How to Clean an Episiotomy or Perineal Tear Stitch the Right Way
The short answer: the right way to care for an episiotomy wound is to rinse it with warm water from a peri-bottle, dry it with a pat-dry technique, and soak it in a sitz bath to reduce pain and speed up healing.
An episiotomy incision or tear at the base of the perineum needs to be kept clean to prevent infection.
Steps for Clean, Thorough Washing
- Warm Water Rinse: Avoid high-pressure shower sprays. Instead, fill a peri-bottle with warm water and spray from front to back, especially while you are passing urine.
- Pat Dry with a Soft Towel: Press a soft towel vertically to absorb moisture. Don’t wipe or rub the stitches — it can damage them.
- Sitz Bath / Warm-Water Soak: Doctors commonly recommend soaking in warm water, sometimes with Epsom salts, to reduce stinging in the pelvic floor muscles.
Don’t Change Position Suddenly
Change position — including crossing your legs — carefully and slowly. Sudden movements can snap the stitches under force and slow down the healing process.
When to See a Doctor
If you are unsure whether your wound is healing well, or if the pain is getting worse and interfering with your daily movement, don’t wait — see your doctor or midwife for a check-up. Understanding how to push effectively during normal delivery, including the panting technique during crowning, can help reduce the degree of tearing. If you gave birth by caesarean, the C-section wound care guide covers a different set of post-birth wound management steps.
This article is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult your doctor or midwife.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct way to wash an episiotomy wound?
Rinse the wound with warm water using a peri-bottle, from front to back, and avoid high-pressure shower sprays. Do this while you are passing urine.
Can I wipe or rub my stitches when drying them?
No. Use the pat-dry technique — press a soft towel vertically to absorb moisture. Avoid wiping or rubbing the stitches, as this can damage them and slow down healing.
What is a sitz bath used for after an episiotomy?
Doctors commonly recommend warm-water soaking (a sitz bath) — sometimes with Epsom salts — to reduce stinging and support healing of the pelvic floor muscles.
What should I avoid during confinement with stitches?
Avoid changing position suddenly, such as crossing your legs in a hurry, because it can cause the stitches to tear or snap under force.