Itchy skin

[MissMurder]

Why does skin itch when it's healing? I've got a small cut behind my ear and it's itching like mad...but I know I can't scratch it cos it's part of the healing process. But why?!

[alijangra]

Its due to the release of histamine during the inflammatory response.

[alijangra]

ps skin should not really itch too much during healing. If there is any excessive redness, inflammation, heat or serous fluid then this may indicate infection which will delay healing.

[MissMurder]

Hmm. That's a bit worrying. The cut was caused by the back of a stud earring rubbing against my ear and for most of last week, it was very red, inflamed and kind of oozy (sorry) - I was worried the piercing had got infected but it's not the piercing itself, it's definitely a separate cut. However it's much better now and seems to have healed up apart from being a bit itchy (I wouldn't say it was excessive). Do you think it's going to be ok?

[joko]

i find pressing on the itch with the edge of the fingernail - but not moving it about - helps to relieve the itching, but doesn't damage the skin