My C-section is itchy

As a caesarean incision heals, new skin and scar tissue can feel itchy, tight, numb, or tingling. Dressings, adhesive, sweat, and friction from clothing can also irritate the skin. Mild itch alone is different from inflammation: infection is more concerning when soreness, warmth, swelling, redness, or fluid is increasing rather than settling.

Some people develop a raised or firm scar that remains itchy after the wound has closed. Mention this at follow-up so the scar and surrounding skin can be checked.

Follow the discharge instructions you were given. Keep the wound clean and dry, wash your hands before touching it, and choose loose clothing that does not rub the incision. Do not scratch, peel scabs, apply creams, or use powders unless your maternity team recommends them. Support the area when coughing or moving, and increase activity gradually.

Your recovery plan may include [Caesarean Section](/treatments/pregnancy-and-birth-care/caesarean-section/) follow-up and, later, [Postnatal Physiotherapy](/treatments/pelvic-floor-and-rehabilitation/postnatal-physiotherapy/). If you had medicines or procedures during labour, tell your clinician when discussing any new rash or widespread itching.

Contact your maternity team promptly for spreading redness, increasing warmth or swelling, opening of the wound, pus-like or foul-smelling fluid, worsening pain, or fever. Seek urgent help if you feel faint, very unwell, have heavy bleeding, chest pain, breathing difficulty, or a severe headache or vision change after birth. These symptoms need assessment rather than home treatment.

Ask whether the wound looks like normal healing, which products are safe on the surrounding skin, and when you can bathe, exercise, lift, or drive. Ask how to recognise infection and whether the scar needs review if itching continues after the skin has closed.