Typically women who have had a c section are told everything they need to do to enhance the healing of their scar. But then you notice a large sore bump near or on your scar you start to panic about infection and illness whilst you have a newborn. Don’t worry, you could have an ingrown hair on your c section scar.
Ingrown Hair on C Section Scar – How To Relieve It
Can you get an ingrown hair on your c section scar? Unfortunately yes, ingrown hairs are most common in areas where the hairs are thick, coarse, and curly. They are typically harmless but if left can cause bacteria build-up and infection. C section scars are more susceptible to ingrown hairs as the incision is generally low enough within the bikini line area.
What Is An Ingrown Hair?
Suffering from ingrown hair is common and can affect both males and females. If you are a person that shaves as part of your hair removal routine then you could find that as the hair grows back little and sometimes painful spot like welts can appear.
Basically for hair to be ingrown it needs to start to penetrate the skin but rather than growing outward it curls and grows back on itself. Having ingrown hair can typically appear anywhere on the body but is more common where your hair is naturally curly.
According to WebMD dead skin can clog hair follicles making the direction of hair growth alter. A hair growing sideways is more prone to becoming ingrown than from just shaving.
How Do Ingrown Hairs Affect C Section Scars
Whether you are reading this postpartum or before delivery, knowing what to do if you end up with ingrown hair can help reduce infection and irritation.
Whether you have shaved, waxed, or used tweezers your pubic hair will always grow back after a c section. You will notice that the scar itself may not have hair but the skin around it can be subjected to the annoying ingrown kind.
Ingrown hairs are prone in areas where the hair is naturally thicker and coarse. Your bikini line is the most common area to find them. They can create irritation and cause you pain whereas others are completely painless and can go unnoticed.
As your c section scar is fairly close to your pubic hair line it can be more susceptible to ingrown hairs than you would like!
As if you haven’t been through enough, these pesky ingrown hairs have the ability to cause infection. If your bumps are becoming bigger, more painful, or puss filled then you may need to seek advice from your doctor to help with any infection.
If you notice an ingrown hair on c section incision then you need to be careful when removing it as anything abrasive can cause detrimental effects to your healing process. If left then the inflammation could widen the scar tissue as well as cause infection. This is why it is best to relieve ingrown hairs as soon as you notice them.
How To Remove Ingrown Hair On C Section Scar ?
Ok so you have just had major abdominal surgery, brought the most amazing little person in the world and now you are staring at a painful ugly welt that is causing or could cause you more pain which could become infected!
Treatment Tips
To remove your ingrown hair on C section scar, you can follow a few ways like warm compress, gentle wiping, even taking a break.
I know you are thinking, “after what I have just endured, a little hair is not going to cause much trouble.”
Whilst I totally understand where you are coming from it is important to try and eradicate any ingrown hairs that appear as soon as you notice them. Read below to check out some treatment options:
- Warm Compress: Using a warm (not hot) compress against your scar can help alleviate the pressure build-up inside an ingrown hair pimple. Doing this a few minutes everyday for 7-10 days should help it to dissolve itself. Make sure to clean the area around your ingrown hair with warm water and soap. This will help to open up the pores and make it easier for the warm compress to work.
- Gentle Wiping: It is so important not to use anything rough against your scar during its healing process but giving the abrasion a gentle yet firm rub can dislodge the hair causing you discomfort. Remember don’t be too rough, your body is already doing plenty to heal your incision.
- Take a Shaving Break: Listen this may put you way out of your comfort zone but taking a hair removal break can help your pubic hair to gain length and is less likely to grow inward.
- Seek Medical Advice: If you would rather see your doctor about it then you surely can! They are totally used to women seeking their advice after c sections so you won’t be the only one!
- Don’t dig at it! If you have an ingrown hair, especially on your c section scar then it is best to not pick or poke at it. And certainly do not try and pop it!
