On a large number of occasions our body shows small reactions that can be a concern for our day to day. Although they generate discomfort that does not condition us practically in our routine, they can cause curiosity in us, apart from creating even at some point a certain obsession for the fact of not knowing the reason why they occur, which can lead us to think that they can cause us a more serious health problem, even if it is not.
One of the clearest examples is the itching of a scar. Most people have some of these small marks in some area of our body and, sometimes, despite the fact that the tissue has already healed a long time ago, it can cause us some discomfort. But do you know why this phenomenon occurs? Is it related to changes in meteorology, as some experts claim? In we reveal these doubts and answer your question of why I am bitten by a scar.
Why I'm itchy with a scar – here's the answer
It's been a short time since you got a wound or had an operation and the tissue seems to be already closed and healed, but you still feel an itchy sensation, which can be from light to intense and that can cause you some concern. Why do you feel it?
It has a simple explanation that is intimately related to our immune system. A type of cells that belong to the part of our defense organism called mast cells are participants in the healing process of the wounds that occur in our body. When they reach the area where the wound is located, they release all its contents. This means that all the cytoplasm they contain (which is the fluid that fills all the cells inside, although the content varies depending on the type) comes out into our bloodstream.
In their cytoplasm, mast cells have small vesicles (sachets) that are filled with histamine. This substance generates a reaction by which the capillaries dilate, so that more blood reaches the area and thus the healing process ends as soon as possible. This causes inflammation around the wound and that itchy sensation. On many occasions we maintain it over time because when scratching we do not let it heal correctly and the process is prolonged.
Keloid or hypertrophic scar
Keloid scars form due to an excess of collagen production, healing excessively on the outside and giving a hard and bulging scar appearance. This type of scars in themselves usually produce a lot of itching, and it may even seem that we have a wound that itches and does not heal, since the scar usually has a pink or purple appearance, as if it were a poorly healed wound.
Unlike keloids, hypertrophic scars, which are very similar, appear just after a wound, closing prematurely, which means that the internal healing process of the wound is slower than the external one, producing a bulging and inflamed scar, also pink in appearance.
Both keloids and hypertrophic usually generate a lot of itching, even after their correct healing. If this is your case, you may also be interested in this other article on Home Remedies for Keloid Scars.
Scars and meteorology
Have you ever heard someone say that it will change the weather because it has an itchy sensation in a scar? Or do you usually have that itch yourself when there are variations in the weather? It may seem like a myth, but it doesn't. If you feel discomfort in the scar, it is possible that it is warning you of modifications over time. But why?
Dermatologists explain it. Changes in temperature and ambient pressure are what generate that itching. When due to variations in time, there are increases in temperature and pressure, there is a dilation in the capillaries (the same effect that histamine causes, as we have previously explained), so that itching sensation appears.
It is even normal that you can intuit that a storm is approaching or that rains are approaching, because before it occurs there are changes in pressure, so your scar can cause discomfort.
How to tell if a wound is healing well
Sometimes, the appearance of some wounds can generate doubts about their correct healing. But how do you know if a wound is healing well?
- The smell: as a rule, wounds should not produce odor, let alone bad smell. Therefore, if you feel that your wound smells bad, it may be an infection, so it is advisable that you go immediately to the doctor.
- Inflammation in the skin: Another sign that your wound is not healing well is if it inflames both the wound and a little beyond it. Of course, it should not be confused with keloids or hypertrophic wounds.
- Wound color: When the scar has a reddish or strange hue, it may be a sign that it is not healing well. In these cases, it is advisable to go to the pharmacy or doctor.
If in addition to all this you have a fever, it is a clear symptom of infection. It is best then that you go to your doctor so that he can give you antibiotics.
Home Remedies to Relieve itching of a Scar
As we have already explained above, the itching of a scar is a side effect of the healing process, but this will be prolonged in time if trying to relieve or end that itching, we scratch continuously. That is why we advise you, even if it itches, avoid doing so, and if it is not bearable, we give you some remedies to relieve the discomfort:
- Aloe vera: this plant, in addition to helping you soften the sensation of itching, will increase the speed of the healing process. If you have the plant at home, get some leaves and remove the liquid from inside. Apply it for a few minutes until you feel relief from the itching. Then clean the scar. If you do not have aloe vera at home, you can get an aloe vera gel to get the same effect.
- Ice: it is one of the most common and effective remedies, you just have to take two small or medium ices, depending on the size of the scar, and wrap them in cloths or gauze and apply it for a few minutes. Remember, never apply ice directly to the skin because it can cause a burn.
- Chamomile: This herb works by decreasing the sensation of itching and inflammation. Make an infusion and when you have it soak a cotton or gauze and apply on the scar until you notice relief. Then clean the scar.
Now that you know why I'm itchy with a scar, you may also be interested in this other article on How to Disguise Scars.
