Sitz baths may sound familiar to some, but the practice has actually been around for a long time as a natural method to relieve discomfort in the genital skin area and perineum. In the world of skincare, sitz baths are an effective way to keep our intimate areas clean and help the skin heal. When and why do we need them? Well, in this article, we’re going to take an in-depth look at what a sitz bath is, how to take one, its uses, and its benefits for skin health. Stay tuned!
What is a Sitz Bath?
Sitz baths can be considered shallow baths that are usually useful for cleaning the perineal area, which is the part between the genitals and anus. This bath usually uses warm water to relieve pain, itching, and irritation in the area. The perineum is a sensitive area that often experiences discomfort due to several conditions such as hemorrhoids, postpartum wounds, or surgery. Generally, we can do this activity 2-3 times a day for 15-20 minutes according to the doctor’s recommendations!
Sitz baths are usually done by sitting in warm water that only covers the genital area and anus. This method can either use a regular bathtub or use a special kit over the toilet.
There are 2 main methods of doing a sitz bath: using a regular bathtub or with a more practical sitz bath kit. Here’s how to do each method as well as the steps:
- Using a regular bathtub
- Clean the tub first using a mixture of water and a mild disinfectant, such as vinegar or a little bleach, to ensure cleanliness.
- Fill the bathtub with warm water, just up to 3-4 inches high. Make sure the water temperature is comfortable and not too hot to avoid causing burns to sensitive skin.
- Sit in the water for 15-20 minutes, ensuring the perineal area is fully submerged.
- Once done, dry the area by patting gently with a clean towel. Avoid rubbing to prevent further irritation!
- Using a sitz bath kit
- Install the sitz bath kit on the toilet, making sure the seat is securely in place.
- Fill the kit with warm water or use the water bag on the kit to gradually drain the water.
- Sit on the kit for 15-20 minutes. Kits are usually complete with drain holes to prevent water from overflowing.
- Finally, gently dry the genital area and clean the kit before we put it away again.
So, both methods can be customized according to your skin condition and more! Most importantly, make sure to consult a skin specialist first for proper treatment, Sereni-Trees!
4 Benefits of Sitz Bath for Skin Health
Not just for healing irritation, sitz baths have a variety of key benefits especially in the treatment of sensitive areas like the perineum. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Reduces inflammation and irritation
Sitz baths help increase blood flow to the perineal area. This can certainly ease inflammation and speed up the wound healing process. This is especially beneficial for people who have hemorrhoids, postpartum wounds, or surgery in the genital area.
- Moisturize the skin
The warm water used in sitz baths can moisturize the skin around the genital area. This helps prevent dryness and irritation that often occurs due to friction of clothing or physical activity.
- Soothes itchy skin
If Sereni-Trees is experiencing itchiness in the genital area due to infection, allergies or irritation, sitz baths can provide a calming sensation. By regularly taking a sitz bath, itchy skin will feel more comfortable and heal faster.
- Accelerates wound healing
For women who have recently given birth or had surgery on the perineal area, sitz baths can be a very effective natural therapy. The warm water helps speed up the healing process of damaged skin tissue, while keeping the area clean.
That’s 4 positive benefits that we can do. So this shower is not only for people who suffer from diseases in the area! Are you interested in trying it?
Is it possible to use natural ingredients in Sitz baths?
Apart from using warm water, we can also add natural ingredients to the sitz bath to enhance its benefits. Natural ingredients themselves have good benefits for the skin so when we mix with this method, it can certainly increase its effectiveness. Some of the ingredients we can use include:
- Epsom Salt
Epsom salt is very well known for its high magnesium content. This helps to soothe inflammation, reduce pain, and speed up the healing of wounds on the skin.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can naturally cleanse the perineal area. However, it should be used in small amounts to prevent irritation of sensitive skin. Those with dry skin should also be careful with this natural ingredient.
- Baking Soda
Baking soda is an ingredient that can help balance the pH of the skin, thus reducing itching and irritation. This is perfect for those who have sensitive skin or are experiencing a rash in the genital area.
- Lavender Oil
Lavender oil has antiseptic properties and can soothe irritated skin. Add a few drops of lavender oil to your sitz bath water for an added relaxing effect. If you want to try skincare made from lavender oil, you can try Serenitree calming body wash and body lotion!
Again, the choice of natural ingredients should be tailored to your skin condition. Then we should know that although sitz baths are safe for most people, there are still some things we need to pay attention to avoid the risk of infection or irritation. Therefore, make sure to always clean the bathtub or sitz bath kit before and after use. Also, avoid sharing your sitz bath kit with others to prevent the spread of bacteria.
If the irritation or pain in the skin area persists and gets worse, consult a skin specialist immediately! The doctor may provide additional guidance or prescribe other treatments to speed up the healing process. Hope this article helps!