my stiches itch!! Help!

[asscherisme]

I had a little accident last week (I'm OK though) but I ended up with some stiched on my arm due to a pretty deep cut. The ER told me to go to my doctor in 12 days to get the stiches out. Its only been 4 days and as of about an hour ago. the wound ITCHES! Its still covered in a bandage but I'm scratching around the wound but being really careful to avoid the stiches.

The wound looks to be healing nicely. Its not swollen or red or anything and there was huge bruising the first 48 hours but thats started to fade already.

Is the itching normal? Should I call my doctor tommmorow or is itchy stiches part of the deal?

Its driving me crazy. I hate stiches. They are so gross to look at.

On a funny note, my kids reactions ranged from freaked out to telling me it looked like frankenstein. Nice.

edited to add, I did call Monday and have an appoitment next week to get the stiches out at the 12 day mark. I am going to be glad to get them out.

 

[strmrdr]

itching is normal don''t give into temptation to scratch them
Changing the bandages often will help.

 

[LilyKat]

Yes, it''s normal unfortunately. You only need to worry if it starts getting swollen, very red or painful, or oozing anything other than clear fluid.

Try taking some antihistamines (eg piriton) if you have any - it can really help. So can an ice pack, although wrap it well before you apply it. If you absolutely must touch in, pat it rather than scratching.

Hope that helps!

 

[atroop711]

itching is very normal...don''t give into the temptation...it''s hard but you can do it

 

[Lorelei]

Ditto, itching is normal but try not to give into it!

 

[gemgirl]

Ditto what everyone has said. Itching is normal. It means you''re healing. Don''t touch your stitches to scratch, but you can lightly rub over your bandage. Keeping your cut and stitches thinly coated with Neosporin will help with the itch and putting ice on that area for ten minutes at a time will numb the itch.

Itching is a good thing in this case. You''re getting better!

 

[asscherisme]

Thanks for the reassurance. Its stil a bit itchy tonight but not as bad as yesterday. It looks like its healing nicely. I will be glad when they are gone!

 

[partgypsy]

yep as long as no sign of infection itching is actually good sign, scabs are forming with new skin forming underneath.

 

[geckodani]

This might sound odd, but try scratching the other arm in the same place. Always seemed to help when my stitches were itchy.