The effect of hypericum perforatum oil on the healing process in the care of episiotomy wounds: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

IntroductionWomen, postpartum are especially vulnerable after an episiotomy. Several complications may develop such as perineal pain, discomfort, prolonged wound healing, and infection. This study investigated whether the use of Hypericum perforatum (HP) oil used for wound care for women who had received an episiotomy to facilitate labour could be effective in facilitating healing. MethodsThis controlled single-blind and randomized experimental study with a pretest-posttest design. was conducted in a Training and Research Hospital for Gynecology and Obstetrics in Northern Turkey. The 135 women agreeing to participate in the study were randomised into 3 groups: 45 women who used only Saline Solution (SS), 45 women who were treated with HP oil and 45 women who received routine clinical care after episiotomy, the latter constituted the control group 45 women. A structured information form, REEDA (Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, Approximation) scale and VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) were used for data collection. ResultsThe mean age of women was 22.75 ± 3.19 years. The examination of the REEDA scores showed that HP oil decreased the redness, edema, ecchymosis, and discharge in women with episiotomy. HP oil was also more effective regarding the approximation of the wound edges (p < .05). The women, using HP oil for wound care, statistically reported less pain when compared to the women managed with routine wound care or saline solution (p < .00). ConclusionHP oil may be an effective wound care product which may contributes to improving wound healing in women who have had an episiotomy.