Caesarian surface scar has healed but is red & lumpy underneath

[Flowerbaby]

I had an emergency caesarian 12 days ago and the scar to the surface skin has healed really well.

However in the last few days, one side of the scar has developed a lump under the skin and though the incision is sealed and dry, the skin over this lump is now reddish and hot. The lump itself feels roughly as wide as a finger and is about 4cm long.

Could it be a hernia??

more likely to be an infection esp if reddish and hot, i would advise you to call your MW and have a chat with her.

I had something similar and needed antibiotics. Can you get to your GP?

Thanks for your messages.

The MW I saw said she thought it was just inflamed rather than infected because the wound is dry and healed even though you can see there's a lump under the skin and the skin itself is reddish and hot. She said if there was an infection the wound itself would be infected and that she'd would rather adopt a "wait and see" before getting me on antibiotics.

However I was so worried I went to the out of hours GP who said there was an infection, and have put me on antibiotics (Flucoxillin?? not sure). This was yesterday and there has been no improvement yet, perhaps the AB's take a while to get working? The doctor said I should see a significant improvement in 24-48 hours so I am anxiously checking it, but it has stayed exactly the same.

I know I should be reassured that a doctor has seen it and has prescribed AB's, but I am worried by the size and shape of the lump, added to the fact that the surface has healed so well, whatever's going on is all under the skin as it were hence my worry over it being a hernia.

I think the thing I had was called cellulitis or something like that. Sounds grim, but under the skin, around the scar it felt like very hard cottage cheese, but bigger lumps if you see what I mean. The area was red and hot and to be honest it took quite a while to clear up.

I took the easy road and decided not to google. Please take the advice of your GP, and go back if there is no improvement. Congratulations on the birth, by the way!

I had something similar on the right hand side of my scarand it wasn't an infection, but it is always worth having it looked at again, as c-section infections can be really nasty if left untreated.

Mine has cleared up mostly now ( 3 mths on) but is occasionally still tender in that place.

Thanks llareggub and MrsMattie.

I am seeing a MW again tomorrow but regardless of that, if it hasn't improved I will be straight back to the doctors (or even the hospital).

I am worried as I know scar tissue in the region isn't great for future pregnancies which is why I decided to go & see a GP asap. At least if it is an infection I have got started fairly early on AB's - although the doctor I saw last night said there are different/stronger drugs if necessary and not to wait for improvement for longer than 2 days before getting more help.

Thanks again. I will not be googling either llareggub as have done that before and the worrying things that you find (generally!) don't happen!