How to care for cesarean section scars

Scars will appear after a cesarean section. This is because the wound is relatively long. At this time, you must emphasize maintenance and care, especially to prevent infection. After the operation, the stitches need to be removed 5 to 7 days later, and you must also prevent infection after the stitches are removed. You should pay attention to diet and eat more foods that can promote wound healing. In addition, if itching, redness, and swelling occur, if they are serious, you should seek help from a doctor.

Be aware of infection issues

The integrity of the skin is the first line of defense to protect the body. Therefore, the redness, swelling, heat and pain of the local wound should never be underestimated. As long as the discomfort persists or purulent secretions appear, remember to return to the hospital for examination as soon as possible. In addition, heavy vaginal bleeding or discharge of large amounts of blood clots are also abnormal situations and you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

To promote wound healing, you may want to start from the following aspects :

1. Do not get the wound wet or dirty before it heals. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately and apply betadine.

2. After the operation, the doctor will apply cosmetic glue on the wound and then cover it with gauze. The gauze can be removed after 4 days, or immediately if it is damp. The cosmetic glue should be torn off after about a week and replaced with ventilation paper tape.

3. After showering, tear off all the tape on the wound, wipe the wound dry (no need to apply medicine), and then stick two pieces of 3M breathable paper tape, 2.5 cm wide, along the wound.

4. The breathable paper tape must be applied flat and close to the wound to compress the scar to prevent it from becoming wider and thicker. Change it every 3 to 4 days. It can come into contact with water. After contact with water, use a dry towel to dry the surface. Apply one layer after one month and continue for 3 to 6 months.

5. If you experience allergic reactions when using breathable paper tape, such as rash, redness, or skin breakage, do not use it temporarily and continue using it after the symptoms improve.

6. During the hospitalization after cesarean section, you can consult your doctor based on your own situation and use silicone gel products to promote scar maturation and prevent further scar proliferation.

7. Gently massage the wound with your fingers for 3 to 5 minutes every day to reduce the formation of scars.

8. Avoid direct sunlight exposure

Sunburn

Mouth, making the scar darker.

9. If the abdominal wound is red, swollen, burning, painful, or has exudate, please return to the hospital for treatment.

10. Avoid pulling the wound and do postpartum exercises after one month.

Things to note in daily life after cesarean section:

1. The cleaning of the perineum is the same as that of a natural birth, but a natural birth requires boiled water, while a caesarean section only requires hot water from the bathroom.

2. Sleep on your left side, which is best for blood circulation. You can also change your posture during sleep.

3. It is best to sleep on a hard bed. If there is no hard bed, you can also sleep on the floor.

4. After removing the gauze from the wound, cover the wound with a dry towel first, and then put on a belly band to reduce friction discomfort. The material of the belly band should be soft and not wide to avoid discomfort after long-term use.

5. Before coughing, laughing or getting out of bed, use your hands and a belly band to fix the wound area.

6. When getting out of bed, lie on your side first, use your hands to support your body to get up, and avoid sitting up directly with abdominal strength.

7. You can take a shower one week after the operation, but you can take a sponge bath before that. After showering, dry the incision, apply 75% alcohol to disinfect the incision and cover it with a sterile dressing.

8. After the operation, a small amount of lochia will flow out of the vagina, which can be kept dry with sanitary napkins. However, if the amount of blood exceeds the menstrual volume, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

9. Urinate every three to four hours and pay attention to whether you feel burning or stinging when urinating to prevent urinary tract infection.

10. Don’t refuse to move because of the pain from the wound.

11. Do not lose weight quickly to avoid fat loss, sagging internal organs, and loose skin.

12. Go to the hospital for a follow-up check-up on the 7th and 42nd day after delivery.