After surgery, one of the short-term and even long-term side effects that many patients have to deal with is itching at the scar site along with any pain you may be dealing with. It can be a very uncomfortable problem, one that can even affect quality of life, and although treatment may be difficult, it’s helpful to understand the process involved.
For any injury, including surgery, the healing process begins with blood clotting to form a scab. As new collagen is produced and replenished at the wound site, as well as elastin fibers, it is this portion of healing that can cause scar itching and discomfort. Itching can also come from sensation in the nerve endings that were cut or affected and from inflammation at the wound site.
Keeping the area hydrated is essential. You can do this with a body moisturizer or with a scar treatment that contains moisturizing ingredients (one with silicone works best.) A temporary, short term way to subside itching is using icepacks for short periods of time to help numb the area enough to help, although you shouldn’t keep ice on for more than about ten minutes at a time. Avoid using bar soaps, as they tend to strip the skin of natural oils, leaving the skin dry and chapped, which will increase itching.
Itching can also be an indication of infection. If you experience heat or pain along with the itching, it’s best to contact your doctor to discuss it further. An infection is not only dangerous to your health, but also contributes to a larger scar.
In general, as time goes on the itching should fade, along with any pain and the appearance of the scar. It’s a normal part of the healing process.
Have a question about your scar? Leave a comment and we’ll be happy to answer.
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The information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please speak to your doctor to treat any medical condition. Information on this site is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Can it be possible for 1 of 2 surgical scars aquired at the same time to itch and the other one to not? Also the one that does itch is turning a darker shade of purple
Hi Samm, That can happen. Your scars won’t necessarily heal or act the same way, even if they are on the same body part. Sometimes there are identifiable factors that influence scar healing, but not always.
More info on improving scar healing:
http://www.inviciblescars.com/heal-scars.html
http://www.inviciblescars.com/scar-healing.html
http://www.inviciblescars.com/scar-healing-cream.html
How do I stop the itchiness
Hi Caitlin, have you tried a cortisone cream? That may help. Otherwise, if your scar is 2 years or less new, then itching is part of the healing process.
Hi,I had hydrocele surgery three weeks ago and up until the weekend have experienced no pain so to speak or itching.
However the past two days the pain has become quite intense in short bursts as the skin where the scar is contracts or expands depending on temperature.
Is there anything that can help this as painkillers are really touching it?
I had dissolvable stitches of this makes a difference
Thanks
Hi Daniel, Really can’t comment on this I’m afraid. I strongly recommend you call your surgeon to make sure this is normal.
I had surgery done 10 years ago to remove a birthmark above my left ear. I understand that surgical scars being itchy is normal during the hearling process, but my surgical scars are still itchy 10 years later. There is no pain and nor burning sensation, just itchy. Now mind you my surgeon had to cut through a few nerves in order to remove the birthmark, that little bit of area is numb, my scars are still itchy.
Hi there,
I have minor surgery about 3 years ago and it has left a scar just under my belly button.
2 weeks ago it started getting very itchy and has caused red dots to appear.
do you know what may have caused this?
Is it something I should go get checked by the doctor?
Thank you
Hi Ashlee, the itching is part of the healing process. However, if you are getting bumps that look like hives, you should have your doctor check it out.
My son had a heart surgery 3 years ago it has suddenly become so itchy what does it imply And is there a remedy
Hi Ann, itchiness is a part of the healing process unfortunately.
I had major surgery on my back 54 years ago which left a large scar. The scar still itches like crazy in the winter. Hydrocortisone cream seemed to ease the itching.
i had back surgery in August of 2014 my scar still itches it’s all healed can barely see it It itches so bad I use ice due to pain in lower back I use aloe lotion thinking maybe dry skin I moisturize with lotion
Hi Lisa, scars can take up to 2 years to fully heal. What you see on the outside is not necessarily an indication as to what is going on under the skin. Keeping the area moisturized is a good step. You can also use an anti-itch cream like hydrocortizone. If your scar becomes painful, you should have it re-examined by your doctor.
Hi, I also have had back surgery years ago. The doc said that it can be due to several things one being that it takes years for you to get all the nerves healed after surgery and some of it can be actually your nerve endings working overtime and it can also be that the skin is tight and needs moisture and a lot of it. With the tightening of the skin where they had to pull it together to staple it the skin is tight and needs moisture for elasticity. Hope this helps!
Is it possible for a scar to itch on the inside? The scar is 12 years old!!
