Tips to help stitches heal and minimise scarring?

[Cranky Kitten]

Hi

Apparently I tore quite badly during my ventouse delivery and wound up with quite a lot of stitches - they seem to be healing fine as they're less uncomfortable than they were even just a few days ago, but they've reached the itchy stage!

I've been alternating icepacks with salt baths and letting them air dry as much as possible, just wondering if there's any other advice out there for helping them heal quickly? And how long would it normally be before they dissolve?

Cheers

[AnyDream]

Good nourishing food, lots of antioxidants, and plenty of rest! I still had bits of stitches poking out 6 weeks later but that is much longer than usual. The itching is actually a good sign of healing, even if it's irritating right now.

[Trillian]

You could maybe use a herbal compress on the area as well.

[~TT40~]

I heard somewhere witchhazel is good for that... BUT i havent had a chance to look it up properly so maybe investigate/research that first.

sent via my vortex manipulator

[MissM]

My MCHN advised when I pee to use a sauce bottle of salt water and squirt it on while I pee. I also used to bend over in the shower to let the water run over that area

Time & rest will help you heal! So take care of yourself

[Sagres]

Ah the itchy stage, I hate the itchy stage!

Sorry I don't have anything to add to the healing suggestions but I think my ob said they dissolve at about 3 weeks?

[NaeNae]

Freeze some pads soaked with witchhazel this is meant to be wonderful a friend did this it helped with the healing and the swelling as well. Aside from everything else suggested here its just part and parcel of the healing process. Internally there is nothing really that you can do to minimise the scarring and TBH I don't think externally you will be seeing much unless you get downthere with a mirror Just keep and eye on the wound though (with a mirror) so you can see if you happen to get an infection at all.

Nae x x

[Cassius2]

Calendula tincture was my BEST friend . I got it from a healthfood store and asked the naturopath there. you get a dropper and splash a good amount on a pad. I found it really soothing and helps big time with the healing. an extra tip is to put in the freezer for a bit. but i found that it was fine just splashed on and then worn straightaway.

HTH xx

[onthefly]

arnica