Oatmeal Bath for Eczema Instructions

Does Bathing in Oatmeal Help Eczema?

Soaking in an oatmeal bath to moisturize the skin of an eczema suffering baby may seem like a crazy idea but oatmeal baths are a time-proven, highly effective, and inexpensive homemade treatment that has shown it relieves the urge to itch and soothes dry irritated skin. Dermatologists often recommended oatmeal baths not only for treating mild, moderate to severe eczema symptoms but also to help treat rosacea, diaper rash, poison ivy, sunburn, and seasonally dry skin. Follow these instructions on how to prepare an oatmeal bath for soft, healthy skin results:

What kind of Oatmeal do you use for Treating Eczema?

Don’t go to the breakfast cereal aisle of the grocery store looking for oatmeal to use in a bath for treating skin sensitivity issues, you need to use a finely ground, powder version called colloidal oatmeal. The finely ground colloidal oatmeal can be suspended in water and binds to the skin and forms a protective barrier that helps hold moisture in and reduce inflammation. Typically sold in drug stores, colloidal oatmeal is frequently used as the active ingredient in over the counter skin cleansers, moisturizers, buffers, as well as a soothing and protective anti-inflammatory agent. 

Is Colloidal Oatmeal Gluten-Free?

It is not uncommon for people suffering from eczema to also have food allergies including wheat and gluten allergies. Don’t worry oats are considered naturally gluten-free grain and gluten cannot be absorbed through the skin.

Eczema Oatmeal Bath Recipe and Instructions:

• Lukewarm Bath Water:
  • Prepare a medium warm bath that is comfortable for a baby. You should fill the tub to a level that is an appropriate depth for the size of the child to cover them. Remember, never leave a child unattended in a bathtub filled with water.
• Colloidal Oatmeal Bath Recipe:
  • Add a cup of colloidal oatmeal (or a pre-measured package of colloidal oatmeal from a commercial bath kit) with approximately 20 gallons of water. (for a 40-gallon tub of full of water use ½ cup of bleach)
• Bathing:
  • Soak from the neck down in the colloidal oatmeal bath for approximately 15 minutes. The skin will feel soft and silky.
  • Rinse off with clean lukewarm water to remove traces of colloidal oatmeal from the skin.
• Post Colloidal Oatmeal Bath:
  • Pat the skin dry using a soft organic cotton or bamboo terry towel.
  • Immediately apply any topical medication and/or moisturizing emollient specially formulated for treating eczema that is chemical and fragrance-free.
  • Cover the treated skin with eczema clothing or pajamas. Soothems are dermatologist recommended and a premium brand of eczema clothing and sleepwear made from a special eczema friendly fabric called TEWLTect^® Skin smart Fabric. This therapeutic blend of TENCEL™ - infused with the biopolymer Chitosan  and viscose made from organic bamboo and encapsulated in zinc oxide 

Caution: Colloidal Oatmeal Bath Risks and Side effects

As stated earlier there is no gluten in oatmeal but it is possible to have contact dermatitis or an allergic skin rash to a colloidal oatmeal bath. If you believe you are having an allergic reaction stop taking oatmeal baths and consult your physician if the symptoms persist.