How to Stop an Itchy Wound
Proper healing of a wound is important to keep your body healthy and free of infection. However, waiting for the wound to heal can be a long process, made even more difficult by itchiness around the wound. There are some easy ways to fight the itch of a healing wound.
Things You'll Need
- Antibacterial soap
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Antibiotic ointment
- Gauze or bandage
- Antihistamine
- Warm compress
Instructions
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Wash the wound with antibacterial soap and water, then disinfect it with a little diluted hydrogen peroxide. Do this at least three to four times a day. Keeping the wound clean will help lessen itch and ward off infection, which can increase itch.
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2
Apply an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin to the area three or four times a day. This will help keep out infection and speed up the healing of the wound.
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3
Put a bandage or gauze on the wound. This will help keep you from scratching, which can cause infection and the spread of bacteria.
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4
Take an antihistamine to ease the itch and to help reduce swelling.
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Apply a hot compress to the wound. Apply heat for 15 minutes every couple of hours, which also will reduce any swelling associated with the wound.
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Tips & Warnings
If the wound is in a hard-to-reach area, like on your back or scalp, ask a friend to help you treat it. An Epsom bath also can help draw toxins out and relieve itching.
If the wound doesn't appear to be healing at all after a week or so, you might need to see your doctor for more aggressive treatment with antibiotics. If redness or swelling worsens, or the wound shows a pus discharge, see your doctor immediately because the wound might be severely infected.
