Perineal trauma, including episiotomy and first- or second-degree perineal tears, is a common postpartum condition associated with pain and delayed wound healing after vaginal birth. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of boric acid wet dressing on postpartum perineal wound healing and pain compared with normal saline wet dressing and routine perineal care. Ninety-one women with perineal trauma are randomly assigned to one of three study groups. The primary outcome is perineal wound healing assessed using the REEDA Scale. Secondary outcomes include general and activity-related perineal pain assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Inclusion Criteria:
Women aged 18 years or older. Vaginal birth with episiotomy or first- or second-degree perineal tear. No signs or symptoms of vaginal infection. No pregnancy or postpartum complications requiring additional treatment. Able to communicate in Turkish. Willing to participate and provide written informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria:
Third- or fourth-degree obstetric perineal tears. No perineal trauma after vaginal birth. Presence of vaginal infection. Pregnancy or postpartum complications requiring medical treatment. Inability to communicate in Turkish. Withdrawal of consent during the study. Failure to complete follow-up assessments.
Participants in this group received a 2% boric acid wet dressing applied to the perineal trauma area for 15 minutes, twice daily. The application was initiated in the hospital and continued for two days following discharge
Participants in this group received a 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) wet dressing applied to the perineal trauma area for 15 minutes, twice daily. The application protocol was identical to the boric acid group
Participants in this group followed the standard clinical routine of the facility, which consists of keeping the perineal area clean and dry. They received only perineal hygiene education without any wet dressing application
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)