A sitz bath is a warm, shallow bath that you sit in to relieve pain, itching, or burning in your perineum, which is the area between the opening of your butt and your genitals. It can also help keep these areas clean if you can’t take a bath or shower. The warm water increases blood flow to your perineal area, which promotes faster healing. Sitz baths are a noninvasive treatment option that may provide relief for the pain, itching, and discomfort that comes with many common health conditions. They’re relatively easy to use and free (if you use your own bathtub) or low-cost (if you buy a kit) .

A sitz bath can be used to relieve discomfort due to several common health conditions and medical procedures, including hemorrhoids, anal fissures, constipation or diarrhea, prostatitis, and after a vaginal delivery. It can also help ease pain and itching from these conditions. A sitz bath helps increase blood flow to the affected areas and relaxes the muscles, which promotes healing and reduces pain, itching, and irritation.

To take a sitz bath, you can use a plastic sitz bath that fits onto your toilet or your bathtub at home. Fill the tub with enough water to cover the perineum, and make sure the water temperature is lukewarm and comfortable to the touch. Soak in the water for 10 to 20 minutes, up to three times a day. You can add baking soda or salt to the water to help soothe the skin. It’s important to ensure the water is not too hot before sitting in the tub, and people with open wounds should avoid sitz baths unless directed by a doctor.