itchiness after bruising

[gwen79]

3 wks ago I smacked my shin so severely I went to the hospital for xrays.  The bones were fine but the xray should a severe contusion down to the muscle.  I was told to rest, ice and elevate.  Before it got better the leg swelled up and bruised all the way down to the ankle.  The skin was stretched, shiny and numb to the touch. There is no more swelling or pain but now the lower leg is severly itchy.  The skin is pealing as if I had a sunbrun.  Is this normal?

[gwen79]

Thank you for the information!  I am glad to know that the symptoms are normal and it means that I am healing!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,

Itching and pealing of the skin is a sign of healing of the wound(hematoma formed leading to bruising).So it is normal to experience some itching due to the release of mediators like histamines which are released during healing.

Take some antihistaminic like benadryl or zyrtec.Pls note that benadryl causes drowsiness and so zyrtec or Claritin can be taken.Also apply plenty of moisturizer on the area at frequent intervals.You can also apply mild corticosteroid cream or calamine on the area.Calamine helps in soothing the skin.Severe cases amy eed oral steroids for which consultation of a doctor is mandatory.

Hope it helps.Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries.