Can You Buy Dermoplast For PostPartum Pain Relief In Canada?

For new mothers seeking solace from postpartum discomfort, Dermoplast has become a go-to remedy for pain relief in the United States. Fans on Reddit have declared the benzocaine-based pain-relieving, numbing spray "AMAAAAAZING" and "life-saving." But for those in Canada, finding this product can be challenging, as it's rarely stocked in stores, and online sellers often increase the price.

Fortunately, you don't have to suffer without it. We've tapped top experts to share everything you need to know about this product, managing perineal pain, and, most importantly, spotlight readily available Dermoplast alternatives that deliver comfort and care where you need it most.

What is Dermoplast Pain, Burn & Itch Spray?

In the United States, Dermoplast has been a trusted name in topical pain relief for decades. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's Daily Med database, this soothing spray offers swift, temporary relief from the sting of sunburn, the irritation of minor scrapes, the itch of bug bites, and other skin discomforts.

However, this soothing spray has also been used for postpartum pain management. Because it contains benzocaine and menthol, it can help soothe any discomfort in the perineal area after childbirth.

Janice Lee, head of Baby and First Aid for Dermoplast, explains that this spray is very popular in parenting communities and is often known as a "if you know, you know" product that moms share with others.

"It’s commonly dispensed in hospital maternity wards to help soothe and cool pain and discomfort in sensitive, tender areas," she explains.

Is Dermoplast available in Canada?

While Dermoplast is widely available and sold in the United States, but is not typically found on Canadian shelves. This difference stems from distinct regulatory approaches; Health Canada, the country's federal health authority, follows its own careful approval process for products.

Health Canada plays a huge role in regulating health products. The agency is responsible for approving health products, monitoring their safety and quality, developing policies, setting standards, promoting compliance and working with partners to keep Canadians informed and engaged.

These regulatory differences can also affect which ingredients are permitted in Canada. For instance, while benzocaine is included in some Canadian products, it is approved only for oral pain relief rather than for postpartum or general pain relief.

Lidocaine sprays and creams for perineal pain relief

While Dermoplast is not easy to find, parents in Canada can use Lidocaine for postpartum pain relief. In Canada, Lidocaine is available in over-the-counter medications such as Solarcaine, which uses lidocaine as an active ingredient.

According to Dr. Cathleen Brown, a board-certified OB/GYN and senior medical director at Winona, "lidocaine sprays and creams are safe to use for postpartum pain." But she emphasizes that Lidocaine sprays and creams should only be used externally for postpartum pain. "Women should never insert these types of treatments into the vaginal canal," she warns.

"These treatments can be effective because they help soothe pain and irritation transmitted by superficial nerves in the tissue, which can make movement and sitting after delivery more comfortable," says Dr. Brown.

Understanding postpartum perineal pain

Following childbirth, many new moms contend with postpartum pain between the vagina and the anus. This discomfort is especially prevalent after vaginal births, as the perineum stretches dramatically to accommodate the baby's passage, and, at times, may tear or require an incision (called an episiotomy) to relieve the process.

Margaux Isaac LaBillois-Knox, a childbirth educator from New Brunswick, Canada, points out that tearing, episiotomies (with potential suturing complications), hemorrhoids and pelvic floor tightness are all frequent culprits, each linked to the extraordinary pressures of pregnancy and delivery.

Not exclusive to vaginal births

But here's a myth she's eager to dispel: pelvic floor pain isn't exclusive to vaginal births. "Even after cesarean birth,"  she notes, "the pelvic floor endures significant strain throughout pregnancy, which can be worsened by poor breathing techniques, postural misalignment or prolonged inactivity. So, regardless of how your baby arrives, these postpartum challenges can affect anyone."

How bathroom trips exacerbate the issue

For many new moms, the reality of perineal pain truly sets in with their first post-birth bowel movement. "Urinating after delivery can be excruciating, too—sometimes more painful than the birth itself," LaBillois-Knox reveals. "The burning sensation can be shockingly disruptive."

