What To Do If Your C-Section Scar Incision Has Opened?
It can be incredibly scary to see your scar opening slightly but it is something that affects around 3% of all women, although this number is likely higher. Lets talk through what it means and what to do if you experience this.
Signs That Your C-Section Incision May Have Opened
If you notice either a small gap or hole in the scar itself, or you notice that the skin almost looks like it has stretched with a button holding the two sides of the scar, it may be that you’re experiencing an opening. Most women have a fold where their scar is so you may need to lift your tummy to examine underneath at the scar line itself. Try to do this regularly so you can spot any changes early and take action.
Steps to Take Immediately
If you notice a hole opening at the scar itself, the first thing to do is get an appointment with your GP or doctor. The first thing that we should ALWAYS be investigating is - has this opening happened due to an infection? For this reason we need to see a health care professional who can assess your scar for this.
Common Causes of a Reopened C-Section Scar
Infection is one of the main reasons we experience a scar opening, as is heamatomas and seromas, but scar opening can also happen from delayed healing due to conditions such as obesity or diabetes. Multiple C-Sections have also got a higher incidence of scar opening due to the overall higher incidence of scar complications. Following guidance on caring for your scar is really important, but we also recognise the information women are given is pretty minimal. Head to our Scar Care Mini Course to find instructions on how to clean your scar.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you notice an opening in your scar, you should always seek medical attention.
Preventing Further Complications
Once you have seen your doctor and they have given you a course of treatment, be sure to complete this, even if you feel your scar has improved. We’re big on encouraging swabs on openings to test for infection, even if they’re dry, so ask your doctor about this. I would also encourage all of our CSUK’ers to ask about a follow-up. Book another appointment with them for a couple of weeks’ time to have your scar reviewed, and if they’re not free, ask about Tissue Viability Nurses (also known as Wound Care Nurses) who can help with caring, covering and packing the scar if necessary.
Tips for C-Section Scar Care During Recovery
There are so so many things you need to know about scar care recovery, so much so that we condensed it all down into our courses.
The Scar Care Mini Course is where you will find guidance on how to clean your scar and what the dressings should look like.