]

I am 8 days out from surgery, and the itching has been going on for 2 days and driving me insane. Is there anything to relieve it? Can I use benedryl cream, cortizone 10. I use ice which lasts for maybe 10 minutes. But its still driving me NUTZ! Please someone help!!!

[harleyhon 0]

Can you ask your physicians if Cortizone non-itch cream can be used?

[jtorie 0]

Yeah I plan to tomorrow! I was just wondering if anyone knew now, its 11:00 pm here, their office is closed. I'm sticking with the ice right now... well MR. FREEZE POPS (LOL). I am going nuts!!!

[aus_girl_1289 0]

i thought it was just me!! I have been soooo itchy! ive scratched so much during my sleep that ive broken the skin!!...i told the doc and he said as much as it itches, to really try and refrain from scratching for two reasons....

First of all my wounds were glued back together, and it could weaken the glue.

Secondly, you carry sooo much bacteria under your nails, and you dont want to introduce that to the incision site!!

[losingjusme 12]

if you can use a cream, i found the Aveeno cream was gentle and effective. i used them for my plastic surgery itchies and it worked like a charm.

[aus_girl_1289 0]

thats fantastic thanks....is it an over the counter cream? or do you need a script for it?

[Wheetsin 714]

My incisions were miserable with my cholocystectomy (Aug 08). The itchiness would wake me up in the middle of the night, and once I went back to sleep it would just wake me up again.

My first suggestion is to tap or lightly flick the area instead of scratching it. This can help stimulate the skin without the risk that scratching can bring.

As for things to use to help, I kept the areas moisturized with Aveeno lotion (the only kind I will use anymore). When it got really bad I would put either calamine lotion or Benadryll cream on it. The Benadryll gave more long-term relief, but the calamine worked more instantly. Had to use a lot of calamine though, no dabbing with a cotton ball, I'd hold the bottle against my skin and let it run down on the incisions, then blot of the excess.

[losingjusme 12]

ahhh, just noticed you were in Australia - not sure if they carry it.

the aveeno is not a lotion, its an anti-itch cream and it does not require a prescription.

[aus_girl_1289 0]

very good point! i never think about that on here! i'll head to the chemist tomorrow though and see if they have it! I dont think i can stands this much longer :thumbup:

Many thanks!!

[Heatherz88 2]

I just used triple antibiotic ointment worked great and healed fast