27/05/2026
Itching can be a normal part of recovery after breast surgery, and may happen as your body heals, reacts to dressings or adhesives, or adjusts to medications used during and after surgery [recovery heart emoji]
You might notice:
- Localized itching around the incision site or under dressings
- A scratchy, tingling, or crawling sensation
- Dry, irritated, or sensitive skin
- Widespread itching across larger areas of the body
Itching is often most noticeable in the first few weeks after surgery as incisions heal or the body reacts to medications, dressings, or environmental factors.
Some simple things that may help include:
💧 Staying hydrated
🧴 Using approved moisturizers or anti-itch creams if recommended by your surgeon
🚫 Avoiding scratching the area
🩹 Speaking to your surgical team if you think dressings or adhesives may be irritating your skin
However, you should seek medical advice if you notice:
- Severe or worsening itching
- Redness, swelling, or discharge near the surgical site
- Symptoms that do not improve with treatment
- Widespread itching with rash, hives, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing
This information comes from an in-app symptom navigator article written by Dr Hadyn Kankam MA (Cantab.) MB BChir MRes MRCS. You can explore more evidence-based resources like this on the free BLOOM⁴³ Prehab™ app.