Hi Yvette, scars can itch due to the damage to the skin. Has it always itched or did that just start? If it’s a new development you should get it checked out by your doctor for peace of mind.
Hi Yvette, I had open heart surgery five years ago. I have intense itching inside my left breast. Scar doesn’t itch, just my breast. Primary Dr and Cardiologist can’t explain it. Only relief I can get is to scratch it with my bristle hair brush.
There is a great cream post surgery called Topricin. Works beautifully.
I had lifesaving brain surgery a little over 7 months ago. For a while I tried a scar cream but it was very uncomfortable as my scar is above the hairline and I couldn’t rub the cream in all the way. It still itches several times a week and occasionally hurts. Is there any way to deal with it directly in this case?
Hi Emily, have you tried InviCible Scars? It applies as a clear gel and absorbs quickly into the skin.
My mum had a left mastectomy(due to cancer) about 8 months ago. She has been complaining that her scar itches badly and so I decided to look it up to see if I can find answers. This piece has been informative and helpful, thank you all very much.
9 years ago I had a hysterectomy, the 8-9 inch surface scar is nearly invisible but it’s now itching like crazy. One area of the scar is somewhat swollen & tender again. Is that “normal” so many years later? (It became tender before the itching started again)
Hi Anonymous, if the area has become swollen, you may want to have your dr take a look.
I’ve had a scar after cutting my foot and needing surgery nearly 4 years ago, and still experience itching at lease once a week. At first it feels like the outside, but as I subconsciously forget about it and scratch, it burns to the touch and is still itchy on the inside.
Hi Sahara, get a referral to physical therapy for “scar desensitization therapy”. That may help.
Hi there. I was wondering what advice you might have for me in my situation. I had several surgeries in my abdomen and the final one was 5yrs ago this Past March. Well just in the past week it’s been itching like crazy and I’ve got red bumps too that hurt(I think it only hurts because I scratched the heck outta it…). To make it more complicated, my end result was I had to have all my bowel removed and I now have a ileostomy. And my adhesive for my bag partly covers my incision. I can’t put anything near it at all to relief the itching. Otherwise my adhesive will fail and then my bag will fall off…it’s not itched like this since it was healing 5yrs ago. Any
Suggestions anyone? Lol. Thank You!!
Hi Amanda, we would recommend talking to your ostomy nurse. Perhaps there is something he/she can recommend.
Hi. I had major surgery two weeks ago and was discharged a day ago. My scar is really really itchy, is this normal this early?
Hi MummyB, yes it is completely normal for it to itch as it heals.
Hi i had an appendectomy 2 years ago and my scar became keloid-like and it has white debris and it itches a lot. How can i deal with it? Thanks
Hi Stewie, can you clarify what you mean by “debris”?
Hi
I had surgery on my ankle almost 3 weeks ago on both sides as i fractured it and had to have plates and pins. I am currently in a cast but have been experiencing itchiness and slight sharp pains. This is not all the time its mostly when i am mobile…i.e going to the bathroom etc…. is this a sign oof healing?
Hi Carol, yes, what you are experiencing sounds normal.
Thank you very much 😊
I had an umbilical hernia repair a year ago and they used desolvable stitches my scar is still painful and I get shooting pains and itching on and around the scar also the is a sharp bit poking out at the end should I be worried
Hi Jess, The scar is still maturing, which is why it itches. Shooting pains are usually because the scar is pulling on other tissues, cut nerves are trying to regrow, or nerves have become trapped in the scar. Firm scar massage can help break up the firm scar tissue. The sharp pain could be a suture spitting out of the wound - we recommend you see your doctor about it.
I had scoliosis surgery 15 years ago and my scar STILLLLL ITCHES SO MUCH!! It’s not alllll the time, but a super significant amount of times. It happens a lot when rain is on the way, but it happens as much when there’s no apparent reason. It itches during various times in the day, but mostly at night, to the point that sometimes I scratch soooo much that I develop a scab or a few scabs either directly on the scar line or super close to it (I think that the latter is bc the brain only interprets itching approximately, and not exactly at its source of origin?). My scar healed beautifully; it’s barely noticeable (so people say), so it’s not bc of wonky healing. What is causing this and how do I alleviate it in the absence of something like Benadryl?!
Hi Mi, it’s possible that some nerve endings were damaged during surgery. Scar desensitization therapy by a physical therapist may help you.
