Pain

Painful scars? A scar can hurt! Learn about the causes of scar pain, how it develops, and what you can do about it.

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Scar Pain

What is it?

Scar pain is a common issue that can sometimes be either short-term or long-lasting. It often happens when small nerves in the scar tissue are damaged, for example after a wound or surgery.

Symptoms

People who experience scar pain often report different types of nerve pain in the scar area, like sudden stabbing pains or a constant dull ache. Sometimes these symptoms only appear months after the wound has healed, even if there were no problems before. Scars can also cause strange sensations, like tingling or extra sensitivity.
Besides nerve pain, the scar itself can hurt if it feels inflamed, tight, dry, or cramped, especially when you stretch the skin.

Frequently asked questions

Is pain a sign of healing?
Yes, scar pain can be a sign that your body is healing. However, not everyone feels it, and it can show up in different ways. Below, you can read more about why scar pain happens and what it means.
Why do you get scar pain?

Nerve healing
When nerves in your skin are damaged, they can regrow as part of the healing process. This can cause pain, tingling, or odd sensations in the scar.

Scar tissue formation
A scar forms when connective tissue seals and strengthens a wound. During this process, the skin can feel tight or painful, especially if the scar is in an area that moves a lot, like near joints.

Early inflammation
In the early stages of healing, it’s normal for the wound area to be slightly inflamed. This helps the body clean and repair the wound. Sometimes this can cause pain or a burning feeling.

Tight skin
The scar might feel tight and painful, especially if it's located in a spot where the skin stretches or moves a lot.

When is scar pain normal?
It's normal to feel pain during the first few weeks or months after getting a wound. As the scar heals, the pain usually decreases and the skin becomes softer.
When is scar pain not normal?

Sometimes, scar pain can be a sign that something else is wrong. For example: 

  • Persistent pain 
    If you're still in a lot of pain months later, or if the pain is getting worse, it could be a sign of a problem, like nerve damage or an unusually large scar (such as a keloid). 
  • Severe pain
    If the pain is very sharp or comes on suddenly, there might be something wrong. 
  • Other symptoms 
    If your scar becomes red, swollen, warm, or painful, or if fluid leaks from it, you might have an infection.

Possible treatments for scar pain

Scar Massage

Topical Ointments and Creams

Shockwave Therapy

Ablative Fractional Laser (AFL)

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