Eczema Treatment Through Bleach Bath: Advantages, Risks, Guidelines, and Other Options
In a recent development, bleach baths have emerged as a potential low-cost, relatively safe adjunctive treatment for eczema. A small 2023 study showed a 53% improvement in eczema severity and reduced itch for around 53% of participants after 12 weeks of bleach baths. However, it's important to note that people who are sensitive to bleach or have allergic asthma may experience skin or respiratory irritation from bleach baths.
The current scientific consensus on bleach baths for eczema is that they can be moderately effective in improving symptoms, particularly for those with moderate to severe eczema. A 2022 review found that bleach baths could improve moderate to severe eczema by about 22%, with some individuals experiencing up to a 50% improvement in severity.
Initially, it was thought that bleach baths helped by killing harmful bacteria on the skin, especially *Staphylococcus aureus*, which is common in eczema and can worsen inflammation and infection. However, more recent studies indicate that bleach baths may not significantly reduce these bacteria levels. Instead, bleach baths are now believed to help by reducing inflammation, soothing itchiness, and supporting skin barrier function rather than by antibacterial action alone.
The National Eczema Association suggests using bleach baths 2 to 3 times per week. However, anyone considering bleach baths should consult a doctor or healthcare professional first, as people with extremely dry skin due to eczema may find bleach baths painful.
When using bleach baths, it's crucial to dilute them correctly to avoid damaging the skin. Bleach baths, containing 5% to 6% sodium hypochlorite, may improve eczema symptoms for some people. The bath should be soaked in for 10 minutes, followed by a rinse and moisturization. Using bath oil can help keep the skin moisturized, but perfumes and harsh chemicals should be avoided.
Bleach baths should be used with lukewarm water and no other products. Other remedies like colloidal oatmeal, saltwater, vinegar, and baking soda can also relieve itching associated with eczema when added to the bath water or used as a paste for affected areas. These additives may help reduce pain during a severe eczema flare-up or kill bacteria and help prevent infection.
It's essential to remember that the benefit of bleach baths over plain water baths is still debated, and more research is needed for a clearer understanding and optimal use guidelines. The "soak and seal" method for eczema treatment, which involves taking a lukewarm bath, using a gentle cleanser, moisturizing within 3 minutes, and waiting for absorption before dressing, can be beneficial regardless of whether bleach is used.
In summary, while bleach baths are accepted as a low-cost, relatively safe adjunctive treatment for eczema, their benefit over plain water baths is still debated. It's crucial to consult a healthcare professional before adding a bleach bath to your or your child's eczema skin care routine.
- The scientific consensus supports bleach baths as a moderately effective treatment for eczema, particularly for those with moderate to severe cases, showing an improvement in severity by about 22%, according to a 2022 review.
- Bleach baths are believed to help eczema by reducing inflammation, soothing itchiness, and supporting skin barrier function rather than by antibacterial action alone.
- Treatment-seekers interested in bleach baths should consult a doctor or healthcare professional first to ensure it's safe, especially for those with dry skin or allergies that may react negatively to bleach.
- The correct dilution of bleach baths containing 5% to 6% sodium hypochlorite is crucial to avoid damaging the skin, with the bath soaked in for 10 minutes followed by a rinse and moisturization.
- While bleach baths are debated to offer benefits over plain water baths, the "soak and seal" method – which includes taking a lukewarm bath, using a gentle cleanser, moisturizing, and waiting for absorption before dressing – can be beneficial for eczema management regardless of whether bleach is used.
- Other bath additives like colloidal oatmeal, saltwater, vinegar, and baking soda can also help relieve itching associated with eczema or kill bacteria to prevent infection. However, the benefit of bleach baths over these alternative remedies needs further research for clearer understanding and optimal use guidelines.
