Scar Itch

[Guest Posts]

A couple of months ago I grazed the top of my arm on a brick wall. It scabbed over (I was good and didn't pick at it) and I then got about a 3/4 inch scar.

About 3 weeks ago it started to itch. There's no pattern to when it happens but I'm getting this tingly burning sensation and the itch can become unbearable. It's worse at night when it can wake me up and keep me awake for hours. I've tried numerous things on it including natural tamanu balm, hemp cream and aloe vera with no joy. Ice cubes seems to be the only thing that helps a bit.

Around the scar there are brown marks that look a bit like bruising - I can post pictures if helpful.

Have you any advice as to why this is happening and how I can stop the unbearable itch?

Thank you in advance, Charlotte

[Mr Ioannis Goutos]

Dear Charlotte,
Based on your description, you may have developed a hypertrophic or keloidal scar and sometimes the itch is due to your nervous system firing away signals at a much higher rate than expected (neuropathic itch). I would advise the following: start with a cool moisturiser (keep it in the fridge) and apply regularly, you can escalate to an over the counter anti allergy tablet (antihistamine like cetirizine). If your symptoms persist a specialist doctor may need to prescribe a low dose anti-epileptic medication like pregabalin to calm down the firing of signals.
Getting an expert opinion on your scar is paramount and if it is bulky (hypertrophic or keloidal) a number of effective strategies are available including steroid tape, injections, laser, needling. Once the bulk is treated, you may find the itch improves significantly.
Ioannis Goutos

[Guest Posts]

Many thanks for your very helpful response.

Can I ask where you would suggest I got an expert opinion from? I live on the Isle of Wight so not sure where I might go.

Many thanks, Charlotte

[Mr Ioannis Goutos]

Dear Charlotte,
Sources of more personalised advice can be obtained by either your GP, regional NHS specialist services (e.g burns unit) or a private self referral.
Best regards,
I Goutos