This is a short post offering some sitz bath instructions.

Getting some relief from your hemorrhoids with a sitz bath is a simple enough process. There two basic types of sitz bath styles as far as the actual tub itself. One is free standing that you simply sit in and the other sits over top of your toilet seat. I have a preference for the free standing model, maybe because it doesn’t seem right to take a bath of any sort on the toilet.

If you’re using a sitz bath for the treatment of hemorrhoids as I once, did I urge you to read this post on how I cured mine, Why I Threw Out My Sitz Bath.

Anyway, I digress. Back to the sitz bath instructions:

Sitz Bath Instructions

The temperature of the water for the sitz bath should be between 90 and 110 degrees. Hot enough that it is slightly uncomfortable but not so hot it scalds you.  The use of salt in the water seems to be debated between homeopathic sources and doctors.

Just warm water alone would help, but some feel the addition of sitz bath salt is a much better treatment. I’d consult your physician. For salt many people reach for epsom salt. I myself think that Dead Sea Bath salt would be a better choice.

For many sitz bath applications the use of oils and herbs can also be helpful. There are many herbal products available for the treatment of postpartum issues such as an episiotomy or a perineal tear. Read this post for sitz bath recipes. Or this one on postpartum sitz bath.

Sitz Bath

The water level in your sitz bath should be just high enough to completely cover the area we are treating, in this case, for hemorrhoids, we really only need to make sure the anus is completely covered. Soak in the warm water for at least 15-20 minutes for best results. Use your sitz bath several times a day if necessary.

Dry yourself when finished with a towel by blotting the area gently; do not rub. Since we are treating an inflamed area of the body it is of vital importance that you keep the bath clean and bacteria free but avoid the use of harse chemicals to clean it. We don’t want to add to the issues we already have.

Some treatments suggest going from a warm sitz bath to a cold one. If you want to try that, stay in the warm bath for about 5 minutes then only go into the cold bath for about 30 secs or more. Repeat this 3 or 4 times.

That concludes our sitz bath instructions.

Causes Of Hemorroids by joecree1