sitz bath : A boon for piles and fissure patients

Tears drench the cheeks when the delicate genitals get affected with piles or fissures. The pain is so bad, that it makes the toilet seem like a battleground, painful and bloody. Clenched in the wimpy hands of the painful condition even the simplest actions like sneezing, laughing, coughing, walking, sitting, lying down, bending, or doing exercise may become a challenge.

Piles are enlarged and swollen blood vessels that develop in the lower part of the rectum or the anus whereas anal fissure is a cut or tear near the anus. Fissures often accompany piles or constipation and are caused by the trauma to the anus occurring because of large, hard bowel movements. 

Thankfully, there are ways to escape the tyranny of this painful condition. Sitz bath is one of the best treatments for this condition. It's extremely helpful in soothing the pain, itch and irritation caused by piles, hemorrhoids or anal fissure, or any tissue damage caused by vaginal birth. It is frequently recommended by physicians for a variety of anal disorders because of its immense efficacy and safety in treating the disease.

What is sitz bath?

A sitz bath is a warm bath of the rare area that cleanses the perineum, the space between the rectum and the vulva or scrotum. This is a soothing and effective way to relieve pain in the bottom or around the private parts.

How sitz bath helps in piles and fissure?

A sitz bath is a relaxing way to naturally relieve a variety of symptoms associated with piles and fissures. 

Warm water is a vasodilator, which means that it causes blood vessels to open and muscles to relax. By loosening the tightened and swollen piles, it eases the pain and the swollen portion may even shrink. 

Soaking in warm water fastens the healing process by boosting blood flow in that area. 

Sitz baths can also be used to ease constipation and to strengthen pelvic floor muscles that may have become weakened from injury or giving birth. They can also provide general relief in cases of irritated or itchy skin.

It helps relax the sphincter muscles, which promotes healing, soothes constipation, and eases overall discomfort.

A warm, relaxing sitz baths takes care of cleansing and soothing delicate areas with minimal pressure. 

It keeps infections at bay and can be used for everyday personal hygiene.

How to take sitz bath?

In sitz bath, the patient sits in the warm water immersing the anus and the vaginal opening for about 15 minutes. For best results repeat the process three times a day and after every bowel movement.   

After the process is done, the patient can get up carefully and slowly as the dilation of blood vessels from warm water could cause dizziness.

Next, gently pat the area dry using a sterile and soft towel. Excess moisture left on the anal area can actually make hemorrhoids worse.

It is recommended not to add any shower gel, bubble bath, or any type of soap to the water. 

Salt is a good general additive for any sitz bath. However, it is advised to confirm with the physician regarding the benefits or adverse effects if any offered by such additives.