Skin Growth/Repair

• The growth and development of new cells into skin cause the scab above to tighten as it stretches over the new skin, triggering nerve sensitivity, which manifests as itching, the Singapore Science Centre reports.
  
  

Burns

• Itching in wounds caused by burns may be a type of tingling triggered by nerve growth or dry skin.This may be due to a lack of natural oil production, a sign of oil-gland damage or destruction.
  
  

Histamine

• Human cells release histamine, a protein, in response to physical trauma to increase surface blood flow at the site of the wound, Robert Demling, M.D. explains in a "Wounds" journal article. Histamine release is also an allergic reaction to bacteria in the wound, which causes nerve tingling that is felt as itching.
  
  

Treatment

• Oral antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can quell the itching as can cortisone creams, calamine lotion, aloe vera and other topical ointments that alleviate types of itching (caused by insect bites, allergic rashes, etc.). Some antidepressant medications, such as doxepin hydrochloride (HCl) may also help, Demling explains.
  
  

Warning

• As tempting as it is, resist scratching the wound, which can trigger additional histamine release, increasing the itch. Scratching the wound will further irritate the affected skin and nerves and hinder healing.