Topic: Hot Sitz Bath

At the conclusion of the 15-minute session, the client will be able to:

1. Define Hot Sitz Bath and its purpose accurately.

A sitz bath is a warm, shallow bath that cleanses the perineum, which is the space between the
rectum and the vulva or scrotum. A sitz bath can also provide relief from pain or itching in the
genital area.

You can give yourself a sitz bath in your bathtub or with a plastic kit that fits over your toilet.
This kit is a round, shallow basin that often comes with a plastic bag that has long tubing on the
end. This bag can be filled with warm water and used to safely fill the bath via the tubing. The
basin is slightly larger in size than a standard toilet bowl so it can be easily and securely placed
underneath the toilet seat to allow you to remain seated while taking a sitz bath.

2. Distinguish the benefits of Hot Sitz Bath thoroughly.

A sitz bath doesn’t require a doctor’s prescription. Some people use sitz baths regularly as a way
to cleanse the perineum. In addition to its use in cleansing, the sitz bath’s warm water increases
blood flow to the perineal area. This can promote faster healing. A sitz bath also relieves:

 itching
 irritation
 minor pain
Common reasons why you might want to consider using a sitz bath include:

 recently having surgery on the vulva or vagina

 recently having given birth
 recently having hemorrhoids surgically removed
 having discomfort from hemorrhoids
 having discomfort with bowel movements
 Both children and adults can use sitz baths. Parents should always supervise their
children during a sitz bath.

Doctors sometimes prescribe medications or other additives to put in a sitz bath. An example is
povidone-iodine, which has antibacterial properties. Adding table salt, vinegar, or baking soda to
the water can also create a soothing solution. But you may take a sitz bath using only warm
water.
 People turn to sitz baths during the postpartum period for:

 pain relief, including from an episiotomy or hemorrhoids

 increased blood flow, which can promote healing
 relaxation
 cleansing
 itch relief

3. Familiarize the procedures and techniques for Hot Sitz Bath efficiently.
If you’re taking a sitz bath in the bathtub, the first step is to clean the tub.

1 Clean the tub by mixing 2 tablespoons of bleach with 1/2 gallon of water. Scrub the bathtub
and rinse thoroughly.
2 Next, fill the tub with 3 to 4 inches of water. The water should be warm, but not hot enough
to cause burns or discomfort. You can test the temperature of the water by placing a drop
or two on your wrist. When you’ve found a comfortable temperature, add any substances
your doctor recommended to the bath.
3 Now, step into the tub and soak your perineum for 15 to 20 minutes. Bend your knees or, if
possible, dangle your legs over the sides of the tub to keep them out of the water
altogether.
4 When you get out of the bathtub, gently pat yourself dry with a clean cotton towel. Don’t
rub or scrub the perineum, as this may cause pain and irritation.
5 Finish by rinsing the bathtub thoroughly.

4. Determine the contraindications of Hot Sitz Bath carefully.

A sitz bath carries very little risk of harm because it’s a noninvasive treatment. The most common
adverse event associated with sitz baths is infection of the perineum, but this rarely occurs. This may
happen if you’re caring for a surgical wound and don’t clean the tub or plastic bath thoroughly.

Stop using sitz baths and contact your doctor if the pain or itching worsens, or if your perineum
becomes red and puffy.

If sitz baths bring you relief, your doctor will probably recommend taking three or four per day until the
source of the itching, irritation, or pain is healed. After you’ve had a sitz bath, you may immediately
return to normal activities unless your doctor has told you otherwise.
 4. Recognize considerations and implications of Hot Sitz Bath in postpartum care and management
appropriately.
 Try keeping the bathroom warm and/or covering parts of your body not being exposed
to the water.
 Keep a stack of clean, inexpensive washcloths near the toilet or bath tub for drying after
the sitz bath since things can be messy with postpartum bleeding. (Make sure to pat dry
instead of rubbing.)
 Use an electric kettle or slow cooker plugged in nearby (in a safe location) to keep a
supply of warm water ready if desired.
 Give yourself a baby-free space to relax. Ask others to watch your new bundle of joy
while you take your sitz bath. If you need to have your baby join you, arrange a
comfortable spot for your baby in the bathroom, so you won’t have to disrupt your sitz
bath to check on them.
 Add Epsom salt or herbs to your water to make extra healing concoctions.

Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M.D. — Written by Debra Stang — Updated on March 7, 2019.
Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/sitz-bath#risks-and-aftercare

Medically reviewed by Carolyn Kay, M.D. — Written by Catherine Crider on November 11, 2019.
Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/sitz-bath-postpartum

Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4RuU8l94B74

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ronHs0JLI2A