Does Taking Bleach Baths Help Treat Severe Eczema?

Question: Does Taking Bleach Baths Help Treat Severe Eczema?

Answer: As strange as it seems, taking dilute bleach baths seems to help people who suffer from severe eczema (atopic dermatitis). People with atopic dermatitis often have large amounts of the bacteria Staphylococcal aureus on their skin. This bacterium can result in various skin infections, as well as cause worsening eczema symptoms by stimulating allergic antibodies from various toxins that the bacteria secretes.

Dilute bleach baths, analogous to turning your bathtub into a chlorinated swimming pool, can presumably reduce the amount of Staphylococcal aureus on the skin, and improve eczema symptoms. A safe bleach bath can be made by adding one-half cup of 6% household bleach to a bathtub full of water. Soaking in the bleach bath for 15 minutes, twice a week, has been shown to dramatically improve symptoms of severe eczema. It's a good idea to moisturize after the bath.

Please check with your (or your child’s) doctor before using bleach baths as a treatment for your (or your child’s) eczema.

Learn more about the treatment of eczema.

_Source:

_{Huang JT, Abrams M, Tlougan B, Rademaker A, Paller AS. Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus Colonization in Atopic Dermatitis Decreases Disease Severity. Pediatrics. 123;5: e808-e814.}

_{DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this site is for educational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.}