As many women would tell you, giving birth is one of the most amazing moments in a woman’s life.
Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most painful, so following the right path to recovery is essential.
It’s no secret that C-Section incision burning and stinging is one of the painful complications that can last for several weeks.
But is it normal for a C-section incision to burn and sting? What can you do to alleviate the discomfort?
Let’s find out!
Why Is My C-section Incision Burning and Stinging
It’s not uncommon for women to have burning and stinging in their incisions as it heals up after giving birth.
The C-section incision wounds can cause burning and stinging, resulting from damage to the nerves close to the incision area during surgery.
These are the nerves that allow women to feel sensations in their abdomen. The pain and burning sensation may last for weeks after surgery.
In fact, full recovery from a cesarean can take between 4 to 6 weeks.
Taking painkillers for at least 7–10 days following a c-section is a necessary part of recovery. Your midwife or doctor will advise you on the best pain reliever to use.
If your c-section incision is still burning and stinging after that time, it can indicate a surgical site infection that may require medical attention.
Another reason why you may be experiencing burning and stinging is endometriosis, a condition in which the uterine lining develops outside the uterus.
Is It Normal to Feeling a Burning Sensation After a C-Section?
It’s normal to feel a burning sensation after a c-section, but if the pain lasts longer than 8 weeks then there could be an underlying problem.
If that’s the case for you, make sure you speak to your OBGYN about it.
How Do You Know If Your C-Section Incision is Infected?
If you suspect that your incision is infected, please speak to a professional.
Signs of an incision infection include:
- redness
- swelling
- pus or discharge that is yellow or green
- pain that doesn’t go away
- sudden high fever higher
How to Reduce Discomfort of C Section Incision Burning And Stinging
If the C-section incision is causing you too much discomfort, there are a variety of remedies that can provide you relief.
Abdominal Binding
The use of abdominal binding is a common practice after major surgery, and it can help speed healing and reduce pain.
An abdominal bind is a stretchy material that goes around the midsection of your body. It provides support for your abdomen and helps to heal properly after childbirth.
Postpartum belly binding is a technique used to aid in the healing process after childbirth and can help you manage the burning sensation on C-section incisions.
Use Ice or Heat
If you have swelling in the first week or two after a c-section, then ice can help to reduce it down to a reasonable level.
Ice can also help reduce inflammation and nerve activity that may occur after surgery.
If you don’t have an ice pack, use a clean towel and fill it with ice cubes. Wrap the towel around your wound to keep it cold for at least 10 minutes before removing it.
If your discomfort is extreme, then heat might be more suitable for you.
Heat therapy can be used to increase circulation, which alleviates pain or numbness from C-sections.
Try Scar Massage
The purpose of scar massage is to move and reorganise collagen fibres to make the skin more elastic and comfortable.
Scar massage can be beneficial in reducing the pain and swelling that might follow a wound or injury.
Get Tested for Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a condition that affects the tissue surrounding the uterus.
Obtaining a diagnosis for endometriosis typically involves a pelvic ultrasound.
Antibiotics are the primary treatment for endometriosis.
TAP block
Nerve blocking is a procedure where the nerves are temporarily blocked to reduce pain.
TAP block is an incredibly efficient, local anaesthetic injected into the abdominal muscles to inhibit the nerves near the C-section incision site.
Anesthesiologists use ultrasound to direct the needle to the exact location.
In most cases, the pain alleviation lasts between 40 and 72 hours.
FAQ
When can you wash your C-section scar?
Whether or not you should wash your c-section scar is determined by the current condition of the incision. In general, most women are able to bathe 3–4 weeks after having a C-section.
How do you know if your C-section incision is healing?
You should notice a significant improvement in the appearance and comfort of your scar two weeks after your C-section delivery. While first appearing red or pink, it gradually fades to a pale, flat line over time.
Can I put triple antibiotic ointment on my C-section incision?
No lotion or antibiotic ointment should be applied on your c-section scar until it has fully healed, according to doctors. So, make sure you speak to a medical professional before applying anything to your incision.
How can I keep my c-section scar clean?
Gentle soap and water can help keep the wound clean, and there is no need to scrub it. Simply allowing the water to run over your wound can be sufficient in most cases. If your incision had staples, stitches, or glue applied, you might be able to remove your wound dressing and have a shower.
How do you know if something is wrong with your C-section incision?
If your c-section incision is still burning and stinging 8 weeks after delivery, or if you notice an infection, get medical attention as soon as possible.
How Long Will My Incision Hurt After a C-Section?
Pain typically lasts from 7 to 10 days after cesarean and pain relief will be prescribed to you.
Final Thoughts
In most cases, the burning and stinging that mothers experience around their c-section incision is a natural part of their postpartum experience.
Simple ice or heat treatments conducted at home can assist to alleviate the discomfort.
However, if your c-section incision is burning and stinging 8 weeks after delivery, or if you notice any signs of infection before that, it is critical that you seek medical attention.
