When to be concerned about itching incision?

[phaden]

Hi:

My daughter Caitlin is four weeks post-op. She's starting to be troubled by itching sensations on the incision. I have read that this is perfectly normal, but also recall that for Tara, this was a sign of infection. Any thoughts on how to distinguish the itching associated with normal healing from itching that indicates something more sinster? (The incision looks fine -- no redness, swelling or discharge -- but I vaguely recall that Tara's did as well....)

Cheers - Patricia

[LindaRacine]

Hi Patricia...

I think that as long as the incision looks fine, you don't need to worry about it. The times that I've seen postop infections, the wound starts to open and the surrounding area is inflamed.

Regards,
Linda

[Carmell]

Hi Patricia...

Having had two surgeries to repair a badly fractured elbow (one in January and one in May) I can honestly say that itching is not always a bad thing. My incision is about 4 inches long, and it itches, sometimes badly. There is no redness or swelling or anything that looks bad. No fever, no rash nothing that would indicate an infection. Most the time itching is a sign of healing. There is a rapid race the tissue in that area is doing to heal and regain the normalcy it needs. Also, the area below my incision has grown lots of fluffy hair - my kids think its funny that my arm has all this extra hair on it now. The ortho said its normal, even in fractured limbs that aren't surgically repaired to have extra hair growth. The theory being again that the tissue is rapidly trying to repair itself.

The other thing I learned from my ortho is that scar tissue is very dry. Moisturizing cream helps to keep it soft and maybe it would help the itching. I also put neosporin/bacitracin ointment on my incision once every 2-3 days, for about a week. That seems to help the itching too.

Good luck!

[susannajon]

Hi Patricia,

Our experience was similar, when those nerves started to connect, my daughter's incision was quite itchy. I would guess it's just things starting to wake up, and the nerves starting to reconnect. As long as there is no excessive redness, swelling or discharge, you're doing great! A little itching now is preferrable to long term numbness. Hugs to you and your daughter. The healing process is kind of two steps forward, one step back. In time, it will all be worth it.

[Erika1988]

Iching is just the insicion healing! [/SIZE]