Relieving itching after a C-section

Healing skin and changing sensation around the incision may create itching, tingling or brief pulling feelings. Dissolving stitches and hair regrowth can also irritate the area. Adhesive from a dressing or a product placed on the skin may cause a rash that follows the contact area rather than the incision itself.

Itching deserves closer attention when it appears with increasing redness, heat, swelling, pain, drainage, unpleasant odour, wound separation, fever or feeling unwell. Widespread hives, swelling of the lips or tongue, wheezing, or breathing difficulty point toward a possible severe allergic reaction rather than ordinary scar healing.

Keep the incision clean and dry according to your discharge instructions, wear loose breathable clothing, and reduce rubbing from waistbands. Instead of scratching, place a clean hand over clothing and apply light steady pressure away from any open area. A cool pack wrapped in cloth can be held near intact skin for a short period, without soaking the wound.

Do not peel adhesive, pick at scabs or stitches, or put perfume, powder, oil, herbal preparations or anti-itch cream on the incision unless your clinician approves it. Ask a pharmacist, midwife or doctor which medicine is suitable if you are breastfeeding, have allergies, or take other medicines. If itching began after a new dressing or medicine, report the timing and the shape of any rash.

Call emergency services for breathing difficulty, wheezing, faintness, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Contact maternity triage promptly if itching accompanies fever, rapidly spreading redness, increasing warmth or pain, pus, foul-smelling fluid, bleeding, or opening of the wound. Arrange medical advice if a rash is spreading, blisters, disrupts sleep, or does not improve after removing an avoidable irritant.

Show the clinician exactly where the itching occurs and explain when it started. Ask whether the appearance fits healing, adhesive irritation or another skin problem; which moisturiser or medicine may be used on intact nearby skin; and when scar products or massage can begin without disturbing the wound.