Bleach Baths for Eczema Treatment

Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is a common skin condition that can be particularly challenging to treat. Up to one in five children experience the itchy rash of eczema at some point in their childhood. The cause of this skin disease is unknown, but it does run in families. With eczema, the skin becomes red and inflamed with intense itching, flaking, and cracking. Scratching the rash only makes the condition worse – leading to an endless itch-scratch cycle that can be difficult to control. Keeping the skin well lubricated and little hands off of the rash helps, but it doesn’t always remedy the symptoms. One alternative that holds some promise for eczema treatment is the use of a bleach bath.

Are They Effective?

A study published in the journal Pediatrics showed that bathing children in a dilute bleach solution is effective for eczema treatment. Thirty-one children were bathed in a dilute bleach solution consisting of a half cup of bleach in forty gallons of bath water or regular bath water twice a week for three months. The results seen using the bleach bath for eczema was so dramatic that the study was stopped prematurely. The children treated with bleach baths experienced dramatic improvement in their atopic dermatitis symptoms. The children were also treated with antibiotics since eczema rashes are usually secondarily infected with bacteria; but the researchers believe that the bleach baths can also help to kill the bacteria naturally.

Are They Safe?

The bleach baths used in these studies were dilute with a chlorine concentration less than that of the average swimming pool. Although most doctors consider bleach baths to be safe; chlorine has been associated with an increased risk of asthma in children and it can irritate the skin. It also has other toxic effects at higher concentrations.

The Bottom Line?

For eczema treatment in children, it’s best to try other treatments before resorting to bleach baths. Using creams to lubricate the area and antihistamines to stop night time scratching may be all some children need. Chamomile cream is a natural treatment for atopic dermatitis that has shown benefits in small studies.

If these measures fail to work, talk to your child’s doctor about the best options for your child. If you choose to use bleach baths for treatment, keep the soaks under ten minutes and don’t do it more than twice a week. Stay away from bleach baths if your child has asthma or other sensitivity to chlorine.