The Effects of Alpha® Ointment (Containing Natural Henna) and Betadine® Solution on Episiotomy Healing in Primiparous Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Episiotomy is one of the most common surgical procedures in obstetrics performed in the second stage of labor. Objectives: This study was conducted to compare the effects of Alpha® Ointment in comparison with Betadine® solution on episiotomy healing process. Methods: The present single-blind clinical trial was conducted on 128 eligible women admitted to a university affiliated hospital in Karaj, Iran, in 2015. The subjects were divided into a case group (getting an Alpha® Ointment plus a sitz bath with Betadine® solution) and a control group (getting a sitz bath with Betadine® solution). After delivery, the mothers applied 2 g of Alpha® Ointment on their episiotomy site three times a day. The REEDA scale was used to assess the wound healing process, and the intensity of pain was assessed by measuring pain in the first 24 hours as well as the third and seventh day after delivery. Results: In the first 24 hours after delivery, the two groups were not significantly different in terms of their repair score (P = 0.27), however, the mean REEDA score was 0.25 ± 0.53 on the third day and 0.203 ± 0.47 on the seventh day in the case group, while in the control group, it was 1.32 ± 1.4 and 0.92 ± 1.17, suggesting a significant difference between the groups (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Alpha® Ointment is more effective than Betadine® solution for episiotomy wound healing and pain reduction and can, therefore, be regarded as an appropriate medication for episiotomy wound healing. © 2018, Iranian Red Crescent Medical Journal.