chikd with itchy scar following stitches

[allysonju]

My son (7) recently had stitches in his knee removed. The wound is healed nicely, but left a very anrgy looking scar, which he says is very itchy all the time. Should I let him stratch it, or is it making it worse? Also, is there anything I can do to alleviate the itching and help the scar?

[Mr Ioannis Goutos]

Absolutely, it can make it worse; this is known as the itch scratch cycle. In other words, when you scratch a substance is released in the skin called histamine, which causes more itch, so creates a vicious cycle.

On a similar tone, by scratching a scar, your child puts extra force on the structure of the scar and this can make the inflammation ('angriness') of tissues worse, hence making the scar worse.

Depending of the type of scar, there are a number of options including:
a) Moisturise with cold cream/ointment/oil
b) Massage with firm circular movements 3-4 times a day
c) Consider an over the counter anti itch tablet
d) Consider laser, steroid injections/tapes, silicone gel/tapes

Additionally, please your son's nails short and maybe cover the site with a garment at night to prevent scratching whilst asleep

Best regards,