Is the saline solution used for sitz baths made of table salt and water?
Jan 29, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
Sitz baths typically use medical saline solution rather than table salt mixed with water, and potassium permanganate sitz baths are also an option. It is recommended to perform sitz baths under a doctor's guidance. However, if there is vaginal bleeding or wounds on the external genitalia, prolonged sitz baths are not advised. Instead, you may clean the external genital area with a properly diluted saline solution to maintain personal hygiene.
Saline solution used for sitz baths is generally not made from table salt and water, but rather medical-grade physiological saline. Potassium permanganate sitz baths are also an option. It is recommended to perform sitz baths under a doctor's guidance.
Physiological saline sitz baths are primarily used for conditions such as hemorrhoids, anal fissures, rectal prolapse, anal fistulas, perianal abscesses, and vulvar itching. This is because physiological saline has effective antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. As a hypertonic solution, it helps reduce inflammation and swelling in affected tissues and exhibits strong inhibitory and bactericidal effects against many types of bacteria, particularly Escherichia coli.
A sitz bath involves sitting in a basin of warm water, typically using physiological saline or potassium permanganate for fumigation and soaking. The patient sits in the basin so that the buttocks and upper thighs are immersed in warm water, providing localized heat therapy to the perineal and anal areas. However, prolonged sitz baths are not recommended if there is vaginal bleeding or open wounds on the vulva. In such cases, cleaning the external genital area with properly diluted physiological saline can help maintain personal hygiene.
