HELP! MY EPISIOTOMY SCAR STILL HURTS!

My daughter just turned two, but the scar from the episiotomy I had during her birth still bothers me. It's tough to even wear shorts since they have a tendency to ride up and irritate the area. How can I ease the discomfort?

There is an amazing remedy from Australia that's four times better than vitamin E at softening scar tissue and reducing the tender bumpiness and super-dry patches that can linger on an episiotomy scar for years. It's called emu oil, and it is high in skin-nourishing fats (like the fatty acids linolenic acid and oleic acid) that have anti-inflammatory and deeply penetrative moisturizing properties. Simply massage the affected area with the oil two or three times daily. The lubricating action should instantly lessen irritation from clothing or sitting, and you'll see a significant reduction in discomfort and scarring in four to six weeks.

It's also worth noting that, in addition to it's skin-healing power, emu oil has anti-microbial properties, making it effective a prevention episiotomy scarring and infections if applied in the weeks following delivery. One to try: Emu Essence Naturals Pure Emu Oil ($17 for 2oz., at UniquelyEmu.com or call 888-383-9513).

By: Elizabeth Gunther Stewart, M.D., FACOG
First Magazine 06/30/2008

EMU OIL FORTIFIES AND SOOTHES SKIN

Natural, Odorless emu oil contains a rare combo of linolenic acid, linoleic acid and oleic acid, a skin-softening trio that's easily absorbed. And unlike emollients such as baby oil, emu oil penetrates deeply because it lacks phospholipids, compounds that cling to skin's outermost layer. Plus, studies show that oleic acid reduces body levels of TNF-alpha, a skin-damaging biochemical seen in higher levels among Sjogren's patients.One product to apply as needed: Emu Essence Naturals Pure Emu Oil ($25 for 4oz., at UniquelyEmu.com). Bonus: Emu oil's linolenic acid is a natural painkiller shown to ease muscle aches within minutes of application.

First Magazine 04/20/2009