Occupational Therapy Scar Desensitisation

Why do I need scar desensitisation?

• Following surgery, or injury, scars can become oversensitive, tender or painful to touch. This is known as hypersensitivity and unfortunately does not go away by itself.
• Hypersensitivity is caused by damage to the nerve endings due to injury of the skin.
• It can be painful and feel like tingling, shooting or burning pain, or ‘pins and needles’.
• The nerve endings in the scar continue to send pain signals to the brain after the wound has healed when there is no longer a need to protect the area.
• Not all scars are hypersensitive.

Desensitisation in everyday activities

• If you have a hypersensitive scar, it is important to continue normal activities and not be over protective of the sensitive area. For example:
• Use a flannel or towel to rub the sensitive area while having a bath or shower.
• When dressing, run the affected area over the different textures of your clothes.

Desensitisation Techniques:

1. Massage (as described in separate leaflet).
2. Texture Massage – rub the area with various textures. Start with soft materials and work up to coarser textures. For example cotton wool, felt, towelling, rough cloth, velcro.
3. Immersion – If your scar is on your hand or foot they can be immersed in a bowl of materials including: cotton wool, kidney beans, lentils, rice, or pasta.
4. Percussion / Tapping – using your hand or light object such as a pencil, lightly tap the affected area quickly for two minutes or until you notice feeling in the area changing or it starts to feel numb.
5. Vibration – Use an electric toothbrush to lightly apply vibration to the area. Start on an area that is not sensitive and gradually work towards the affected area.