The American Academy of Dermatology has more on eczema.
"Keep in mind that bleach baths are one component of an overall treatment plan that includes medicine and a good skin care routine," he said.Įczema, also called atopic dermatitis, affects nearly 28 million Americans. Never apply bleach directly to your eczema, Radusky said. If your eczema requires medication, apply it immediately after the bath, then apply your moisturizer. Use white towels if you are concerned about bleach stains. Though bleach baths are generally well tolerated, objective data regarding whether and how bleach bath disrupts skin barrier function is lacking. Afterwards, turn on the shower and gently rinse your skin with lukewarm water, but no soap, Radusky said. Depending on the severity and type of eczema you have, a bleach bath may be recommended as part of your skincare routine. Don't put your head in the water only soak from the neck down.Īsk your dermatologist how long you should soak - a five- to 10-minute soak is generally recommended. The rest of the itching is pain trying to kick in I think, from my pa, and metacarpel tunnel. I can see results already, and the itching is gone for the most part. Hot water can dry out the skin, causing an eczema flareup. On my second day of the bleach bath therapy, followed by a dove soap, shower rinse off, followed by hand face and body lotion. Pour the bleach into the running bath water while the tub is filling and wait until your bath is fully drawn before you get into the tub.
Use a half cup of bleach for a full bathtub of water a quarter cup of bleach for a half-full tub of water or 1 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water for a baby or toddler bathtub, Radusky said. One technique that can help decrease the number of infections and possibly reduce the need for antibiotics is called a bleach bath. Do not use splashless or concentrated bleach, or bleach that has fragrance. Bleach Baths Itching, scratching and the immune dysregulation involved with eczema lead to an increased risk of infection from superficial skin flora, especially Staphylococcus aureus. To prepare a bleach bath, use regular strength (6 percent) plain bleach. "However, it's important to follow your dermatologist's recommendations carefully in order for this treatment to be safe and effective," he said in an American Academy of Dermatology news release.Ī bleach bath may be helpful a few times a week, but using it daily can cause too much drying of the skin, Radusky said. "Bleach is antibacterial, and studies have shown that a diluted bleach bath may reduce eczema symptoms by reducing bacteria and inflammation on the skin," said New York-based dermatologist Dr. It's often triggered by cold weather or allergens, and can be a chronic source of discomfort. 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) - Bleach baths can ease symptoms of moderate to severe eczema and reduce the risk of skin infections, a dermatologist says.Įczema causes itchy, red, scaly skin.