I had 3 shoulder surgeries, about 10 years ago. I have noticed quite a few red spots around the incision points (3) they don’t itch or hurt. They are similar to the redness you would get from medical tape, that has been applied to right after having blood drawn.
I had a melanoma removed from my left shoulder 3 1/2 months ago, there was a reaction to the stitches, it stretched, it still itches and there are still raised bumps from the stitches as well as it is raised. Should I be worried or have it checked?
Hi Christina, here’s a post that’s good to read about stiches + scars: http://scarsandspots.com/wound-stapled-stitched-or-glued-heres-the-type-of-scar-you-can-expect. The itching is part of the normal healing process. The raising of the area could mean that you will have a hypertrophic scar, or if it expands past the boundaries of the wound, it could be a keloid scar.
Hi I had arthroscopic surgery on my knee on Friday and the incisions are kind of itchy. Why is that?
Hi Royal, this is normal. As your wound begins the healing process, itchiness can/will occur.
Okay thank you for getting back to me.
Hi, last year I had several surgeries: tracheostomy, picc line and PEG. Each scar closed up a few days after removal and have healed nicely. I don’t have any sensations from the other scars but the tracheostomy scar itches like crazy. The scar and the skin around it gets very itchy. It happens randomly but mainly at night. I’m shocked a year later it still itches more than it did in the beginning. My scar looks pretty good just still darker than my skin. I’m wondering is this ever going to resolve?
Hi Renea, the itchiness at night time could be because that’s when you’ve got the most time to think about it or notice it. As for fading the dark scars, you can apply a scar treatment 2x daily.
I had hysterectomy 8months ago. My scar is very bumpy and very itchy at times such that I can’t help it but scratch. My colleagues say their scars are itchy when its cold. Mine itches even when we have very high temperatured. There is no pain though. Please help.
Hi Wongani, itchiness and normal as your scar heals. The bumpiness could be skin irritation and hydrocortisone may help the inflammation and itchiness.
My question is, i had my gallbladder removed 1 1/2 years ago. The two of the four scars still itch incredibly bad and creams don’t really hurt. Why do they still it’s and why only two of them?
Hi Rose, while the scars are all from the same surgery, the skin can heal differently in each spot. The itchiness is normal during the healing process, even a year and a half after surgery (it can take up to two years for scars to heal.)
I had open heart surgery about five years ago due to a puncture wound to the left ventricle and after I had the surgery. A week later I had the top wire removed cause it came undone. It hurts just about everyday but not too bad(I work construction so that is what I assume that’s from). I now have to red dots on the scar. I’m wondering if that is from being hit there or if there is another problem? I just hope it isn’t cancer or something bad like that cause that would just be the icing on the cake. How someone can help lol just trying a site to see if it helps
Hi Anthony, It may just be a build up of scar tissue or suture slowly working it’s way out (“suture granuloma”). While it is possible to get a form of skin cancer arising in a previous scar, it’s very unusual. It’s best to go back to your surgeon to get it checked out for peace of mind. If that isn’t possible, then a board certified plastic surgeon should be able to evaluate you.
I had a historectomy on Dec 28th and I have 16 staples. Boy does this itch!! Is this normal?
Hi Damaris, yes very much so (sorry!) Apply a hydrocortisone cream - this should help diminish the itching.
Good advice from all. I had knee surgery 25 years ago, The incision still itches and is numb to the touch. Wearing jeans and long socks don’t help. It’s been at least 10 yrs since a suture has made it to the surface,they used to come out like infected hairs. If I had to do it again I would’ve used more vitamin E. I use Lanolin on it these days.
Will it be okay if I scratch the scar where it’s itching me?
Hi Abdullahi, yes, there’s no harm in scratching your scar as long as it is healed. Hydrocortisone cream should help diminish the itchiness.
Hi, I have a scar from my surgery 5 years ago on my groin. It never itched but now it is red, swollen and kinda itchy. Please help
Hi Breanna, could it be from chaffing or dry skin? Those are usually the two culprits in that area of the body. If not, have you dr take a look.
Hi, I am a young girl still in high school, and recently for some odd reason my hernia surgery scar is getting very itching only at the top of my scar but if I itch it, it hurts so bad. If I lightly brush my fingers without pressure over my tummy, it hurts bad. It’s like a pinching and pressure pain. I can’t stretch well, or like suck in my tummy (aka when I take it deep breaths). The thing is I had 2 hernias and both surgeries happened when I was 3 and again at 5, so this was a long time ago, yet it randomly starts acting up. My mom’s taking to me to hospital after school today, but I wanna make sure it’s something, because I don’t wanna go, then it be nothing, and my mom still has to pay for the visit, because that’s happened to us for other problems before. Please help me before the end of the day, it’s a weird and uncomfortable pain. Thanks for reading.
