Hemorrhoids Sitz Bath
Hemorrhoids are a common yet painful ailment that affect millions of Americans each year. They are swollen veins in the rectal area that bulge either in the anal canal (interior hemorrhoids) or under the skin around the anus (exterior hemorrhoids.) They develop when excessive pressure or strain is placed on the veins forcing them to stretch and swell until they can no longer be support by the surrounding tissue. Symptoms of hemorrhoids include bloody stools, pain, and itching. A sitz bath can be extremely useful in alleviating the symptoms of hemorrhoids and keeping the anal area clean.
Sitz Bath
Hemorrhoids can be extremely painful and irritating. The sensitive tissue is inflamed and itchy, yet even the slightest touch will further aggravate the area. It’s very important to keep hemorrhoids clean to lessen irritation in the area. Try to gently wash the area clean by patting with a warm wet cloth or baby wipe. A premoistened towelette such as Tucks may also be helpful. But do not rub the area even to alleviate itching, as this will further inflame the tissues. If the hemorrhoids have become too painful to touch, try gently cleaning the area while sitting in a sitz bath. From the German word, “to sit” a hemorrhoid sitz bath is time honored maneuver that simply requires a tub and hot water. It is unclear why exactly the hot water provides such therapy in the relief of hemorrhoids, but the relief is evident regardless. A hemorrhoid sitz bath can help reduce the swelling and ease the pain and itching of hemorrhoids. Many pharmacies and discount stores sell specialized sitz baths, which are simply plastic seats that fit on an opened toilet. But a regular tub would work just as well. The key is to submerge the affected area in water that is just a little bit hotter than your usual bath water. Do not add any perfumes, bubbles, oils beads, or salts to the water as these may irritate the hemorrhoids. And avoid using soap products to clean the anus. Some people add Epsom salts to the bath water, but there is no proven clinical basis for this. To modify the procedure, you can add a large flat rock to the water to bring the hot water to a higher level and help the water retain heat. You can remain in the sitz bath for 10-15 minutes each time, once or twice a day. However, in order to avoid cumulative injury to the skin, this treatment should not be used for longer than one week. If hemorrhoids are still present and bothersome at this time, it may be best to seek medical treatment.
Caring for Hemorrhoids: After The Sitz Bath
After the hemorrhoids sitz bath is over, it is important to gently pat the heated anus dry with a soft, absorbent towel or cloth. Apply an ample amount of baby powder to keep the area dry and allow the inflamed tissues to move freely amongst one another. If necessary, apply a conventional hemorrhoidal preparation to the affected area (O2-ZAP) from Global Healing Center, aloe vera gel, bayberry, goldenseal root, myrrh, and white oak are just a few of the herbal treatments that can be used for hemorrhoids). And then do your best to leave the area alone to heal. Try using the product Hematrex to relieve hemorrhoids.
Rectal Bleeding and the Hemorrhoid Sitz Bath
Hemorrhoids are often accompanied by rectal bleeding in the form of bright red blood in the stools or on the toilet paper. Rectal bleeding should always be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out other more serious disorders such as colon cancer, rectal cancer or Crohn’s disease. There is no cause for alarm, as long as your health care provider has confirmed that hemorrhoids are the cause of rectal bleeding. However, you should be especially vigilant about anal hygiene if you are experiencing rectal bleeding so as to avoid an infection in the anal area. A hemorrhoid sitz bath can be a useful way to help clean hemorrhoids and the anus with less pain and irritation than dry toilet paper or moistened towelettes. Use a warm cloth to gently pat the area clean right before exiting the sitz bath to avoid spreading fecal matter into the water.
How To Avoid Hemorrhoids
The best way to avoid hemorrhoids is to avoid the constipation or diarrhea that may cause them. Increased fiber and water consumption in the diet helps to bulk up and soften stools, making them easier to pass. Exercise also helps promote regularity as it stimulates the digestive muscles and moves waste through the body more quickly.