Comparison of the effects of calendula officinalis ointment and turmeric ointment on improvement of episiotomy wound in primiparous women Download PDF

Background and Objectives: Episiotomy is among the common obstetric surgeries with complications, such as inflammation, edema, rupture expansion, and perineal pain. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of calendula officinalis ointment and turmeric ointment on episiotomy wound healing in primiparous women. Methods: This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on 90 primiparous women divided into calendula officinalis ointment, turmeric ointment, and placebo groups each containing 30 women. After delivery, the mothers were required to apply the prescribed ointments to the suture area every 8 hours for 10 days. The study data were collected using Reeda scale. Healing of episiotomy wound was assessed before and 3, 7, 10 and 14 days after the intervention. Then, the data were analyzed using the SPSS statistical software, version 17. Results: The mean scores of wound healing were lower in calendula officinalis ointment and turmeric ointment groups compared to the placebo group. Additionally, a significant difference was found between the calendula officinalis ointment and turmeric ointment groups on days 3, 7, and 10 after delivery (p=0.008, p=0.0012, and p=0.0098, respectively). Accordingly, wound healing was more significant in the calendula officinalis ointment group. Conclusion: Calendula officinalis ointment and turmeric ointment were both effective in healing of episiotomy wound, but calendula officinalis ointment was more efficient in this regard.