Why Do Healing Wounds Itch? - Science ABC

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A wound itching is normal and part of the healing process. It is not a sign of infection. The wound itches because itch-sensing neurons are activated from the inflammatory chemical such as cytokines and interleukins that immune cells such as macrophages and dendritic cells release. There is no evidence that the itch is due to mechanical stress from the wound stretching.

The ability of the human body to heal and repair most wounds is truly remarkable; from small cuts and scrapes to larger injuries and ailments, our bodies seem to be on a constant mission to keep us 100% intact and healthy.

However, a peculiar thing happens when our wounds are healing—the unavoidable “itchiness” of the wound. In particular, this happens after scabs have begun to form and the healing process is moving in the right direction. For many people, scratching that itch is far too satisfying to avoid, which can often disrupt the healing process, making it take even longer!

If the human body is clever enough to heal itself, why does it make those healing wounds so itchy?

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Why Do Healing Wounds Itch?

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