What Is A Sitz Bath & How To Take One

If you feel discomfort near or around the perineum area (the space between the genitals and anus), then you may want to look into learning more about what is a sitz bath and how to take one. It’s a wonderful solution that will help bring you some relief and is quite easy to do at home.

A sitz bath is a round plastic wash basin that comfortably fits over a commode or a toilet seat. You may want to give it a try if you’re experiencing pain, itchiness, or swelling and want a reliable and simple at-home treatment that can help make you feel better. Continue reading to learn more about what a sitz bath is and the recommended steps for taking one:

• A Sitz Bath in Detail

A sitz bath is a therapeutic bath that will heal and cleanse the irritated area on your body. Taking a sitz bath at home may be suitable for you if you’re looking for an effective way to treat conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, prostatitis, genital herpes, and chronic constipation. Another excellent use for it is for after childbirth to help heal tears after a vaginal delivery or for any surgery in the anogenital area. Also, a pediatrician may recommend a sitz bath for children experiencing uncomfortable bowel movements or who have a rash or chafing in this area.

It specifically promotes healing by reducing itching and swelling due to hemorrhoids or fissures. Add any additive of your choice such as Epsom Salt, Witch Hazel, or Baking Soda to it, as to gently cleanse, soak, and heal the area around the perineum. The warm water alone can help boost the healing process and soothe the irritation. However, a sitz bath will also gently clean the area that may be too painful to touch.

• Choosing A Sitz Bath

You can purchase common types of the sitz bath online atmedical supply stores. You may be curious about the equipment itself and how it works. The plastic device rests on top of your toilet seat and has a cutout so that any water that overflows can spill into the toilet. There aremore sophisticated options and kits you can buy that include a plastic bag with a tub to spray water over the perineum or a long hose that you can attach to a faucet for easy filling.

• Selecting Additives that May Help

Warm water alone will promote some healing, but there are also additives you can include that will reduce itching and swelling (as mentioned above). Not only will these home remedies inhibit bacterial growth, but it will also likely reduce the risk of infection. Other ideas include olive oil, herbs, essential oils, and aromatherapy fragrances. However, you want to avoid choosing any products that aren’t intended for use on the skin and may worsen the symptoms.

• Preparing Your Bathroom

The next step is to prepare your bathroom for your sitz bath. You want to be relaxed and not distracted or rushed. Find entertainment or other low-key activities that will help you to feel calm since you may be in the bathroom for some time. A couple of ideas you may want to consider include music, aromatherapy candles, reading materials, or even playing a game on your mobile phone.

Also, make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature for you and not too hot or cold. You’ll want to have extra towels handy to clean up any spills and to dry yourself off. Communicate to others in your household that you’ll be unavailable so that you don’t feel rushed and can complete your sitz bath in peace and quiet.

• Fill the Sitz Bath with Warm Water

Run your faucet water until it’s relatively warm. You’ll want it to help get the blood flowing but not be so warm that it causes your skin to turn red. A good rule of thumb is to use your wrist to test the water temperature because it’s where your skin is the most sensitive and thinnest.

As soon as the temperature is right, add in your ingredients as you fill and swirl the basin. Be careful not to overfill your basin because you still need to carry it over to the toilet. Once you have the basin in place, top it with a few glasses of warm water. It’ll save you from having to get up if the temperature is off.

• Sit Comfortably

Lower yourself onto yourportable sitz bath carefully. If any water is displaced it should spill into the cut-out directly into the toilet. Now is a good time to adjust the water temperature if necessary. If it is comfortable for you, then sit back, relax, and let the sitz bath go to work. You should plan to be seated on the toilet for at least 15 to 20 minutes. You can always add in some additional hot water so you can maintain consistent water temperature.

• Dry

You may have the urge to want to jump up and rush off to your next daily task as soon as the time is up. However, it’s best to get up slowly and allow yourself to recover. You may feel a bit lightheaded after resting in warm water for this amount of time, which is normal. Ideally, you should let the area air dry, otherwise gently pat the area with a clean cotton towel. If you’re dealing with painful open sores, then choose a thin handkerchief versus using a rough terry cloth towel.

Now is a good time to apply any medicated ointment you’re using to control your hemorrhoids, rash, or an anal fissure. You can skip moisturizing as it’s likely not necessary and may irritate an infection if you have one.

• Clean up

The final step in the process is to clean up. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap when you are done. You should also clean your portable bath right away by washing it in hot water and using a mild detergent. It’s usually not recommended you wash your sitz bath in the dishwater.