An itchy scab can be irritating, but it’s usually a sign that the wound is healing properly.
how wounds heal
When you get hurt and your skin is cut, scraped, or burned, your blood begins to clot to prevent too much blood from leaving your body. Blood coagulation occurs thanks to cells called platelets. Platelet formation is the body’s way of repairing a leak.
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Finally, when the wound stops bleeding, a scab forms. The scab helps protect newly injured skin from contaminants like bacteria and allows the skin to heal.
Beneath a scab, your body is working hard to repair damage to your skin and blood vessels. The body also recruits white blood cells to help clean up any foreign matter and bacteria in the wound. After a while, a scab will fall off to reveal brand new skin. It’s quite an amazing process.
Of course, the body cannot repair all injuries in this way. Deep wounds and severe burns require emergency medical treatment. But most minor cuts, scrapes, and superficial burns heal well on their own in a healthy person.
Why do scabs itch?
Itching occurs as a normal part of healing. However, the reason why itching develops is not fully understood.
A 2016 study suggests that the same mechanisms that work with eczema itching are involved in itching during wound healing.
Also, the itchiness that occurs during wound healing can be the result of mistranslated nerve signals. The nerves under the skin transmit information to your brain, but they are not always good at transmitting the message comprehensively.
Your brain may receive a signal that your skin is regenerating through collagen synthesis, but that information is translated as an itchy sensation. And then what you feel is that itchy feeling.
While some experts believe that histamines, which are released by the body to help with wound healing, may contribute to itchiness, research suggests their effect may be minimal.
When to see a health care provider
It’s time to see a doctor if you have symptoms of an infection. Signs that a wound may be infected include:
- Pus
- redness and swelling
- A red streak emanating from the wound.
- severe pain
- swollen lymph nodes
- Fever
- Black borders around the wound, which may be necrotic tissue.
- A wound that does not heal or whose stitches have been opened 5
- If you don’t have a current tetanus shot, you should see a health care provider right away, especially if the wound is dirty.
Why you shouldn’t scratch
Scratching the itch feels great. In fact, it’s so satisfying that people tend to scratch even when they really shouldn’t. However, scratching an itchy wound that is in the process of healing can cause scarring and prolong healing if you reopen the wound.
It could even introduce bacteria, causing an infection to develop.
Tips for healing wounds
When you get a minor cut, scrape or burn, proper wound care is essential. Proper care ensures that the wound heals without complications and reduces the chances of scarring. For a minor injury:
- Clean the area with mild soap and water to remove debris and bacteria.
- Sell the area to avoid contamination.
- Avoid scratching during the healing process.
If your wound is deep, very large, or does not seem to heal, see a health care provider. Some wounds require stitches. An infected lesion may require treatment with antibiotics.
How to stop itching
The itching can sometimes be unbearable, even more so if you are trying not to scratch it. However, it is important to avoid excessive scratching because it can cause the wound to break open again. By relieving itching, you can prevent a lengthy healing process and possible infection from scratching too much. Here are some ways to stop itching:
- Apply hot or cold compresses.
- Moisturizing
- Avoid tight clothing or accessories worn around the wound.
- Cover the wound with a bandage.
- Apply over-the-counter (OTC) anti-itch creams
- Bathing in lukewarm water with added moisturizers or oatmeal
It can also help find effective distractions from itchiness. If the itching is very severe and there is a high risk of infection, your health care provider may recommend a sleep medication or a neuropathic medication called Neurontin (gabapentin) to help you rest and decrease the urge to itch.
Who is at risk for slow-healing wounds?
Some people are at higher risk of experiencing slow wound healing, which can lead to infection. The following people are at increased risk of complications from a wound:
- people with diabetes
- Older adults
- People who take certain medications
- smokers
- People who drink large amounts of alcohol.
- People with poor blood flow
If you tend to scratch while sleeping, you may want to cover your hands. They can prevent you from damaging your skin or introducing bacteria to the wound. It may also be helpful to trim your nails.