The effect of infrared lamp therapy on episiotomy wound restorative besides pain relief among post-partum women

Abstract

Pregnancy and labor are exceptional occasions in women’s lives. Post-delivery is a very decisive period for compassionate woman who had under gone episiotomy which is a throbbing and disquiet procedure during this time. So, the aim of this study was to appraise the effect of infrared lamp therapy on episiotomy wound restorative besides pain relief among post-partum women. Post-partum women who apply infrared lamp therapy on episiotomy display faster wound restorative besides pain relief than those who do not. A non-randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 80 post-partum mothers having normal vaginal delivery with episiotomy who were admitted in Maternity ward at the National Medical Institute of Damanhour City. Women were randomly allocated in two groups. Where, every odd number was assigned to control group (receiving only normal routine care) and every even number was assigned to study group (applying infrared lamp therapy and normal routine care). Data were collected through a structured interview schedule, observational checklist for REEDA Scale and self-reported Numerical Pain Rating Scale. Restorative takes place within 4 days and the REEDA total Score was statistically significant. So, the study concluded that, infrared lamp therapy is an appropriate way of management episiotomy wound among women at puerperium. The study recommended that joining infrared therapy as a main part of post-partum instructions for the women for its imperative role in improving quality of life during post-partum period.

Effect of Dry Heat Application on Perineal Pain and Episiotomy Wound Healing among Primipara Women

“…The author further added that dry heat is superior due to the fact that it continues for a longer duration than a moist one, keeps the wound dry, and improves healing. The present finding is also consistent with the study done by El-Lassy and Madian [ 24 ]; who found that the pain mean score was statistically significantly lower after the application of infrared lamp therapy among the study group than the control one. In addition, Gomathi et al [ 25 ] reported that the infrared light application was effective in relieving pain levels among postnatal mothers.…”

A Literature Review on Postpartum Perineal Wound Care: Epidemiology, Impact, and Future Interventions

“…One of the main concerns of health workers during the puerperium is to provide comfort to the mother, help relieve pain and prevent infection. Therefore, improving episiotomy wound healing is one of the main concerns after normal delivery [1]. With regard to nonpharmacological methods, common practice is the use of ice packs, and the application of heat.…”

“…The use of infrared therapy has proven to be able to improve the condition of the wound. Infrared therapy is an appropriate surrogate intervention for those with episiotomy injuries and has biologic results in cutaneous vasodilation due to the release of chemical vasodilators, histamine, and parallel materials, along with potential direct consequences on blood vessels [1].…”

“…Procedure technique: Infrared lamp was used for research subjects in the study group located at a distance of 45 cm from the perineum and heat emitted with 220 volts was used for 10-15 min; then, the level of pain was assessed directly. Due to the mixture of high penetration rate in the skin and absorbed, light is beneficial to promote wound healing, tissue repair, and skin rejuvenation [1]. In the results of the study, it was stated that infrared therapy is a treatment method on the perineum by utilizing the effect of 245 volt infrared rays, at a distance of 45-50 cm with a duration of 10-15 min will have an impact on providing comfort and reduce pain in perineal wounds [8].…”

“…This condition will aggravate the degree of perineal injury and its treatment. The period when after the mother gives birth to the placenta kala III, the mother will enter a recovery period called the post-Natal period [1].…”