Why Is My C-section Scar Itchy?

Why is my C-section scar itchy?

Pain and itchiness (pruritus) are among the most common complaints about C-section scar tissue.

Itchiness is very common and normal in the early stages of recovery and can be quite severe for some people. It can also persist long after the C-section scar has fully healed which can be frustrating and also hard to understand why.

Research shows that sensory symptoms, including itching, can contribute to a decreased quality of life so it is vital for our C-section Mums to have some answers and some advice on what to do about an itchy C-section scar.

Your C-section scar will be mostly ‘healed’ around 6 weeks, but it continues to change and mature for up to 2 years. Itchy scar tissue within the first 6 months is due to the early stages of wound healing. Nerves register an irritation on the skin due to all of the changes that occur during healing. This causes the itchy sensation. Chemicals released in the early stages of healing as part of the inflammatory response such as histamine can also contribute to the itchy sensation.  

Other factors during the early stages of healing could be due to a reaction to the dressings used or pubic hair growing back if this was shaved.

Itchiness can also be caused by tightness in the scar tissue and surrounding skin which can last long after the tissues have healed.

What can I do if I have an itchy C-section scar?

1.  Don’t scratch it!
   Resist the urge to scratch your scar, you may damage the skin and risk infection
2.  Keep your scar area clean and dry
   If you have an overhang, make sure you lift the overhanging skin and pat dry around the scar
3.  Cold therapy
   Place a cool gel pack over your scar to reduce the itchiness. Make sure it is wrapped in a cover, do not apply ice directly to the skin, this may cause damage to the skin especially if you still have some numbness in that area
4.  Moisturise
   Gently rubbing in a simple aqueous cream to moisturise the scar and skin can help
5.  Silicone Gel
   Silicone scar strips and silicone gel assist with scar healing and can help improve the itchiness
6. Massage!
   Massage has been shown to be effective for the management of pain, itch, and anxiety associated with scars in a number of studies

Click here for you step-by-step instructional video guide to massaging your C-section scar!

Consult a medical practitioner - If it is really severe, you may need to consult your doctor for some medication to help reduce the itchiness

References:
Field T, Peck M, et al. Postburn itching, pain, and psychological symptoms are reduced with massage therapy. J Burn Care Rehabil. 2000;21(3):189–93

Farrukh O, Goutos I. Scar Symptoms: Pruritus and Pain. 2020 Dec 8. In: Téot L, Mustoe TA, Middelkoop E, et al., editors. Textbook on Scar Management: State of the Art Management and Emerging Technologies [Internet]. Cham (CH): Springer; 2020. Chapter 10