Global wound healing management in post-caesarean and post-episiotomy with specific skincare

Even if the use of adapted cleanser and moisturizer in post-caesarean and post-episiotomy is commonly practiced to help wound healing, reduce discomfort sensations, and prevent scar, few studies are performed. The aim of this study was to evaluate new dermocosmetic cleanser and cream, mainly formulated with ingredients naturally present in the skin.

First, a corneometry was performed on the forearm of 9 subjects with dry skin to evaluate the moisturizing effect of the cleanser before (D0) and after 28 days (D28) vs. control. Then, an intra-individual clinical study was performed on 21 females in post-caesarean and post-episiotomy (mean aged 30 years, phototype III to VI) to evaluate its immediate and D28 effectiveness and its organoleptic qualities. On top, a non-comparative true-life study on 22 subjects (mean age 28 years, phototype I to V) was run with the cream on the massage of post-caesarean and post-episiotomy scars in remodeling phase during 14 days. We evaluated the global assessments (5-point scale, Vancouver Scar Scale [VSS]), skin colorimetry (chromameter) and scar thickness (ultrasound system).

The cleanser significantly increased skin hydration by +17% on D28 vs. D0 vs. the untreated area. In addition, all subjects appreciated the gentle cleansing and the ease of rinsing, and 95% appreciated the enveloping and creamy texture which avoids friction on the weakened area, and the remaining protective film. From the first application, they found their skin moisturized (95%), soothed (100%) and purified (100%). On D28, for 100% of them, their skin was soft and protected, with a restored skin comfort. Finally, the clinical trial with the cream shows significant decrease of scar color (-34%), scar pigmentation (-32%), thickness (-31%), vascularity (-49%), pliability (-46%), and VSS total score (-39%) at D14. In addition, a significant improvement of the skin lightness (+6%), redness (-23%), skin color homogeneity through delta E (-28%), and a decrease of scar marks was noticed, as well as the scar thickness at D14 vs. D0. For both products, the tolerance was very good.