- Let it Breathe: As your ingrown hair is on or very near your c section scar it is best to try and avoid wearing any tight fitting clothes as these can rub against it and cause further irritation.
- Keep it Clean: In the same way as you are taking care of your c section scar by keeping it clean, your ingrown hair needs the same care.
It is important that you never apply any creams or hair-dissolving products directly to your scar! You need to give your incision the best possible chance of healing and applying perfumed or harsh chemical-induced products can cause damage and prolong the healing process.
Recommended by Our Experts:
Using the Romfox Warm Compress Pillow for stopping the C Section scar’s hair growth
It Will:
- Open up the pores and hair follicles of your scar.
- Help to soothe any inflammation or irritation that may be present on your scar area.
- Loosen any scar tissue that may be causing the ingrown hair.
Instructions:
- Use as warm (not hot)
- Use for 7-10 days
- Clean the scar area properly before & after using
What Happens if Ingrown Hair of C Section is Left Untreated?
An ingrown hair doesn’t always need treatment, it can usually clear up on its own after a few weeks. However, having an ingrown hair on c section scar could be more painful than if it were cited elsewhere on the body.
If you suspect infection then you may notice the following:
- Pus bubbles- These are small, fluid-filled sacs that can form around the ingrown hair, indicating an infection.
- Discoloration- The skin around the ingrown hair might change color, becoming red, dark, or even purple.
- Red and sore- Inflammation and irritation can cause the area around the ingrown hair to become red and sore to touch.
- Hot to touch- If the skin around the ingrown hair feels warm or hot to touch, this might indicate an underlying infection.
- Painful- Ingrown hairs can be quite uncomfortable, causing pain and tenderness around the affected area.
How Will My Doctor Help you with Ingrown Hair on the C Section Scar?
Now that we know how to remove ingrown hair on c section scar, it is important to know how can a doctor help. Your doctor will be able to correctly diagnose the fact it is an ingrown hair and not an infection in your scar tissue once you have had the correct diagnosis they can prescribe you with
- Antibiotics to help clear infection
- Sanitize the area under the correct controls not to affect your scar healing.
- Follow-up appointments can be scheduled to ensure no signs of infection are lingering.
Once you have finished your antibiotics or your doctor has made the best treatment plan for your situation you should see signs of improvement after a week or so.
Practical Tips for Maintaining a Healthy C-Section Scar
Taking proper care of your c-section scar is essential for a smooth healing process and to minimize the risk of complications.
As a mother who has experienced five pregnancies, I understand firsthand the challenges and concerns that come with recovering from a c-section. I’ve been there, and I’ve learned the importance of proper care and attention to ensure a healthy and smooth healing process for my c-section scars.
Here are some effective ways to maintain a healthy c-section scar:
- Keep the area clean and dry: Gently clean your scar with mild soap and water daily, then pat it dry with a clean towel. Avoid scrubbing or rubbing the area too hard, as this can irritate the incision. Keeping the area clean will help prevent infection and promote healing.
- Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing: Tight or restrictive clothing can rub against your scar, causing irritation and slowing the healing process. Choose clothes made of soft, breathable materials like cotton, which allow your skin to breathe and help prevent excessive sweating and moisture build-up.
- Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities: Give your body time to heal by avoiding activities that put strain on your abdominal muscles or incision site. Listen to your doctor’s recommendations on when it’s safe to resume regular activities and exercise.
- Monitor for signs of infection: Regularly check your scar for redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge. If you notice any of these signs or if you develop a fever, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- Use silicone sheets or gel: Once your scar has fully closed and your doctor gives you the go-ahead, you can consider using silicone sheets or gel to help reduce the appearance of your scar. These products have been shown to improve the texture, color, and overall appearance of scars by keeping the area hydrated and protected.
- Practice gentle scar massage: Once your incision has healed, gently massaging the scar can help break up scar tissue, improve blood circulation, and promote the healing process. Always consult with your doctor before starting scar massage to ensure it’s safe for your specific situation.
