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10 Safe And Effective Natural Ways To Deal With Perineal Tears

Vaginal tearing during childbirth is a painful but safest step for the delivery of a baby. It prevents women from spontaneous vaginal tear and perineal trauma. Around 85 per cent of women undergo vaginal cuts or tears which are temporary and get healed within a few weeks, depending on the degrees of vaginal tears. [1]

Natural Ways To Deal With Perineal Tears

There are several ways to treat vaginal tears at home with simple and effective methods. These methods help in the early drying of the wounds and ease the pain and inflammation of the perineum. In this article, we will discuss these methods. Also, don't forget to visit a medical expert if the pain and swelling persist for two weeks or longer or you see major signs of infection.

Perineal Tears During Childbirth: Know More About Degrees of Vaginal Tears And Recovery MethodsPerineal Tears During Childbirth: Know More About Degrees of Vaginal Tears And Recovery Methods

1. Ice Pack

1. Ice Pack

A study has shown that ice pack therapy is effective in easing postpartum perineal pain. An ice pack is the cheapest non-invasive treatment method for vaginal tears due to its analgesic property, which help treat the pain without impacting breastfeeding.[2]

What to do: Apply the ice pack for up to 20 minutes in the perineal area. Do not apply it for more than 20 minutes at a stretch, as it may cause nerve damage. You can use an ice pack between 6-24 hours after normal delivery.

2. Stool Softener

2. Stool Softener

Postpartum constipation is a common complication after delivery which may cause pain and discomfort due to hard stool. It may get worse if you had third or fourth-degree perineal tears. Relieving constipation with the use of laxatives is an effective method. Use stool softener or prescribed laxative or include more fibre-rich foods in your diet. [3]

What to do: Use stool softener the number of times suggested by medical experts.

3. Cinnamon Essential Oil

3. Cinnamon Essential Oil

Cinnamon has wound-healing and analgesic properties and is an easily available kitchen herb or spice. It helps reduce pain, redness and swelling of the vagina caused due to stitching. According to a study, cinnamon improves perineum discomfort at a faster rate compared to other ointments. [4]

What to do: Melt around 10 g of beeswax in around 40 g of calendula or sunflower oil. Add cinnamon oil to the mixture. Let it cool. Clean hands and perineum and pat dry. Apply the mixture two times a day (morning and evening) at least for 10 days.

4. Sitz Bath Of Myrrh Gum

4. Sitz Bath Of Myrrh Gum

Myrrh gum is a natural gum or resin from a plant of the genus Commiphora. Around 60 per cent of the gum is teroenic acids and alcohols. These compounds have wound-healing properties, in terms of reducing redness, swelling, bruising, secretion of the wounds. Myrrh gum stimulates the growth of fibroblastic cells and helps fill wounds within 10 days.

What to do: Wash the perineum area with water. Dissolve 10 cc of myrrh solution in around five litres of water and soak for 10 minutes. Repeat the process two times a day for a week after the delivery. [5]

5. Witch Hazel Water

5. Witch Hazel Water

Witch hazel water, also known as hamamelis water, is a liquid which is distilled from the parts of a witch hazel plant such as bark and twigs. It has amazing healing properties and used as a local cooling treatment, similar to ice packs. Witch hazel water helps in cleaning the wounded area and tightens the skin. It helps stop bleeding and accelerates the healing process. [6]

What to do: Soak a cotton ball in witch hazel water and dab on the perineum area. Do it twice a day till the wound dries.

6. Aloe vera and Calendula Oil

6. Aloe vera and Calendula Oil

It is an ancient therapy for healing vaginal tears. Aloe vera possesses healing, analgesic, anti-inflammation, anti-microbial, anti-itching, purgative and moisturising properties. Calendula is another herb with the same properties. Together, they may help in lowering inflammation, pain and discomfort of the perineum and quickens the episiotomy healing process. [7]

What to do: Prepare a mixture by adding aloe vera to calendula oil. Apply on the area every eight hours at least for five days. It is better to consult a medical expert before the application of the mixture.

7. Chamomile Cream

7. Chamomile Cream

A study has shown that chamomile cream can be helpful in reducing pain due to vaginal tears and help in the quick recovery. Chamomile has analgesic properties due to the presence of around 120 chemicals, mostly flavonoids and alcoholic compounds. It helps rescue oedema and inflammation and could be used as a painkiller in the first days after the delivery. [8]

What to do: Use market-based chamomile cream after consulting a doctor.

8. Tea Tree Oil

8. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has analgesic, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties. It is being used for decades to treat pain and infection of cuts or wounds. Though there are no sufficient studies for its effectiveness against vaginal tears, it can help manage the pain, oedema and infections due to the condition. Consult a medical expert before its application as it may worsen the condition in some.

What to do: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to lukewarm water in a spray bottle and spray on the perineum area.

The aforementioned natural remedies may be safe and effecting in treating postpartum perineal tears complications such as pain, swelling, redness, itching, irritation and discomfort. However, it is always better to consult a medical expert before starting on any natural remedies for proper dose and idea about their side effects.

There are several other ways to deal with vaginal tears. Some of them include:

9. Practice Good Hygiene

9. Practice Good Hygiene

Vaginal health and hygiene are mandatory, especially after an episiotomy or vaginal tear to prevent the risk of infection due to stitched wounds. Disruption in the microbial balance in the vagina can cause fertility and reproductive issues. [9]

What to do: Each time you use the toilet, make sure it is clean and dry. Use warm water to clean the vagina. Also, avoid using public toilets.

10. Take Care Of Emotional Health

10. Take Care Of Emotional Health

Postpartum healthcare is very important as it may cause several emotional issues such as postpartum depression, irritation, perineal trauma, grief and low quality of life which may progress to some chronic disease. A report says that the incidence of anxiety for the first six months during the postnatal period can range between 6.1- 27.9 per cent. This may also cause negative parenting and child care. [10]

What to do: Stay healthy and eat healthy. Make ways to stay relaxed and rest, apart from childcare. Support of the family members is very helpful during the time.