SITZ BATH

SYMPTOMS

You don’t need a doctor’s prescription to have a sitz bath. Some individuals use this everyday to sanitize the perineum. Also, it has an added benefit of improving blood flow to the perineal area. It stimulates fast healing can also relieve the following:

• Itching
• Irritation
• Minor pain

Common reasons why you might want to consider using a sitz bath include:

• Recentsurgery on the vulva or vagina
• After givingbirth
• The recent removal of hemorrhoids
• Discomfort from hemorrhoids
• Discomfort with bowel movements

There is no age limit in doing it. But sitz baths in children need the supervision of adults.

Antibacterial agents such as povidone-iodine can be added in a sitz bath, with the suggestion of a doctor. You can also add table salt, baking soda, or vinegar. These could have a soothing effect.

TREATMENT

Cleaning the tub is the first step in taking a sitz bath in a bathtub.

1. You can clean the tub by using two tablespoons of bleach and combine it with 1/2 gallon of water. Scrub the entire tub using this mixture, and make sure to rinse the tub properly.
2. Next, fill the tub with warm water but make sure that the temperature of the waterwon’t irritate your skin. The level of water should be three to four inches.  Check the temperature if it is comfortable for you. If everything is set, you can add the substances that your doctor has prescribed to you.
3. Now, you can go inside the tub and dip your perineum for 15 to 20 minutes. You can dangle your legs over the sides of the tub to keep them out of the water or you can just bend your knee
4. After 15 to 20 minutes of soaking, you can now get out of the tub and gently pat yourself with a clean towel. Make sure not to rub or scrub your perineum, because it can cause irritation and pain.
5. After the sitz bath, you can now clean the bathtub.

Risk factors and aftercare

Sitz bath is a noninvasive treatment, so there are little concerns that you need to know. The most common side effect that is related to a sitz bath is an infection of the perineum, but this rarely happens. This case can occur when you have surgical wounds and if you don’t clean the tub or plastic bath properly.

If your perineum becomes red and puffy, and you feel itchy or pain, consult your doctor or temporarily stop the sitz bath.

If the effect of sitz bath to you is good, your doctor will surely recommend this to you.