Do not get Skin Needling before you know about the itch!

Recently, I treated a water-burn scar on my neck with skin needling. I was needling my face and it just made sense to run over the scar while I was there. The treatment itself went smoothly, but in the days that followed, I noticed something I wasn’t expecting — a whole lot of itching. No redness, no heat, no infection — my scar was just itchy.

And if you’ve ever had skin needling on a scar, you might have felt it too. So let’s talk about why it happens and what you can do.

Why Itching Happens After Scar Needling

Skin needling works by creating micro-channels in the skin that kick-start your body’s natural healing response. With scars — especially burn scars — there are some unique factors that can make itching more noticeable:

• Nerve regeneration: Scars often have altered or sensitive nerve endings. When we needle them, those nerves can “wake up,” sending itch signals.

• Inflammation & histamine: Micro needling sparks a healing cascade. Histamine release is part of that process, and histamine = itch.

• Dryness & tightness: Scar tissue produces less oil than normal skin. After needling, this dryness can translate into irritation and itch.

• Scar characteristics: Burn scars, in particular, tend to be dense and tight, so the healing response can feel more intense compared to other areas.

Is It Normal?

Yes — itching after skin needling a scar is normal. It usually lasts a few days while the skin calms down, but with scar tissue (especially burn scars) the itching may persist a little longer. It’s often a sign your skin is doing exactly what it should: repairing, rebuilding, and remodelling.

What You Can Do About It

If you (or your scar) start itching after a needling session, here are a few simple ways to manage it:

• Stay cool: Use a clean, cool compress (never ice directly) to calm the skin.

• Hydrate the skin: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer or serum to reduce dryness. Think ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or even a protective balm.

• Hands off: As tempting as it is, avoid scratching. Scratching can disrupt the healing process and affect the final result.

• Protect from the sun: Healing skin (especially on the neck and face) is extra sensitive. Sun can make itching and irritation worse.

💡 Pro Tip: Antihistamines
If the itching is really bothering you, a mild over-the-counter antihistamine (like loratadine or cetirizine) may help. Just keep in mind: inflammation is part of the process we want after skin needling because it triggers collagen production and scar remodelling. So use antihistamines occasionally for comfort, not as a daily routine and check if anti-histamines are okay for you with your health care provider. 

When to Get It Checked

Itching on its own is usually nothing to worry about. But if you notice any of these changes, it’s worth getting a professional opinion:

• Itching that worsens instead of easing after several days

• The skin becoming hot, red, or swollen

• A spreading rash or hives

✨ Takeaway: Itching after skin needling a scar is common and usually part of the healing journey. With good aftercare — hydration, patience, and protection — it will pass, leaving your skin to do the real work of remodelling underneath.

Product spotlight: After any needling treatment your skin will be thirsty. So lather on the Marine Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid or therapist recommended product and your favourite Osaine Moisturiser! We leave all our skin needling Clients with a sample pot of BB colour matched to them that is completely safe and effective straight after treatment it is 30+ Australian owned and made with botanical extracts and and should be the only make up used for the days following treatment because it is completely non toxic and contains no GMO or NANOPARTICLES just beautiful breakthrough formulated makeup that is also skin care. 

Let me sneak in on cheeky pro tip here because I love my readers.. use the Eternal Youth Oil after you moisturiser before you apply your BB for a super hydrated plumping, you won't regret!