the Dr had to take 2 cuts to get it all, it went to the skull. I have a 2" hole in my forehead. The last bolster was taken out 2 weeks ago, it was to big to sew and a skin graft would have looked terrible. I am keeping the hole filled with polysporin and bandaged. The itching around the hole is unbearable, he said it would be bandaged for at least 2 more months. How can I rid the itching, I don't want to irritate the healing as the hole is getting smaller. Any advise on healing? Thank you
Answer: Itching with dressings
The itching from normal wound healing is usually not so bothersome as the itching that can be caused by an allergic reaction to the polysporin. Ask your doctor if they agree that a dilute distilled white vinegar solution can be used as a compress to keep the wound clean and minimize itching. Furthermore, stop the polysporin and ask the doctor for a prescription antibiotic ointment that rarely causes itching. Make sure you are seen regularly through the healing process by your doctor.
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Itching with dressings
The itching from normal wound healing is usually not so bothersome as the itching that can be caused by an allergic reaction to the polysporin. Ask your doctor if they agree that a dilute distilled white vinegar solution can be used as a compress to keep the wound clean and minimize itching. Furthermore, stop the polysporin and ask the doctor for a prescription antibiotic ointment that rarely causes itching. Make sure you are seen regularly through the healing process by your doctor.
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Itching following forehead reconstruction is sign of normal wound healing I agree that neosporin can result in allergy and inflammation of the forehead tissues. Vaseline, aquaphor can also be used and will minimize some of the irritation. Most importantly, these defects heal quite well on their own (secondary intention healing) but require patience. It sounds like you're caring for this wound very well. Keep up the good work!Stephen Weber MD, FACS
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CONTACT NOW Answer: Itching following forehead reconstruction is sign of normal wound healing I agree that neosporin can result in allergy and inflammation of the forehead tissues. Vaseline, aquaphor can also be used and will minimize some of the irritation. Most importantly, these defects heal quite well on their own (secondary intention healing) but require patience. It sounds like you're caring for this wound very well. Keep up the good work!Stephen Weber MD, FACS
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April 30, 2014
Answer: Itching in healing Mohs surgery site on the right forehead
Itching is a sign of wound healing due to release of chemicals in the skin called histamines. Antihistamines (ie: Benadryl, Allegra, Zyrtec, etc.) and topical steroids might help you with the itching. You should talk to your doctor to get a prescription for the topical steroids. Intense redness or rash accompanied by itching could be due to an allergic reaction to either the antibiotic ointment polysporin or material in the bandage or dressing. As mentioned in the other responses, you should try switching to Aquaphor or vaseline to see if that helps. Also, stop using adhesive to see if that helps.
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April 30, 2014
Answer: Itching in healing Mohs surgery site on the right forehead
Itching is a sign of wound healing due to release of chemicals in the skin called histamines. Antihistamines (ie: Benadryl, Allegra, Zyrtec, etc.) and topical steroids might help you with the itching. You should talk to your doctor to get a prescription for the topical steroids. Intense redness or rash accompanied by itching could be due to an allergic reaction to either the antibiotic ointment polysporin or material in the bandage or dressing. As mentioned in the other responses, you should try switching to Aquaphor or vaseline to see if that helps. Also, stop using adhesive to see if that helps.
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January 24, 2011
Answer: Second intention healing may work well after Mohs surgery
Second intention healing (allowing the wound to heal on its own) may be a very good option in your case. The wound typically gets smaller with time. If the final scar is not satisfactory, often a revision may be considered if you're up for it and the scar is bothersome enough - (you need to wait up to a year to decide on what it will look like). Results can actually be quite excellent in some/many cases depending on the defect and your healing.
Severe itching is unusual and raises the question of allergy (e.g. to polysporing) - this would be a reason to revisit your doctor.
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January 24, 2011
Answer: Second intention healing may work well after Mohs surgery
Second intention healing (allowing the wound to heal on its own) may be a very good option in your case. The wound typically gets smaller with time. If the final scar is not satisfactory, often a revision may be considered if you're up for it and the scar is bothersome enough - (you need to wait up to a year to decide on what it will look like). Results can actually be quite excellent in some/many cases depending on the defect and your healing.
Severe itching is unusual and raises the question of allergy (e.g. to polysporing) - this would be a reason to revisit your doctor.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
October 3, 2010
Answer: Polysporin allergy or nerve irritation possible.
It sounds like you are going through a lot. If handled well, a wound "healing by secondary intention" or granulation can look decent in this area, but two months is a long time for you to have to deal with it. I agree with the above answers, that polysporin is a likely culprit for causing itching. Itching and irritation caused by an allergic reaction can also slow down wound healing, so do not feel like you should suffer through this just for the "right" treatment. Vaseline or generic petroleum jelly is a very good would healing ointment that also prevents the growth of bacteria on the wound. You should check with your surgeon and see if it is all right to switch.
Secondarily, the forehead has a lot of nerves of sensation that run through it, so as your skin is realizing it was traumatized, the small nerve fibers that were cut in the surgery are waking up and starting to figure out how to regenerate. This can cause itching, numbness, and funny sensations.
Keep in touch with your surgeon if you are uncomfortable. It is his job to make sure nothing is wrong.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful
October 3, 2010
Answer: Polysporin allergy or nerve irritation possible.
It sounds like you are going through a lot. If handled well, a wound "healing by secondary intention" or granulation can look decent in this area, but two months is a long time for you to have to deal with it. I agree with the above answers, that polysporin is a likely culprit for causing itching. Itching and irritation caused by an allergic reaction can also slow down wound healing, so do not feel like you should suffer through this just for the "right" treatment. Vaseline or generic petroleum jelly is a very good would healing ointment that also prevents the growth of bacteria on the wound. You should check with your surgeon and see if it is all right to switch.
Secondarily, the forehead has a lot of nerves of sensation that run through it, so as your skin is realizing it was traumatized, the small nerve fibers that were cut in the surgery are waking up and starting to figure out how to regenerate. This can cause itching, numbness, and funny sensations.
Keep in touch with your surgeon if you are uncomfortable. It is his job to make sure nothing is wrong.
Helpful 1 person found this helpful