Eczema is not a single disease but a group of skin diseases. No one really understands exactly what causes this perplexing skin disorder although it seems to involve an overreaction of the immune system, leading to chronic inflammation and a characteristic skin rash, often with intense itching, skin redness, flaking, and scaling.
The most common type is atopic dermatitis, a condition which frequently runs in families and is more commonly seen in children and adults who have asthma or hay fever. There are a variety of medications and creams available for treating eczema which work by decreasing inflammation.
Unfortunately, two of these drugs, Protopic and Elidel, are associated with a higher risk of cancer. Emollient creams and topical steroid creams are safer options, and oral medications should only be used in the most severe cases of eczema. Now, there may be another treatment for eczema.
Bleach Baths for Eczema
People with the most common type of eczema, atopic dermatitis, are often secondarily infected with bacteria, particularly a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. When these Staph bacteria infect the skin, it makes the inflammation, irritation, and itching worse.
As the inflammation worsens, the eczema sufferer scratches more vigorously which creates even more irritation, leading to an intense itch-scratch cycle. Some experts suggest using a dilute solution of bleach to kill the bacteria. The hope is that taking a bleach bath will reduce the number of bacteria and improve the symptoms of eczema, particularly the itching.
Bleach Baths for Treating Eczema: Do Studies Show Taking a Bleach Bath Helps?
In one study, 31 children were bathed in a dilute bleach solution consisting of either 40 gallons of water, to which a half cup of bleach had been added, or regular bath water two times a week for 90 days. At the end of the study, the children who took the bleach bath showed significant improvement in the severity of their eczema symptoms while the group who bathed in regular bath water didn’t.
Because exposing a child or an adult with eczema to a bath of chlorine bleach isn’t the healthiest option, bleach baths should be taken no more than twice a week for ten minutes at a time. The bleach should always be diluted to a half a cup per 40 gallons of bath water. Bleach baths should only be used in the most severe cases of eczema where the itching isn’t relieved by other measures. Chlorine can exacerbate asthma symptoms in some children, so use them only under medical supervision.
A safer alternative to reduce itching is to use an oatmeal bath and follow up with a good emollient cream such as Cetaphil, which is available at most drugstores. It’s important to avoid soaps and skin care products that contain fragrance.
Are There Methods for Treating Eczema Naturally?
One option that’s shown some benefits for treating eczema is taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements to reduce the inflammation. Probiotics have also been studied as a treatment for eczema, but the most recent studies show they aren’t effective.
Bleach Baths for Eczema: The Bottom Line?
Dilute bleach baths may improve the symptoms of eczema, but should only be used in the most severe cases where the itching and other symptoms of eczema fail to respond to other treatments.
References:
Prescriber’s Letter. May 2010. page 29.
Medscape.com website. "Bleach Baths for Atopic Dermatitis". Accessed 05/09/10.
Kristie Leong - I'm a family physician interested in all aspects of traditional and alternative medicine, especially the use of nutrition to prevent ...
