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
how would this work for the face? would wiping the face with bleach-treated water (1/4 teaspoon to 1/2 gallon of cool water) be a way or what would and how dangerous to the eyes would dunking your face be? thanks so much
Mary,
Thank you for this great question. At the very dilute levels that we discuss in this article, the concentration is not much more than what you would find in a swimming pool. As you know, opening your eyes in the pool can cause some mild irritation or burning.