When it comes to bowel movements, the discomfort can be even more daunting. "Pain or instability in the perineum often leads new moms to avoid going to the bathroom for days," she adds.

"This is especially risky for those who've had an epidural or used opioid pain relief, both of which cause constipation. When fear compounds the issue, it can spiral into impacted stool, anal fissures, and even more painful hemorrhoids, making an already difficult recovery that much harder."

How long does postpartum perineal pain last?

LaBillois-Knox says that perineal pain is often at its worst during the first few days after delivery and gradually improves over the following weeks as healing progresses.

"The exact timeline depends on several factors, including whether there was any tearing or episiotomy, how quickly your body heals, and aspects like nutrition, stress and lifestyle," she explains. "The condition of the pelvic floor and the presence of hemorrhoids can also shape your recovery experience, making some journeys a bit more gradual than others."

However, LaBillois-Knox cautions that for some, perineal pain may linger. This is especially true if tears or incisions heal more slowly, or if persistent hemorrhoids or pelvic floor concerns are involved.

"In these situations, you might notice challenges such as urinary or fecal incontinence, ongoing constipation, or difficulties with pelvic floor and core strength," she says. "These experiences can add stress and sometimes make it harder to care for your new baby, or affect your intimate life."

Why is it important to manage postpartum perineal pain for recovery?

LaBillois-Knox highlights the crucial role of addressing postpartum perineal pain, emphasizing that it does not just affect one area. It can ripple through every aspect of a new parent's well-being.

She points out, "From hindering the body's elimination of waste and toxins, to amplifying stress and postpartum mood disorders, and even leading to sexual dysfunction, these seemingly local issues can create waves of disruption in both short and long-term recovery."

LaBillois-Knox goes on to explain that, while perineal pain is often dismissed as a normal postpartum experience, its impact is anything but minor. "I hear about this constantly," she says, "yet many healthcare providers still brush it off, leaving many new parents feeling isolated and unheard."

Non-medicinal postpartum pain relief methods

Dr. Brown suggests reaching for ice packs to ease swelling and wearing loose-fitting, natural-fabric underwear for easier movement and better airflow. She continues, "Patients may also find that sitting on specially designed pillows or cushions can ease discomfort when sitting on chairs or surfaces that place pressure on the sensitive vulvar or perineal tissues after childbirth."

When to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider

It's normal to feel some mild to moderate postpartum pain. However, Dr. Brown says that some symptoms can be warning signs and are cause for immediate concern.

"If a patient notices that her pain is worsening each day instead of improving, or if she feels increased swelling in the area of the vaginal or vulvar tissue accompanying the pain, this should prompt her to seek medical attention immediately, as it may be a sign of a more serious issue."

"This may be a sign of a more serious issue," she explains. "Generally, the worst pain after childbirth—especially from an obstetrical laceration—should occur during the first week after delivery. The pain should improve daily; if it does not improve and is instead getting worse, that is a warning sign."

The bottom line

Caring for perineal pain after childbirth is an important part of feeling comfortable and supporting your body's well-being. While Dermoplast is a go-to for many moms in the United States, it is not available in Canada. 

Instead, Canadian parents have access to a range of effective alternatives. These include Lidocaine-based sprays and creams to simple, non-medicinal methods such as sitz baths, peri bottles, or ice packs.

However, it's important to remember that everyone's postpartum experience is different, shaped by the type of delivery and your body's healing process. If you have any questions or need a bit more guidance, reaching out to your doctor or healthcare provider can be a helpful next step.

Experts

Margaux Isaac LaBillois-Knox is a childbirth educator from New Brunswick, Canada.

Dr. Cathleen Brown is a board-certified OB/GYN and senior medical director at Winona, a leading menopause telehealth company.

Janice Lee is the head of Baby and First Aid for Dermoplast.