The sitz bath is a bath in which you sit in the water to relieve pain or swelling of the anus or vaginal opening. If you have hemorrhoids, anal fistulas, or have recently given birth and have experienced a tissue tear, your doctor may recommend it. Regardless of the area that needs treatment, a sitz bath is effective in relieving discomfort. Although there are specific tubs and containers that you can use, you can do this type of bath even in a simple tub. This article describes how to proceed.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: in the bathtub
Step 1. Clean the tub
You may be amazed at how dirty this environment you wash yourself in can be! Since you need to do a sitz bath to help heal damaged tissue, you need to make sure the surfaces are sterile.
- Use a bleach-based cleaner to sanitize the tub before soaking.
- Scrub it thoroughly to remove any residue of foam and other soaps that accumulate on the surfaces of the tub.
- When finished, rinse thoroughly to remove both dirt and detergent.
Step 2. Set the water temperature
It is very important that the water in the sitz bath is hot but not boiling; you shouldn't feel uncomfortable and the heat shouldn't cause inflammation or irritation. However, a certain temperature is needed to facilitate the blood supply to the damaged tissues and thus speed up the healing process.
Dip a finger in the water or drop a couple of drops on the sensitive skin of the wrist to check the temperature
Step 3. Fill the tub with 8-10cm of water
Make sure you've closed the cap to keep the water from running out, and then turn on the tap to fill the tub just enough to completely submerge the problem area.
Step 4. If desired, add other soothing ingredients
There is no need to pour in other products, as hot water alone is enough to make you feel better; however, there are substances you can use to treat a variety of ailments. Ask your doctor for advice.
- Salt is a viable solution for any sitz bath, regardless of why you do it. Run some water a little warmer than recommended and add 50 g of salt; mix thoroughly to dissolve it and wait for the temperature of the liquid to drop to a pleasant level.
- If you have a vaginal infection, add 120ml of vinegar to the salt and water solution.
- A herbal product is perfect for treating hemorrhoids, as well as tissue trauma such as those caused by childbirth. Pour 100g of Epsom salt, 30g of baking soda, 30ml of witch hazel, 15ml of olive oil, 8 drops of lavender essential oil and 8 drops of chamomile oil into the water from the sitz bath.
Step 5. Immerse yourself in the tub
Check that the affected area is completely submerged and remains in the water for 15-30 minutes.
If necessary, run more hot water to keep the temperature constant
Step 6. When finished, pat dry
You have to be very gentle with the damaged areas, so don't rub yourself as usual; use a clean, soft cloth, pat and pat the leather until dry.
Be careful not to rub or rub your skin, otherwise you can cause more irritation and damage
Method 2 of 2: with a specific kit
Step 1. Purchase a sitz bath tub
You can find the kit at a drugstore, health supply stores or orthopedics; alternatively, you can easily purchase it online.
Typically, the kit consists of a basin that must be placed on top of the toilet, a bag that contains the washing solution, a plastic tube to spray the water and a clamp to control the flow of the liquid
Step 2. Clean the tray
Even if the kit is brand new, you need to make sure that the damaged tissues are not exposed to possible infections; Thoroughly clean the container with a bleach-based detergent, scrub carefully and rinse thoroughly with water.
Step 3. Prepare the sitz bath
Once the kit is "assembled", you can simply sit back and relax while the liquid does its job; But first, you need to prepare.
- Insert the tube through the hole in the basin which guarantees the circulation of the solution for the duration of the bath; if you are having difficulty, consult the instruction sheet that is included in the package.
- Slide the tube completely to the center of the container and lock it under the tray using the clip provided; again, refer to the instruction diagram if necessary.
- Use the clamp to stop the flow of water through the tube, you must prevent it from starting to flow before you are ready!
- Fill the pouch with warm water or the liquid you want to use to heal damaged skin.
Step 4. Put the tray and bag in place
Make sure the toilet seat is raised and insert the bowl over the inside edge of the toilet bowl. It would be advisable for the bag to be hooked to some support, but the important thing is that it is raised so that the liquid can flow under the force of gravity.
Step 5. Sit on the tub
You probably need to change its position a bit before you feel comfortable; feel free to do this throughout the bathroom, to avoid suffering unnecessary discomfort.
Step 6. Open the hose clamp
In this way, you allow the hot liquid to flow from the bag out of the end of the tube with a vertical spray upwards. Make the necessary adjustments to make sure that the solution is bathing the damaged tissues you want to treat; this means changing your position or that of the tube.
If you have to change the direction of the spray, remember to close the clamp to stop the flow of water, otherwise you will cause a big mess
Step 7. Relax
If you have installed the kit correctly, the solution should flow slowly and not all at once; this means you have a few minutes to relax while the painful area is being washed. Even when the pouch is completely empty and the spray stops, you can simply sit with your genital area soaking for as long as you like.
Step 8. Finally pat dry
You have to be very gentle with the suffering skin, so you don't have to rub yourself as you normally would; use a soft, clean cloth, pat and pat the area until it is completely dry.
