What is the best way for patients with hemorrhoids to take a sitz bath?

Hemorrhoids, as a common anorectal disease, are a hidden pain for busy people, causing many inconveniences and discomforts to patients. Sitz bathing, as an effective auxiliary treatment method, has been widely praised and applied. So how can patients with hemorrhoids get the best sitz bathing effect?

Sitz bath usually refers to cleaning the buttocks while sitting in a basin. There are many forms, the most common ones are warm water sitz bath, high temperature potassium acid solution sitz bath, or some Chinese and Western medicine sitz bath methods.

Warm water sitz bath can promote local blood circulation through heat, which helps relieve hemorrhoid symptoms, because the onset of hemorrhoids is often related to the obstruction of hemorrhoidal venous return, and the warm feeling of warm water can also relieve the pain and discomfort of hemorrhoid patients. In addition, sitz bath can clean and disinfect the anal area, such as perianal abscesses, anal fistulas, anal fissures, etc., and adding potassium permanganate solution appropriately can play an anti-inflammatory role.

If potassium permanganate is used for sitz bath, the appropriate concentration of potassium permanganate is 1:3,000 to 1:5,000. The potassium permanganate external tablets you buy are generally 0.1 grams per tablet, which can be dissolved in 300-500 ml of warm water at about 40 degrees. Do not touch the potassium permanganate external tablets directly with your hands to prevent skin burns. You can use tweezers or clamps to stir them in the water. When sitz bathing, let the water cover the perineum, about one to two times a day, and each sitz bath lasts 5 to 10 minutes. Note that potassium permanganate should be used in low concentrations. If it accidentally enters our eyes or skin wounds, be sure to rinse with clean water immediately.

For a better sitz bath, please pay attention to the following points:

First, the water temperature is about 40 degrees, which is slightly hot to the touch but not scalding.

Second, the duration of a sitz bath is generally required to be 5-10 minutes. If the sitz bath time is too long, exceeding 20 minutes, it will make hemorrhoids more likely to prolapse and aggravate the hemorrhoids, which is counterproductive.

Third, the ideal time to take a sitz bath is before going to bed or after defecation. You don't need to take a sitz bath every day. You can do it as needed according to your own situation, such as when you have anal discomfort, hemorrhoid attacks, or when you are diagnosed with anal fissures or fistulas.

Fourth, special basins should be used for special purposes. Bidets should be used exclusively and kept clean. Avoid mixing them with basins for other purposes, and make sure to clean them thoroughly before use.

Fifth, when it is inconvenient to take a bath when going out, you can use hot water to wash your buttocks. Keeping your buttocks clean is also conducive to recovery.

Finally, remember not to over-clean. Frequent use of shower gel, soap, and private lotion will destroy the pH value of the skin surface and interfere with the acid-base balance of our perianal skin, thus causing anal itching. Therefore, for people who already have anorectal diseases, they should carefully choose cleaning products to avoid aggravating the condition.

The correct sitting bath method and precautions can help hemorrhoid patients effectively relieve symptoms and promote health. But remember that moderation and correct care are the key.

This article is a work supported by the Science Popularization China Creation Cultivation Program

Author: Dr. Chrysanthemum Lin Guole Team

Reviewer: Wang Qiang, deputy chief physician of the Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital

Produced by: China Association for Science and Technology Department of Science Popularization

Producer: China Science and Technology Press Co., Ltd., Beijing Zhongke Xinghe Culture Media Co., Ltd.