Oh I forgot to mention, the hernia surgery scar is about my belly button. If that helps with anything.
Hi Mel, sorry we are only seeing this now. What did the dr. say?
I’ve had latissimus flap surgery 2-1/2 years ago. All went well.
In the past 6 months, my scar has started to “itch” and gets all red and looks almost like a welt. Not always in the same area but always along the scar line.
Any ideas? How can I treat it when it flares?
Thank you.
Hi Denise, Scars can act like that sometimes as they mature, but we would expect that to happen well before 2.5 yrs out from surgery. Can you feel any bumps under the scar? This could be from old suture irritating the scar. We recommend you follow up with your plastic surgeon to be sure.
Hello I have a question, in 2004 I had a surgery for my scoliosis and in October 2013 I had another surgery in the same area to remove one of those metal rods, in December 2014 i had a baby, now my scar is very itchy it’s red and discomfort. Could the pregnancy affected the scar?
Hi Diana, yes, the stretching of skin during pregnancy can have an affect on your scar. It should subside after you have your baby. For now, check with your OBGYN for a pregnancy-safe anti-itch cream.
I had surgery on the bottom of my foot a couple years ago and here recently it’s been hurting really bad. Why?
Difficult to say. Have you talked to a podiatrist about it?
Hello I had surgery on my lower back in the end of March it’s now July and my wound closed but now it’s been itching very bad and also it gets hot and it’s just that area should I see a doctor about it or should I be worried.
Hi Yessenia, itching it a normal part of scar healing. But if it’s getting hot and really bothers you, it’s best to have your dr. take a look.
Hi. I got surgery to remove a lymph node when i was an infant. That was 16 years ago and the spot is just now starting to itch very badly. I shave every day and have noticed it’s more red than usual. I’ve been putting lotion on and letting it dry before applying decoderant. I’m not sure why it’s itching or how I can make it stop. Please help.
It’s under my right arm pit by the way
Autumn, it’s best to have a dr take a look to make sure it is not something more than an itchy scar, especially based on the location.
I’ve had both an appendectomy and hysterectomy years ago, but suddenly, out of nowhere, part of my scar is extremely itchy and I don’t know why. I’ve tried using a creme on it, but that hasn’t helped. It’s driving me crazy, and scratching it doesn’t help either. Any suggestions? Thanks.
Hi Loretta, here’s a post to read: http://scarsandspots.com/my-scar-wont-stop-itching-is-this-normal/
I had surgery a year ago. Never had itchiness till just now. Should I scratch or just moisturize ? Also how long will it take for the itchiness to go?
Apply an anti-itch cream and make sure your scar is always kept moisturized. Itchiness is normal as your scar continues to heal, which lasts 1-2 years.
My husband had a total full reverse shoulder replacement in Novemner 2011. Recently he has begun feeling (periodically) extreme itching on the inside of the complete shoulder. He is extremely active and golfs at least five times a week (only playing nine holes). What could be causing this now
Hi Marsha, sometimes it just has to do with any damage to the nerve endings during the surgery. He may want to speak with his dr. to see if there is anything else they can do beyond applying an anti-itch cream.
my mom had her knee replaced almost 3 1/2 months ago and now its turning back why is that? she’s really worried
Hi Julie, your mom should speak with her surgeon and have it looked at.
Hi, I had surgery a year ago and it’s been itchy. Now my scars are swollen and turning black. What do i do?
Hi Alexia, please make an appointment with your surgeon to have it looked at.
I had heart surgery in April 2016 my scar is healing well until the other day my granddaughter scratched it . Do you think there is still chance for infection ? It is now Sept
Hi Kelly, there shouldn’t be. Did her scratch tear open the scar?
I had Gallstones removed about 6 weeks ago, but my scars have been rea
My itchy lately and are really red. I have not type of pain or fever whatsoever. Should I be worried or contact my doc.
Hi Maria, itchiness is due to the scar healing and is completely normal.
Hi I had surgery on my tendons cartilage and ligaments in my ankle 7 weeks ago. I had the stitches out last week and for the last two days I’ve had a red rash alongside the scar with blisters that break when I scratch them is this normal?
