Jump to content
×
Are you looking for the BariatricPal Store? Go now!

Itchy scratchy incisions?



Recommended Posts

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?

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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!!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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.

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

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!!

Share this post


Link to post
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now

  • Trending Products

  • Trending Topics

  • Recent Status Updates

    • rinabobina

      I would like to know what questions you wish you had asked prior to your duodenal switch surgery?
      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • cryoder22

      Day 1 of pre-op liquid diet (3 weeks) and I'm having a hard time already. I feel hungry and just want to eat. I got the protein and supplements recommend by my program and having a hard time getting 1 down. My doctor / nutritionist has me on the following:
      1 protein shake (bariatric advantage chocolate) with 8 oz of fat free milk 1 snack = 1 unjury protein shake (root beer) 1 protein shake (bariatric advantage orange cream) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein bar 1 protein shake (bariatric advantace orange cream or chocolate) 1 snack = 1 unjury protein soup (chicken) 3 servings of sugar free jello and popsicles throughout the day. 64 oz of water (I have flavor packets). Hot tea and coffee with splenda has been approved as well. Does anyone recommend anything for the next 3 weeks?
      · 1 reply
      1. NickelChip

        All I can tell you is that for me, it got easier after the first week. The hunger pains got less intense and I kind of got used to it and gave up torturing myself by thinking about food. But if you can, get anything tempting out of the house and avoid being around people who are eating. I sent my kids to my parents' house for two weeks so I wouldn't have to prepare meals I couldn't eat. After surgery, the hunger was totally gone.

    • buildabetteranna

      I have my final approval from my insurance, only thing holding up things is one last x-ray needed, which I have scheduled for the fourth of next month, which is my birthday.

      · 0 replies
      1. This update has no replies.
    • BetterLeah

      Woohoo! I have 7 more days till surgery, So far I am already down a total of 20lbs since I started this journey. 
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Well done! I'm 9 days away from surgery! Keep us updated!

    • Ladiva04

      Hello,
      I had my surgery on the 25th of June of this year. Starting off at 117 kilos.😒
      · 1 reply
      1. NeonRaven8919

        Congrats on the surgery!

  • Recent Topics

  • Hot Products

  • Sign Up For
    Our Newsletter

    Follow us for the latest news
    and special product offers!
  • Together, we have lost...
      lbs

    PatchAid Vitamin Patches

    ×