What Is A Sitz Bath?

A sitz bath involves sitting in specially prepared bathwater up to the hips. This type of bath is used to promote wound healing after surgery on the lower half of the body, and it is also beneficial in relief from pain and discomfort due to infections or medical conditions. If the patient is unable to sit in the bathtub, a sitz bath can be taken using a large basin or an assistive device that fits onto the toilet. Vinegar, baking soda, and salt could sometimes be added to the water used for a sitz bath to help patients with certain conditions, though plain water is often used as well. The temperature of a sitz bath can be either warm or cool, and some patients might choose to alternate between warm and cool water.