Baths with Bleach Help Treat Eczema
Taking a dilute bleach bath can help reduce bacteria that make eczema flair – helping the skin to heal and reducing the need for topical and oral antibiotics.
Taking a bleach bath is easy. Here are some simple instructions:
STEPS
- Fill a bathtub with lukewarm water (about 40 gallons).
- Pour in 1/3 cup of liquid bleach (Clorox™). The active ingredient of bleach sodium hypochlorite. The concentration of sodium hypochlorite in the bleach used should not exceed 6%.
- Stir the water. This creates a solution that is slightly stronger than chlorinated than a swimming pool.
- Soak in the bath for about 10 minutes.
- Rinse the skin in fresh, lukewarm water when finished soaking.
- Gently pat dry the skin with a soft cotton towel. Do not rub vigorously.
- Immediately apply any prescription medications and/or a moisturizer.
- Repeat the bleach bath 2 to 3 times each week, or as recommended by your doctor.
PRECAUTIONS
- Do not use undiluted bleach directly on your skin
- Bleach baths can cause skin dryness and irritation. Speak to your doctor if you find that the bleach baths are causing additional irritation.
adapted from fromyourdoctor.com