Itchy skin sores that will not heal: what to know

An itchy skin sore that will not heal should be examined because repeated scratching, infection, inflammation, or another cause may be preventing recovery. A clinician will consider its duration, size, edge, colour, drainage, location, and whether it is changing.

Scratching an eczema patch can keep the skin open and thickened. Contact dermatitis may continue while an irritant remains in use, and scabies can maintain itching until affected contacts are addressed. Psoriasis, lichen planus, and yeast infection can each produce persistent irritation in particular patterns. A sore can also become infected after the surface is broken; increasing warmth, tenderness, swelling, pus, or crusting are useful clues.

A sore that changes, bleeds without being scratched, develops an unusual edge, or repeatedly returns in the same place needs a face-to-face assessment. Do not assume that itch alone identifies the cause.

Wash gently with clean lukewarm water, pat dry, and avoid alcohol, harsh antiseptics, fragranced products, and picking. Cover the area with a clean non-stick dressing if clothing rubs it, and change the dressing when damp or dirty. Keep nails short and photograph the sore as it changes. Avoid sharing towels, razors, or bedding until an infectious cause has been considered.

Arrange a medical review soon for a sore that remains open, enlarges, repeatedly bleeds, or has not begun to improve with gentle protection. Seek urgent help for fever, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, red streaks, heavy bleeding, blackened tissue, facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or a sore near the eye. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or reduced immunity should seek advice earlier.

Ask whether the sore needs a swab, scraping, biopsy, or prescription treatment, and how to dress it. Tell the clinician about scratching, new products, travel, household itching, medicines, and any condition that affects healing.