Hi Karen, Can be. Please try to stop scratching! You’re only traumatizing skin and preventing healing. The blisters are unusual. Was a there a dressing previously in place that could have caused a skin reaction? I recommend you follow up with your surgeon.
Hi, I’m 53, and had my son 23 years ago via cesarean, the scar started to itch today so I was scratching it, it started to feel wet and started bleeding, it has not ripped but I’m concerned as it was 23 years ago.
Hi Tarrah, we’d recommend having your dr take a look.
I had a hysterectomy about 8 yrs ago. My scar itches and burns and turns red. What does this more or less mean?
Hi Juana, do you make sure to apply moisturizer to that area daily (even twice a day)? Scar tissue needs to be kept hydrated in order to avoid itchiness and redness. Otherwise, it’s best to speak with your dr. so that he/she can check it out further.
i have had surgry a long time well about8 yrs ago i would like to know what does it mean when the scar starts to hurt again
Hi Ashley, it could be due to the internal part of the scar. Have your dr. check it out.
I had surgery on my ankle 6 years ago. Recently the scar has become infuriatingly itchy. Why is this?
Hi Vicki, this could be for two reasons - the first is that scar tissue doesn’t have glands so it requires that you keep the area moisturized daily. Dryness can cause your scar to itch uncontrollably. Second, it could be any damage that had been done to nerve endings - for example, have you lost or gained weight that could be causing the internal scar tissue to stretch or loosen? Anti-itch cream will help, but speaking to your dr. may also help as well.
I have a scar on my hand from a recent cancer removal. The scar was healing nicely but now has a red itchy rash on it. What could cause that?
Hi Lynn, what were you using to treat the scar? It could be contact dermatitis.
I had my gallbladder taken off December 11th 2016 my scars be itching and novel be itching and burning Wat too do?
Hi Theresa, scar itching is completely normal as your scars heal. Make sure to keep them moisturized (scar tissue does not have sweat glands to do this, so it requires manual application on your part) and apply an anti-itch cream.
I cracked my skull 10+ years ago and had my skull stitched and stapled back together, the scars are starting to itch like crazyyyyyyyyyyy. What can I do? (by the way, I’m 16 now)
Hi Heaven, Any scar can itch, even if it’s old. Itching tends to get better over time but unfortunately that can take years. Topical treatments like silicone-containing scar therapies or topical steroids can help. If it continues to be an issue, have a dermatologist take a look.
I had surgery about 10 years ago and i have to scars from the stitches and both sites started itching and burning only recently is this normal?
Hi Samantha, yes, it’s normal and could be due to a lack of moisture (scars don’t have sweat glands, so you always have to manually apply hydration through a lotion). Here’s another article on the topic: Why Won’t My Scar Stop Itching
I have many scars from breast cancer and reconstructive surgery from 2002. They have always itched and I don’t know why and have been wondering when they will ever stop.
Hi Catharine, The itching tends to get better over time but unfortunately that can take years. Topical treatments like silicone-containing scar therapies or topical steroids can help.
Hi! I have had two hernia surgeries in my lifetime, the first at the age of seven and the second when I was 41 years old. Both surgical incisions were in the same spot. The second surgery was eleven years ago but within the last few months the surgical scar has started to itch relentlessly. What could possibly be causing this to happen? Thanks and I look forward to your reply!
Hi Matt, this could be due to damage to the nerve endings since it is a repeat procedure in the same area.
hi,
please i had a fibroadenoma removed from my right breast 3 years ago, it formed a keloid scar and has since been painful, the pain radiates to my shoulder and right arm, cos the scar is close to my armpit. what can i use to reduce the pain
Hi B, we recommend speaking to your dr. who may have some suggestions on options such as scar revision or injections.
I had some basal cell carcinoma removed on my shoulder it’s been 2 1/2 years still itching is that normal?
Hi Angie, yes, it’s normal. You can try an anti-itch cream to relieve the need to scratch.
Hello! I have a scar left from a laceration to the muscle on my forarm.
It’s healed and it’s a scar, but it itches like he’ll! And I have to put bandages to stop myself from peeling the scar tissue off and then might be infection.
Do you have any idea if this is normal? Or if I should go have it checked out?
Thanks
Hi Jack, itching is a normal as part of healing of any scar. For scars that go as deep as the muscle, you may have also damaged nerves that would cause itchiness as well. Have you tried to apply an anti-itch cream, ask your dr about taking an antihistamine, or apply silicone patches?