Yeast Infection In C-Section Incision- Signs & Treatments
C-section delivery may be quite hard on a new mother’s body. A C-section is a serious procedure that can have effects on your health that you did not anticipate, all while taking care of a newborn with unique requirements.
For any mother, it may be an extremely stressful period, both physically and psychologically.
Antibiotics are frequently given during a C-section to help prevent any infection that could arise after the procedure. Antibiotics are a very efficient way to reduce postoperative infections since they operate by eliminating germs in the body.
However, they are also known to destroy both beneficial and dangerous bacteria, upsetting the body’s delicate equilibrium. Hence, it is typical to get thrush, a vaginal yeast infection, and yeast infection in a C-Section incision scar after taking an antibiotic course.
Yeast Infection – What Is It?
Our bodies are covered in a form of fungus called yeast. Our mouths, intestines, and vagina are just a few areas in the body where yeast may be found growing. Yeast develops candidiasis, or a yeast infection when it overgrows and invades a bodily component.
People typically first associate a yeast infection with the vagina. However, that’s not correct. Other areas of the body may also be impacted by a yeast infection. According to health experts, yeast infection grows best in warm, wet conditions such as surgical wounds, diaper areas, and the vagina. So this means that yeast infection may develop anywhere, and not only in the vagina.
Three out of four women say they have experienced a yeast infection. In the case of vaginal yeast infection, the vagina and vulva of a person become extremely itchy and burning. Furthermore, vaginal discharge is frequently experienced.
Although candidiasis might be more likely to develop after having sex, mind that vaginal yeast infection is not a sexually transmitted illness. There is a possibility that a vaginal yeast infection will return if you have already had one. Women who are pregnant are also more prone to get a yeast infection.
Besides developing in the vagina, yeast infection usually occurs on the C-section incision scars
Common Symptoms of Yeast Infection on C-Section Incision
Several indications identify the presence or progression of yeast infection. Among these signs are:
- Swelling or redness around the incision, along with some discomfort
- Increased stomach discomfort following childbirth
- Pus or wound drainage
- High fever
- Inability to pass urine due to excruciating searing pain
- A constant flow of blood may also be uncomfortable
- Vaginal bleeding that may seem like blood clots or blobs
- Leg swelling and excruciating discomfort
- Dry skin that itches
- A faint odor emanated from the scar
Yeast Infection Treatment Options
Antibiotics can be used to treat a yeast infection after a C-section. Consult your doctor for the proper medical treatment or medical care, and avoid buying over-the-counter medicines.
Yeast infection in C-section wounds is unfortunately rather prevalent. But there’s no need to worry. Your C-section will heal successfully if your healthcare provider prescribes the right medications and you take good care of the incision.
Yeast Infection Prevention Tips
We can all agree that prevention is better than cure, and thankfully, there are several things you can do to lower your risk of experiencing this infection. Please keep in mind that even the finest precautions may result in a yeast infection on your C-section for some of you, but it’s worth trying to reduce your risk.
1. Observe Proper Personal Hygiene
One thing that is always important is hygiene. Keep your skin clean, especially where you had the incision. As soon as you leave the hospital, take care of it and keep it clean as instructed by the medical staff. Additionally, perfumed sprays, lotions, and bath products should be avoided in this region.
2. After A Shower, Thoroughly Dry Your Skin
Following a shower, you should concentrate on thoroughly drying your skin. Dry it with a fresh towel, and then let the area air dry. To make sure the skin surrounding the incision is completely dry, you can also use a hairdryer in the cold setting.
3. Include Healthy Bacteria In Your Diet
Since we now know so much about gut health, you can help yourself by repopulating your body with healthy bacteria. You may give yourself a great dose of the beneficial things to keep you healthy by eating more yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, and other fermented and fortified foods.
4. Dress Comfortably
Your clothing is also important. You can encourage a yeast infection to spread to your c-section scar if you wear tight clothing for an extended period of time. So make sure what you wear is loose and airy.
5. Up Your Vitamin C Intake
Your immune system will benefit greatly from vitamin C while you fight off the overgrowth of Candida. Vitamin C should be in your prenatal vitamin, which you should continue taking after giving birth, but you can also take an additional supplement.
6. Take Good Care Of Yourself
Please get some sleep. I know it’s difficult to manage a young child and even more so when you have several of them. But do take out some time for yourself and exercise. With this, consume nourishing foods most of the time.
Conclusion
For many men and women, having a yeast infection is a miserable experience. Most people believe that a yeast infection solely has an impact on the vagina. However, a yeast infection can also appear elsewhere, such as in open wounds.
A C-section incision might develop a yeast infection if it is not properly cared for. Itching, swelling, redness, and pus are symptoms of a yeast infection. High fevers and other symptoms of illness can also affect mothers who have yeast infections.
Medical attention is necessary for yeast infections. To treat the illness, your doctor will probably recommend antibiotics. Additionally, they can advise probiotics and good cleanliness to hasten your recuperation.
Although having a C-section provides advantages, it’s important to be aware of any hazards as well. People who have had a C-section frequently get infections. You can get rid of any type of fungus or yeast with the right care and treatment.
Faqs:
How do you treat fungal infections after C-sections?
You will be given oral antibiotics to take at home if you are being treated as an outpatient for fungal infections. Abscesses that are caused by wounds are also treated with intravenous antibiotics and need special care. Your doctor will cut into the infected area, then open the cut and drain the pus in antifungal treatment.
Can you get a yeast infection in a skin fold?
Skin folds beneath the breasts or the abdomen region are common sites for skin yeast infections. Yeast may more easily overgrow in the warm, moist regions of the skin folds. The groin and armpits are two other areas of the body where yeast infections may occur.
What does skin infection look like on C-sections?
The area surrounding the cut is red. Anomalous incision-area swelling Leakage of fluid from the wound. Increased or persistent discomfort at the location of the injury
Reference:
https://www.healthline.com/health/vaginal-yeast-infection
https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/understanding-vaginal-yeast-infection-basics