If you have been reading birth stories or hospital bag lists, you have probably seen the famous blue can mentioned again and again. Dermoplast postpartum spray is a numbing spray that many hospitals, especially in the United States, hand out after a vaginal birth. In Canada, more and more moms ask about it, and also about gentler, plant-based perineal sprays. So which one should you use on sore skin and stitches? Here is a clear, honest look at both, and how to use either one safely.

Why your perineum needs extra care after birth

The perineum is the area between the vagina and the anus. During a vaginal birth it stretches a lot, and many first-time moms have a tear or a cut (episiotomy) that needs stitches. Even without stitches, the area is often swollen, bruised and tender for days.

Daily care usually includes rinsing with warm water after using the toilet, patting dry, cold packs in the first days, warm sitz baths later, and changing pads or postpartum underwear often. A spray is simply one more tool to make those first weeks more comfortable, with no rubbing on sore skin.

What is Dermoplast, and what does it do?

Dermoplast is a brand of topical spray. Its best-known pain-relieving version contains benzocaine, a local anaesthetic that temporarily numbs the skin, along with menthol for a cooling feeling. Because the can sprays at an angle, it can reach the perineum without touching it.

What moms like about numbing sprays

• Quick, temporary numbing of surface pain, for example before or after using the toilet.
• No touching the stitches or sore area.
• Familiar, since it is often given in hospital in the US.

What to keep in mind

• It numbs, it does not heal. The effect wears off and the spray does not speed up healing.
• Possible skin reactions. Some people are sensitive or allergic to benzocaine and may get redness, itching or burning.
• A rare but serious reaction. Benzocaine products carry a warning about methemoglobinemia, a rare condition that lowers oxygen in the blood. Get help right away if your skin, lips or nails look grey or bluish, or if you feel short of breath, tired or dizzy after using it.
• Read the label. Use it on the outside only, as directed, and do not use more often than the label says.
• Availability varies in Canada. Not every Canadian pharmacy carries the same product. A pharmacist can tell you what is available and whether it suits you.

What is a natural perineal spray?

Natural or plant-based perineal sprays use botanical ingredients to give a fresh, soothing feel instead of numbing the skin. Common ingredients include:

• Witch hazel, a plant extract long used in postpartum care for its cooling, tightening feel. It is the same ingredient found in the witch hazel pads many hospitals use.
• Cucumber extract and aloe, for a fresh, gentle feel on delicate skin.

What moms like about natural sprays

• Gentle, fresh feeling you can use several times a day as part of your routine.
• No anaesthetic, so no numbing, which some moms prefer.
• Simple formulas, often without fragrance, which matters on healing skin.

What to keep in mind

• It will not numb sharp pain. For stronger pain, talk to your care team about pain medicine that is safe for you and for breastfeeding.
• Natural does not mean right for everyone. Check the ingredient list, and stop if you feel stinging or see a rash. Avoid sprays with alcohol or strong essential oils on fresh stitches unless your care provider says otherwise.

Dermoplast vs natural spray: which one is right for you?

• If you want temporary numbing of surface pain in the first days, a benzocaine spray may help, as long as you are not sensitive to it and you follow the label.
• If you want a gentle, fresh feeling several times a day without numbing, a plant-based spray is a good fit.
• Some moms use both: a numbing spray for the toughest first days, then a natural spray as they heal. Ask your doctor, midwife or pharmacist if you are unsure.

Whatever you choose, a spray works best as part of a full routine, not on its own.

How to use a perineal spray safely on stitches

1. Wash your hands before and after.
2. Rinse first. After using the toilet, rinse the area with warm water from a perineal bottle, front to back.
3. Pat dry gently with a clean, soft cloth or toilet paper. Do not rub.
4. Spray from a short distance, on the outside only. Never spray inside the vagina.
5. Let it dry for a moment, then put on a fresh pad or postpartum underwear.
6. Follow the label for how often to use it, and stop if it stings, burns or causes a rash.

Cold also helps a lot in the first 24 to 72 hours. If you like the idea of DIY ice pads, our guide to padsicles and a reusable alternative explains how to make and use them safely.

Our gentle option: the Terra Mama Perineal Care Mist

We created the Terra Mama Perineal Care Mist ($20.99 CAD) for moms who want a gentle, plant-based spray for their daily routine. It is formulated with witch hazel and cucumber extract for a fresh, comfortable feel on delicate skin. It is made without parabens, propellants or synthetic fragrance.

The bottle sprays from different angles, including upside down, so you can soothe your stitches between care sessions without wiping or rubbing. It is not a numbing spray, so it is meant for comfort and freshness, not for blocking pain. The mist is also included in our Ultimate Postpartum Kit, along with a perineal bottle, a hot and cold perineal pack and other recovery essentials.

When to call your doctor or midwife

Soreness should slowly get better day by day. Call your doctor or midwife, or 811 for health advice (Info-Santé in Quebec), if you notice:

• Pain or swelling around your stitches that is getting worse instead of better
• Stitches that seem to open, or a wound that is red, hot or leaking pus
• Discharge or bleeding that smells bad, or a fever of 38 °C or higher
• Trouble peeing or having a bowel movement
• A rash, burning or itching after using any spray

Call 911 if you soak a pad in an hour or less, feel faint or very dizzy, have trouble breathing, or notice your lips or skin turning grey or blue.

Quick answers

Is Dermoplast safe to use postpartum?

Many moms use benzocaine sprays after birth, on the outside only and as directed. If you have allergies, are unsure, or are breastfeeding and have questions, check with your pharmacist, doctor or midwife first.

Can I use a natural perineal spray on stitches?

Yes, a gentle spray without alcohol or strong fragrance is usually fine on the outside of healing stitches. Stop if it stings or causes a rash.

How often can I use a perineal spray?

Follow the product label. Many moms use a gentle spray after each trip to the toilet, after rinsing and patting dry.

Terra Mama supports Canadian moms with recovery essentials designed for comfort, care and peace of mind in the weeks after birth. Explore more at terramama.ca. This article is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or midwife.