Old Scar Experience: Unwanted Discomfort After Years of Healing
At 23 years old, I have a burn scar on my left shin that dates back twelve years. It's fairly small, roughly the size of a two-dollar coin, originally caused by a heating pack used for gloves that slipped through my pocket, causing a burn overnight. The injury was quite severe, resembling medium-rare steak due to the extent of the burns, and resulted in a scar that is now a patch of perfectly smooth, numb skin devoid of hair growth. For over a decade, I’ve had no issues or pain from it. Recently, however, I've started to experience some discomfort that has escalated from mild itching to more pronounced sensations including aching, burning, tingling, and a prickling feeling similar to electric shocks. The discomfort seems to radiate from the scar itself. While I still don't feel any sensation directly on the scar when touched, the surrounding area quickly develops the pins and needles sensation. I’m curious if this kind of discomfort is common, especially after such a long time post-injury. Is it typical for scars to start causing pain many years later? I’m also interested in any potential remedies to ease the discomfort and whether this issue might resolve itself eventually.
Answers (1)
6/26/2025, 5:50:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
Experiencing new sensations like discomfort, pain, or tingling around an old scar can be concerning, especially after years of no issues. This symptom is known as "neuropathic pain" or "neuroma formation," which can happen even years after healing. It could be related to changes in the nerve pathways or irritation around the scar tissue.
Here's a structured response to your situation:
Main Points:
- It is not uncommon for old scars to develop sensitivity or discomfort after many years.
- Sensations like aching, burning, tingling, and prickling can occur due to nerve irritation in the area.
- There are remedies to help ease these sensations.
Explanation:
Over time, nerves can change, and sometimes they become overactive or more sensitive. This can lead to discomfort from areas that were previously numb. Factors such as stress, changes in activity levels, or even weather conditions can also influence sensitivity in the area of an old scar.
Next Steps:
- Keep a Diary: Track when the discomfort occurs, its intensity, and triggers. This can help identify patterns or specific causes.
- Gentle Massage: Lightly massaging the area around the scar can help improve blood flow and reduce sensitivity. Ensure not to press directly on the scar if it's uncomfortable.
- Moisturization: Applying unscented moisturizers or silicone gel sheets specifically for scars may help keep the skin smooth and potentially ease discomfort.
- Heat or Cold Therapy: Experimenting with warm compresses (to promote blood flow) or cold packs (to relieve pain) can provide relief depending on the symptoms.
- Over-the-counter Options: Oral anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen, may help relieve discomfort when symptoms spike. Always follow dosing instructions and consult a pharmacist if unsure about interactions with other medications.
- Physical Activity: Engaging in low-impact exercises, like walking or swimming, can help reduce overall nerve sensitivity and improve circulation, which may alleviate some discomfort around the scar.
If symptoms worsen or you notice changes (e.g., increased swelling, redness, or new symptoms), it may be advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. Remember that it's okay to seek help if you're concerned about these changes.
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