Diluted bleach baths may improve eczema symptoms by killing harmful bacteria on the skin. This can reduce the risk of infection and inflammation.
Eczema causes the skin to crack and break open, increasing the risk of skin infections. Some people find that bleach baths reduce their eczema symptoms, although not all of the research agrees.
In this article, we look at the evidence behind the benefits of bleach baths for eczema, as well as the risks and side effects. We also discuss other types of baths that may help treat eczema.
The National Eczema Association suggests that bleach baths 2 to 3 times per week may improve the symptoms of eczema for some people, though users should be aware of the possible risks and safety procedures.
A common belief is that bathing in a mild bleach and water solution kills the Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria living on the skin, reducing eczema symptoms and the likelihood of infection. However, experts now believe they work by reducing inflammation symptoms and improving the skin barrier.
A small 2023 study looked at how bleach baths affect eczema, or atopic dermatitis (AD), in adults with S. aureus on their skin. Participants took two bleach baths weekly for 12 weeks. After this time, around 53% of the participants experienced a 50% improvement in severity and reduced itch. Skin barrier function also improved, but S. aureus levels stayed the same.
The study suggests that bleach baths can benefit some people with eczema but not others, and they do not affect S. aureus levels.
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Larger studies are necessary to determine how effective bleach baths are for treating eczema, why they work for some people and not others, and how they can reduce symptom severity.
For bleach baths, the National Eczema Association advises using regular, unconcentrated, unscented household bleach, which usually contains 5% to 6% sodium hypochlorite.
To use a bleach bath:
- fill the tub with lukewarm water
- for a full, standard-sized 40-gallon bath, add half a cup of bleach, or for a half-full bath, add one-quarter of a cup
- soak in the water for 10 minutes
- rinse off completely using warm water
- apply moisturizer quickly and continue with a regular skin care routine
When using a bleach bath, people should follow these safety tips:
- avoid using very hot or cold water
- do not add any other products to the tub
- spend no more than 15 minutes in a bleach bath
- avoid putting your head or face in bleach bath water
- never apply bleach directly to the skin
For a baby or toddler bath, use 1 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water.
Anyone thinking about incorporating a bleach bath into their own or their child’s eczema skin care routine should speak with a doctor or healthcare professional first.
People who are sensitive to bleach or have allergic asthma may find that bleach or chlorine fumes can irritate their skin or respiratory system.
Bleach baths can be painful for people who have extremely dry skin.
People with eczema tend to have dry skin because the condition affects the skin barrier. This is the upper layer of the skin that stops irritants, bacteria, and viruses from getting in and moisture from getting out.
Many healthcare professionals recommend the “soak and seal” method for eczema treatment, which involves soaking in the bath and then moisturizing straight away. This helps to tackle dry skin and reduce symptom flare-ups.
The method involves:
- taking a 5 to 10-minute lukewarm bath, then using a gentle, non-exfoliating cleanser
- drying the skin by patting lightly with a towel, leaving it slightly damp
- applying prescription eczema medication if needed
- liberally applying a high-oil content moisturizer all over the body within 3 minutes of getting out of the bath
- waiting for the moisturizer to absorb before getting dressed
Adding a small amount of bleach to this routine may help reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
Other bath treatments that might help ease the symptoms of eczema include:
Using bath oil
Adding gentle oils to the bath water can help keep a person’s skin moisturized. People with eczema should avoid oils that contain fragrances or bubble bath solutions, as perfumes and harsh chemicals can irritate their skin even more.
Baking soda bath
Baking soda is a popular remedy for relieving the itching associated with eczema. Try adding one-quarter of a cup of the powder to the bath water.
People can also make baking soda into a paste and apply it directly to the affected areas of skin.
Oatmeal bath
Similar to baking soda, people use colloidal oatmeal to relieve itching in eczema. Add it to the bath water or apply it to the skin as a paste.
Salt bath
During a severe eczema flare up, bathing may cause the skin to sting. Saltwater can help reduce the pain. Add 1 cup of salt to the bath water before getting in the tub.
Vinegar bath
Adding between 1 cup and 1 pint of vinegar to the bathtub may kill bacteria, which could help prevent infection.
Bleach baths for eczema can reduce symptom severity in some people but not others. They may also help reduce inflammation and prevent infection.
A person can try a bleach bath using ordinary, unscented household bleach, but it is essential to dilute this correctly. Otherwise, it may damage a person’s sensitive skin.
Anyone considering adding a bleach bath to their or their child’s eczema skin care routine should speak with a healthcare professional first.
