Scar Itch

lotion

by Tracey_E - 2021-12-30 12:33:50

What type are you using? A plastic surgeon told me to use aloe, vitamin e or cocoa butter, doesn't matter which but choose something all natural with no extra ingredients.

I would get it looked at

by Gemita - 2021-12-30 12:50:48

Stache, You say you have a “nasty looking scar”.  In view of your history of infection, to be safe if you haven’t already done so, I would ask a dermatologist or your doctors to have a look at it, so that he/she may fully assess it for allergy/infection/other to determine the best possible treatment.  Perhaps a small ice pack inside a clean towel can be placed against your scar intermittently to ease the itching?  

Yes, have it looked at

by Persephone - 2021-12-30 14:20:06

I hope this itch is not disrupting your sleep.  I think the cardiologist would be the place to start - derm appts can take many months to sked in my area of the world - you may have a different experience.  Either of these docs should be able to provide a low dose steroid cream to help relieve the itch if that is determined to be appropriate.

In my case the incision site was definitely still sensitive at 9 months out. This may or may not be relevant to your situation, but I have found that as I age (which is a good thing, right?) I become more and more intolerant of clothing made of material that is stiff or has interior seams that are roughly done. 

Also any type of fragranced skin care product - whether 'natural' or not (there are few to no US standards for what constitutes natural when it comes to a skin care product) is a no-go for me.  I look for the Nat'l Eczema Assoc seal of approval which will tell you that there are no added fragrances or some other components that are also common skin irritants.  Plenty of these products can be found at most drugstores / grocery stores.

Maybe also try a room humidifier if you're in a dry winter locale.

Itchy scar

by Selwyn - 2021-12-30 15:33:04

Providing there is no pain, swelling, or redness, you may be reassured your scar itching is not due to latent infection. 

Various creams are available to help itch. It that area is dry, then use a moisturiser,. ointment is best. 

For creams designed to relieve itch:

See https://bnf.nice.org.uk/treatment-summary/topical-local-antipruritics.html

You may wish to discuss this choice with a pharmacist, nurse, or medical practitioner. 

Calamine and menthol (as in the recommended levomenthol creams) have been around for many years as an anti-pruritic (anti-itch) cream.  Do not use anti-histamine cream as there is a high chance of allergy.  0.5-1% Hydrocortisone cream is fairly bland though there is the potential for skin thinning if used daily.  

Sometimes the itch is due to skin nerves having been damaged.

Scar Itch Dr Feedback

by Stache - 2022-01-01 00:06:41

I had my cardiologist look at my incision scar today and he is sure it is not infected but just normal for the winter months.  Was told to wash the scar with just running water and NO soap.  Then to apply location so it will not dry out.  I am scheduled for my 12-month full follow-up on Feb 8th.  I will have full blood tests and a good look-over.  Thanks for all the feedback.