If you had a c/s...incision question

alisonada

I had a c/s 12 days ago. My doctor didn't really give me specific instructions on how to care for my incision (I have stiches, not staples, if it matters). They just said that if it becomes inflamed or leaks to call them, and that some itching/burning was normal as it regains feeling.

Anyway, how did you care for your incision? Online I can find articles saying everything from just keep it clean, to apply peroxide, gauze and Neosporin several times a day. I've just been doing the previous but now it's a bit red around the edges and I'm paranoid about infection.

gingerthebee

I couldn't see mine!  I just kept it clean.  They checked it at my 1 week appt, and said it was fine.  My stitches dissolved.  I didn't put any bandages on it.  

Amanda&Chris

I had staples the first time and the dermabond stuff the second time, so I don't really know.  But, I would guess that if they didn't give you specific instructions then you don't need to do anything special.

AnnapolisLari

I had staples, which were replaced with steristrips when I checked out.

All I did was keep it clean, and the strips started to fall off after a week or 10 days.

jaredswife

I had staples, but wasnt given any special instructions on how to care for it.  They took the staples out before I left the hospital and I had some tape going across it. 

I didnt have to apply anything to it or clean with anything special.

AngelaSue

I didn't really do anything with mine, other than to wash it when I took my shower. I had staples, which they removed before I left the hospital. Then I just had steri-strips on it.

Marychaille

They told me not to put anything on it! They also said not to use any scented soaps or anything with micro beads in the soap.  I just used the shower head and washed it every day.  It healed up well!

marrymemylove

I haven't had a c section but I have had 32 tummy operations! No need to do anything at all. I wouldn't even do what it said online. Just keep it dry as you can, don't let anything grubby touch it, let warm water go over it i nthe shower... no need to do anything. It is normal for it to be a little red. The blood is accumulating there to heal it. If it was swollen or there was pus or pain that would indicate infection, but just redness is fine.

PiperBride

AngelaSue:

I didn't really do anything with mine, other than to wash it when I took my shower. I had staples, which they removed before I left the hospital. Then I just had steri-strips on it.

This was my experience as well.  I don't think you need to do anything special to it other than take a shower and keep the site clean/dry. 

Good luck, I hope you heal well!

Marce921

Not only did I have a C/S, I'm a postpartum nurse. You really only have to clean it with soap and water and make sure after you get out of the shower to dry it really good with a clean towel.

Let me just say, WOW, I'm surprised they didn't tell you how to care for it!!

Expecting0207

Nothing.  I just let the shower water run over it, I only use Dove soap anyway, and I made sure to pat it dry.  My DH checked it at night for signs of infection since he is a surgeon.  I did not use anything like Neosporin or any other products.  I also made sure to wear only cotton panties/pants to make sure that air could circulate while it healed.