Witch hazel - possibly a daft question...

[lozster]

I have read lots of recommendations on here for witch hazel to be used post birth for stitches. In due next week so popped out to buy some this afternoon. The bottle I bought says on it 'witch hazel' (so far so good). I've since read it more carefully and it also says ' cleanses and tones skin for external use only. Do not apply to damaged, inflamed, infected or compromised skin.' The ingredients are witch hazel and alcohol.

Have I bought the wrong thing? Am I going to hit the ceiling if I apply this to sore bits?!

Grateful for advice!

Snap - and I was thinking exactly the same thing! All help appreciated please

The witch hazel i bought came in a tube! It was a witch hazel and tea tree soothing balm.
My nethers were ok, yet tingly from the tea tree! Originally bought for ds's piles (sorry tmi but just shows it has multiple uses!)

It's the alcohol part that had me wondering and the comment on facial cleansing. But I did pick it up in the medicine aisle not cosmetics.

I looked at a cream but wondered about the logistics of applying that?! It's my first in case that isn't already obvious!!

I bought the same thing as luster and sluggers and when I read the bit about not applying to damaged skin I was too scared to use it. In fact I didn't find I even needed to, I wasn't any near as sore as I expected even though DD was a healthy 7lb 9oz and I had a cut.
That's not very helpful I know but you find you need witch hazel less than you think. 12 weeks on and mine remains unopened.

Im wondering this as well....

I spoke to the pharmacist in boots, told her I wanted some witch hazel for post birth and she handed me the witch hazel gel, the packets also says not to put on broken skin

Sling it in the bath before you get in, doesnt sting, can really help

Ditch it and just use a few drops of tea tree oil in a bath.

Teapig I will be over the moon to leave the seal intact on this!

Drawohamme, dilute in the bath sounds less scary than direct application or putting on a maternity pad.

Anya - I decided against tea tree as i used it once on spots in another hit the ceiling experience!

Try Preparation H, works on piles so ok for down there.

I was always told that witchhazel was for bruises/soreness and not cuts and grazes (and it was lovely on my swollen legs) so I'm surprised at anyone using it on stitches!

I certainly wouldn't!

Oh - distilled witch hazel. Ok, that's the difference. If the bottle i already have is good for swollen legs though I'm off to crack it open right now as mine appear to have been traded in for a pair belonging to Nellie the elephant.

And thanks all!

I used distilled witch hazel on my lady bits after I had DS and it was pure, unadulterated bliss... I shit you not. It's the only piece of advice I give people when they ask! Ask about child

Keep it in the fridge if you can and pour some on the pads. Smells lovely and no stinging whatsoever. That is the first thing that will go in my bag the next time.

I agree with using the distilled witch hazel on the pads, the immediate cooling sensation is amazing! I only had a graze, no stitches, but it was fab no stinging at all.

I'll speak to the chemist tomorrow!

I bought the distilled stuff from Boots and soaked pads with it (I had a nice big episiostomy to deal with)

Seemed to work well, but oh dear god the smell! Can't go near the bottle now without being reminded of the pain and mess! Should mention it doesn't smell particularly bad, it's just that it brings back strong memories now.

Should imagine it would be really beneficial in this hot weather (I gave birth in the middle of winter so didn't have stifling heat to add to my woes, apart from in the hospital, but that's another story)

I used a mixture of tea tree and lavender which was very soothing. My midwife said to soak a breast pad then put that on top of your maternity pad. It worked very well!