How to Treat an Itching Wound
The good news: When a wound starts to itch, that means it's healing. Medically speaking, that itching sensation is caused by the growth of new tissue. The bad news is that itching, well, itches. This can be extremely irritating, but scratching an itchy wound can often slow the healing process and even reopen the wound. Of course, seek medical attention if you have a major, untreated wound. Otherwise, use any or all of the methods below to help ease the irritation.
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Things You'll Need
- (Optional according to method desired)
- Gauze wrap
- Wash cloth
- Hydrogen peroxide or Epsom salts
- Lotion or ointment
- Aloe plant
- Antihistamines
Instructions
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Don't Scratch
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If the wound has a solid scab, or the scab has fallen off naturally, try vigorously rubbing the itch with the palm of your hand. Do not use your fingers, fingernails or any abrasive surfaces.
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2
Try wrapping the wound with gauze---snugly but not tightly. Light pressure on an itchy wound often alleviates the discomfort.
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Similarly, if the wound is in an appropriate place, you can achieve the same results by wearing snug (but not tight) clothing over the wound.
Poultices
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Prepare a solution that you can apply to the wound. Common poultices for an itching wound include baking soda, Epsom salts and solution of hydrogen peroxide. Make certain the water is quite hot.
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If the solution includes powder, make sure it has dissolved completely into the water.
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Soak your wash cloth in the solution until it is completely saturated, then wring out the cloth until it's damp.
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Press the cloth firmly against the wound until the cloth cools. Repeat as necessary.
Medications
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Apply topical creams (including Neosporin, cortisone, aloe and Caladryl) directly to the wound, and gently rub in the cream with a finger.
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Antihistamines help alleviate allergy symptoms, including runny nose, watering eyes and itching. Benadryl is a good example of an over-the-counter antihistamine. Be aware that antihistamines often cause drowsiness, and stick to the recommended dosage.
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Pain relievers can also help with itching. Ibuprofen, aspirin and acetaminophen are the most common over-the-counter pain relievers. Don't exceed the dosage recommended on the bottle.
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Tips & Warnings
While itching usually means a wound is healing, it can sometimes indicate an infection. This is especially true if the skin around the wound is red or if the wound is inflamed and is oozing pus. In these cases, seek medical attention.
