Scratch That Vibe!

Itchy Business

Why do scars itch when our emotions are high? How can we calm the itch without irritating the area? 

Scars itch during moments of high emotion because psychological stress triggers the release of inflammatory chemicals (like histamine) and activates the brain's emotional processing center, the amygdala. This combination heightens the sensitivity of the tiny, regenerating nerve endings already present in scar tissue. [1, 2, 3, 4] While this is a signal sent by your Nervous System, adrenaline-related itching is a whole-body nervous system and circulatory response. In contrast, injury itching is localized, driven by physical tissue damage and healing. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

The Science Behind the Itch

Several biological and neurological factors explain why your emotions cause your scars to flare up: [1]

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  Nerve Regeneration: 
• When skin is deeply injured or cut, the nerve endings are damaged. As the scar heals, these nerves grow back in a disorganized and hyper-sensitive way. When you are stressed, these nerves misfire, causing you to feel an itch where the scar is. [1, 2, 3, 4]
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  Stress Chemicals and Histamines: 
• Emotional stress, anxiety, and heightened emotions cause the body to release cortisol and other stress hormones. These hormones, alongside neurotransmitters like histamine, trigger inflammation and immune responses, which directly stimulate itching sensations on the skin. [1, 2, 3, 4]
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  Brain Processing: 
• Studies indicate a direct link between stress and itchiness. When you are highly emotional, the amygdala (the part of the brain that controls both emotions and itch processing) becomes overactive. This essentially lowers your threshold for feeling an itch. [1, 2, 3]
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  Scar Tissue Characteristics: 
• Scar tissue is unique because it lacks normal structures like sweat glands and oil glands, making it chronically prone to dryness. Stress can dehydrate the body and the skin barrier further, intensifying nerve irritation in this delicate tissue. [1, 2, 3]

How to Find Relief

According to Healthline and medical experts, you can manage an emotionally triggered scar itch by taking the following steps: [1, 2, 3, 4]

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  Moisturize: Apply fragrance-free, hypoallergenic moisturizers or petroleum jelly ointments to keep the scar hydrated.
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• Cool Down: Use a cool compress on the affected area to soothe the nerve endings.
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  Use Silicone: Consider using silicone gels or sheets, which lock in moisture and are proven to help settle sensitive scar tissue.
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  Avoid Scratching: Scratching can damage the delicate skin barrier, worsening inflammation and triggering an endless itch-scratch cycle. If the itching is severe or persistent, a dermatologist can recommend oral antihistamines or topical creams to provide relief. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]

Note: If your scar is growing, thickening, or suddenly changing color, it is a good idea to consult a Dermatologist to rule out any abnormal growths. [1]

What I find interesting:

Is that scars don't always bulge outward. I have 3 on my back when they removed abcesses when I was young that went inward. It threw me because I forgot I even had the surgeries. (It was 25-30 years ago!)

As far as tingling or itching when I'm stressed, I'll have to pay closer attention when my stress levels are high. Usually I feel nothing, almost like they're numb. But that could be me and the kind of scar it is. I don't really know. Perhaps you have had different experiences regarding this? Drop me an email. Tell me what you think. Have a great "last licks" of your weekend!

Tina

My quote for you:

“There is deep wisdom within our very flesh, if we can only come to our senses and feel it.” — Jennifer Reich