- Protect your scar from the sun: Exposure to sunlight can cause your scar to darken and become more noticeable. Once your incision has healed, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to the area when spending time outdoors. You should also consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat or clothing that covers the scar.
- Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet: Proper hydration and nutrition play a vital role in wound healing. Ensure you’re drinking plenty of water and eating a well-balanced diet that includes lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. These nutrients support your body’s ability to heal and repair itself.
- Follow your doctor’s advice: Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on how to care for your c-section scar. Be sure to follow these guidelines closely and reach out to your doctor if you have any concerns or questions.
Remember, every person’s healing journey is unique, so be patient with yourself and give your body the time and care it needs to recover fully.
Mom’s Guide to Skin TLC Post-C-Section ❤️
| Aspect | Tip |
| Incision Care | Clean gently & keep dry. |
| Dressing | Change daily with clean hands. |
| Scar Cream | Ask the doc post a few weeks. |
| Clothing Choice | Loose & comfy. |
| Activity Level | Gentle & easy. |
| Sleep & Diet | Plenty of both. |
| Stress Management | Find your zen. |
| Doctor Visits | Regularly. |
| Skin Care | Gentle cleanse & moisturize. |
1. Incision First Aid ?
C-section is major league, and so is the healing. Remember to keep that incision clean and dry. A gentle touch with mild soap and water, followed by patting it dry with a soft towel, does wonders. And oh, don’t forget to switch the dressing regularly.
2. Minimize Scar Appearance ?
Some weeks post C-section, it’s wise to introduce a scar cream. They’re magic in a tube to help diminish the scar. But, here’s the trick: get a nod from your doc first.
3. Wear Like a Mother ?
Our post-C-section wardrobe? Loose, comfy, and breathable. Tight clothes? They’re out of the picture for a while.
4. Rest, Eat, Repeat ??
Nothing beats a solid 8-hour snooze and a plateful of wholesome food. Healing from the inside out, that’s the game.
5. Keeping Stress at Bay ?
We all know the drill, don’t we? A sprinkle of meditation, a dash of yoga, and voila – a recipe for stress-free healing.
6. The Check-In Game ?‍⚕️
Remember to pop in for your postpartum check-ups. Our doctors are our best allies during recovery.
7. All Things Soft and Gentle
A moisturizer meant for sensitive skin and a soft cleansing ritual are gold for keeping our incision site in top shape.
8. Posture, Posture, Posture
Straight back, head up. It’s not just elegance, it’s healing-promotion. Good posture means less strain on our precious incision.
9. Magic of the Scar Cream ?
A few weeks post your C-section, consider using a scar cream. It’s like concealer but for scars. Ask your doc about which ones to go for.
10. Moisturizing and Cleansing ?
Postpartum skin can sometimes feel like the Sahara. Clean gently and moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!
In Summary ?
| Dos | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Clean your incision gently | Avoid tight clothing |
| Opt for warm compress | No harsh chemicals on the scar |
| Gentle massages (when healed) | Skip the super hot baths |
| Keep it hydrated with moisturizers | Don’t stress, keep calm |
| Follow your doc’s advice | Avoid touching the scar unnecessarily |
Wrapping Up
To conclude, finding ingrown hair on a c section scar is not the end of the world.
Of course, you would never wish to have one especially after undergoing a c section but these things happen and are usually harmless. If you notice that there could be ingrown hairs along your scar then my best advice would be to seek advice from the doctor before attempting anything yourself.
Your body is recovering after the birth of your beautiful baby so putting it under any extra pressure or stress is definitely not recommended. Not only that but your once blooming bump is now contracting to its original size and your uterus is returning to its prime position in the body so poking and prodding yourself may not be what the doctor ordered.
Remember to give yourself a break. No one will know if you take a break from your shaving routine, be kind to your skin, body, and mind.