Tell me how to care for my c-section incision!

[DoingJustFine]

(It's actually a hysterectomy incision, but they just re-used my c-section scar so it's exactly the same. Figured there'd be more posters with experience of c-sections who could help me!)

It's been a week since my operation so I removed the dressing today (terrifying) and washed and dried the scar. But now what? How can I ensure it heals well and doesn't get infected?

I have an "overhang" from the past sections and the scar is under that so I'm worried it'll be very dark and damp... 😆

@Wildlynx Thank you! Yes, I'm covered in that residue. I'll look up those wipes, thanks.

Mine still stings occasionally 12.5 years later!

@SRK16 I'm sorry you suffered for a while! How long ago DH's you gave the operation? How do you feel now?

@BeBesideTheSea Wow! That's the gift that keeps on giving! Bloody hell.

If you have overhang and find the area is getting sweaty, I was told by the midwife to use some sterile gauze to help keep it dry. Don't use a sanitary towel like my friend did, she ended up with a massive infection. Also net disposable knickers really help keep the area cool and keep the air flowing, they are also lighter and don't rub on the incision.

@romdowa Thank you! I have some sterile gauze. Do I like tuck it in, or just dab it??

I just placed it between the scar and my belly. It stayed in place fairly well.

I used hairdryer on gentle low heat to dry it after bath or shower and some gauze tucked into it kept it dry.
Epsom salts, few drops of tea tree oil /lavender in the bath as well.

I just washed it & patted it dry, make sure you wear cotton pants & try to have some time with your scar uncovered, either after showering or when you go to bed, roll down the front of your pants. It will be sore as they cut through your muscles when they do it & there will be bruising as well, get some arnica tablets, I was black & blue from my belly button to the tops of my legs.

Just checked my scar and one end doesn't look great -- skin there has gone pink and there's a kind of wound. Really small, but a bit like a raw scab?

🤮

I rang GP and they're full so I've got a pushdoctor appointment in a minute.

After showing my bits to the push doctor, he's prescribed antibiotics and said I can book a "wound care" check up with a nurse, which I'd never heard of!

My midwife told me to dab it with sterile water, I did have an infection though so that’s probably why (all a bit of a post op/brand new baby jumble). I just washed as normal in the shower but didn’t apply anything directly to it so that water wasn’t sterile.

Look up c section scar massage for after the surface scar has healed. It'll prevent any further overhang and could help the previous scar tissue too. Also if you're at all bothered by the appearance of the scar you can buy silicone scar sheets on Amazon which work really well!

Women's osteo here :)