Why healing wounds itch, and what to do about it
Itching usually signals repair rather than a problem. Scratching is what turns it into one.
An itching wound is generally a good sign. New nerve endings are regenerating and histamine released during repair stimulates them.
What helps
- Keeping the wound covered — a barrier stops absent-minded scratching.
- A cool compress over the dressing.
- Moisturising the intact skin around the wound, not the wound itself.
- Making sure the dressing is not too tight or trapping sweat.
When itching is not benign
Itching confined to exactly where the adhesive sits, with redness in the shape of the dressing, is a contact reaction rather than healing. Change to a different dressing type and see whether it settles.
Itching combined with spreading redness, heat, increasing pain or discharge points to infection and needs assessment.
See a pharmacist, GP or urgent care if a wound will not stop bleeding after ten minutes of firm pressure, is deep or gaping, was caused by something dirty or rusty, contains anything you cannot flush out, or shows spreading redness, heat, swelling, pus or a fever. Get help urgently for animal or human bites, wounds over a joint, and any wound in someone with diabetes or poor circulation.
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FitMedix products are CE-marked medical devices intended for the care of minor wounds. This site does not provide medical advice — seek professional help for deep, dirty or non-healing wounds, or if signs of infection appear. Always read the instructions on the pack.