It can also help to soothe and heal the area.

This article discusses sitz baths and how to use them.

The plastic basin rests on top of your toilet seat.

A sitz bath kit on a toilet

Andrew Turner / Getty Images

Just add 3 to 4 inches of warm water to the tub and follow the instructions below.

Just be sure to add products that won’t further irritate your skin.

What Should Not Go in a Sitz Bath?

woman is carefully opening essential oil from a bottle using a dropper for a Sitz Bath

Israel Sebastian / Getty Images

If you’re using a portable sitz bath, gently lower yourself onto the seat.

you might prop your feet on the tub’s edge to make yourself more comfortable.

Adjust the water temperature to your liking, then sit back and relax.

woman sits in a roll top bathtub, taking a sitz bath

Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images

If the water cools down before you are done, add some more warm water.

Clean Up

When you’re done with your sitz bath, it’s important to clean up.

Luckily, it’s quick and easy to do.

If you added Epsom salts to your bath, it’s important to rinse off.

If you don’t rinse after an Epsom salt bath, you may experience skin dryness.

Your symptoms could be due to an infection or another condition.

You should also see your healthcare provider any time you have bleeding from or near your rectum.

Summary

A sitz bath can help soothe conditions affecting the area between the anus and genitals.

you’ve got the option to soak in a sitz bath for about 15 to 20 minutes.

When you’re done, let the area air dry and add any medicated skincare, if needed.

University Health online grid.Having a sitz bath at home.

2018 Aug;31(4):e272-e277.