Sitz Bath
Sitz baths are a very traditional form of healing. Essentially an individual's bottom and genital area are submerged in very warm water to increase blood flow to the affected area. The sitz bath can be used with just clean warm water or bath salts, baking soda, or other healing products can be added.
Essentially an individual's bottom and genital area are submerged in hot water for up to 20 minutes. This treatment has been used for centuries, but it has become more popular in the last decade or so with people who have bowel problems or have undergone surgery. The bath helps relax the pelvic floor muscles, reduce bloating, and increase mobility.
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Convenient and Easy
A traditional bathtub can be used as a sitz bath, but that is not always convenient, available, or accessible. Sitz baths are commonly used to aid in the healing of hemorrhoids, anal fissures, post vaginal baby delivery injuries and can often be a soothing treatment for bouts of constipation or diarrhea.
Halo Healthcare offers a wide assortment of small portable sitz baths that are easy to use either with warm water or bath salts to aid in healing. Sitz bath is suggested for a child, or adult with uncomfortable bowel movements.
Types of Sitz Bath
Sitz baths can be warm or cool, or a combination of the two. To flavor the water, you can use salt, baking soda, or vinegar. Itching, pain, and discomfort caused by conditions like hemorrhoids and genital issues can be relieved by taking a warm bath.
When do you take a Sitz Bath
A warm hip bath can increase blood circulation and relax the muscles due to the water temperature alone. Depending on the bath additive, there are additional effects, for example, an anti-inflammatory or skin and mucous membrane caring effect. Basically, the warm hip bath comes into consideration:
- hemorrhoids
- Tears in the skin / mucous membrane of the anus (anal fissures)
- Itching in the genital or anal area
- Inflammation of the skin in the genital and anal area, for example in the case of vaginal inflammation or inflammation of the foreskin
- Bladder infections, especially with urinary retention and pain caused by it
- Psoriasis
- Diaper rash and diaper thrush
The temperature-increasing hip bath is helpful for:
- Anal fissures
- Constipation (constipation)
- recurrent inflammation of the bladder or prostate
- Irritable bladder (overactive bladder with frequent urination)
- Kidney and intestinal colic and kidney stones
- Coccyx pain and muscle tension
- Menstrual cramps (including excessive or absent menstrual bleeding)
Sitz Bath Benefits
- A Sitz bath has been shown to have positive effects on some cases of hemorrhoids, taking care of inflammation without any side effects, while also soothing the pain.
- A sitz bath is often used to cleanse the rectum and vaginal area after urination, bowel movement, intercourse, or menstruation.
- Sitz baths are a great way to soothe the skin in your pelvic region and make you feel more comfortable
- One of the most useful treatments for hemorrhoids is a sitz bath. Sitz baths, also called hip baths, are recommended by doctors because they increase blood circulation to the area and can help with healing. This is because water contains oxygen and other minerals that help repair tissues and make them more flexible. Just like hemorrhoids, sitz baths come with many different variations and may be one of the most inexpensive ways to get relief from the pain and itching associated with this condition.
What do you do with a hip bath?
In a hip bath, only the abdomen and the base of the thighs are covered with water. Special hip bathtub (e.g. as an insert for the toilet) facilitate this position. They are available from specialist sanitary dealers. In principle, a hip bath is also possible in a normal bathtub: To do this, lean your back against the edge of the bathtub and put your legs up, for example on a shower stool. The sink or a large bowl for a hip bath is suitable for toddlers. The body outside of the water should be kept warm during the hip bath (e.g. with bath sheets, blankets, socks).
The following recommendations apply to the water temperature and the duration of the bath:
- A warm hip bath involves bathing for 10 to 15 minutes at a water temperature of around 37 ° C.
- In the hip bath that increases in temperature, more and more warm water is added during the application, so that the temperature slowly rises from 36 ° C to 40 ° C. Here, too, the bathing time is ten to 15 minutes.
- For cold hip baths, a water temperature of around 18 ° C is chosen. The duration of use is significantly shorter than with warm hip baths.
How often should I have a sitz bath?
The most common question people ask is how often is too much. For healthy skin, you should have around one-three sitz baths per week. If you are using it for hemorrhoids or other medical issues, you may need to use the sitz bath more often depending on your situation or symptoms. Some people find relief after just one use, but others find it takes more time before they experience results. Your nurse or doctor can advise you on the best course of action.
Additives for Sitz Bath
Depending on the type of complaint, you choose a suitable bath additive for the hip bath. Examples:
- Chamomile flowers: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and promotes wound healing. Helpful for various inflammatory skin changes, for example the external genital area of ​​women (vulvitis).
- Oak bark extract: The contained tannins have a contracting (astringent) effect on the tissue. Helpful for slight inflammation of the skin as well as burning, oozing and itching such as hemorrhoids.
- Witch hazel (leaves or bark): astringent, anti-inflammatory and analgesic, e.g. for hemorrhoids.
- Potassium permanganate: disinfectant and relieves itching. Often prescribed for diaper rash
Halo Healthcare offers a wide range of sitz baths in Canada and US so you can decide which one is best for you.