How to Teach a Patient About a Sitz Bath

An over-the-toilet sitz bath.

Baths are often used therapeutically to soothe a patient or to treat a variety of conditions. When you're dealing with a patient who is not familiar with the benefits of a sitz bath, you will need to teach him. Once he understands why he is being advised to take a sitz bath and how it will benefit his health, he is more likely to buy into the idea and comply with the treatment.

Instructions

1. Explain how a sitz bath differs from a regular bath. Most patients are used to fully immersing themselves in a bathtub full of water. A sitz bath only immerses the lower abdomen, hips, and buttocks. Because of this, it is frequently used to treat conditions like hemorrhoids or the after effects of an episiotomy. It can also be used to soothe the skin in lower body areas for various reasons.

2. Tell the patient how the sitz bath will benefit him. Sitz baths work in two major ways, depending on the patient's problem. The warm water reduces pain and inflammation, and the water cleanses the area which can speed healing of cuts, rashes or other skin problems.

3. List any special ingredients that will be added to the sitz bath and let the patient know what purpose they will serve. A basic sitz bath consists of warm water, but this is also supplemented with other ingredients. For example, oatmeal can be added to treat rashes and poison ivy, while baking soda in a sitz bath can soothe a patient with chicken pox. Vinegar can help with psoriasis or sunburn, and essential oils can be added for a variety of specific conditions.

4. Explain the type of sitz bath that will be used for the patient. Some sitz bathes are done with containers that fit over a toilet, while others are done in a regular bathtub that is only partially filled. The over-toilet containers are often used for hemorrhoids and other anal-related problems and episiotomies. A bathtub is used when the sitz bath is used for treating a skin condition.

5. Tell the patient how long she will need to stay in the sitz bath to achieve the best results. Typically, she should be required to sit in the warm water for 20 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Patients can be given sitz baths in care facilities, and they can easily continue the treatment when they return home. If you thoroughly explain the sitz bath to the patient, he will be able to duplicate it as part of his home care routine.

• Be cautious when determining the correct water temperature for a patient's sitz bath. The water should be warm, but not hot. If you test it with your fingers, remember that it will feel cooler on your hand than it will feel on other body areas.

Resources

• Medline Plus sitz bath definition