Bleach Baths for Atopic Dermatitis - Health Tips

I do not recommend bleach baths for atopic dermatitis. The rationale for bleach baths (very dilute bleach in the bathtub) is that the bleach helps to kill the bacteria on the skin. This does seem to work, but I believe it is toxic. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) can get very itchy, and due to scratching, the skin can get secondarily infected with bacteria. This infection tends to flare the rash and make it worse.

I prefer to have patients sprinkle 5-10 drops of pure essential lavender oil in the bath, instead of the bleach. This is a natural antibacterial and antifungal compound, and it also smells much better than bleach. For those individuals who prefer to shower, they may take a damp wash cloth or tissue, sprinkle about 5-10 drops of lavender oil on it, and pat the skin all over after showering. You may also sprinkle some drops of lavender oil onto the sheets before bedtime. Lavender is reported to help relax the body for sleep.

"We have found dilute bleach baths to be very efficacious for our patients with active atopic dermatitis.

We suggest half a cup of bleach in a full tub of water.  Many patients also can benefit from going swimming several times a week in a chlorinated pool."

More About Bleach Baths

A 2009 study published in Pediatrics showed that some people with atopic dermatitis (eczema) may benefit from taking regular bleach baths in diluted bleach and lukewarm water. In the bleach bath study, researchers treated 31 patients (6 months to 17 years old) who had moderate to severe atopic dermatitis and signs of a bacterial skin infection for 14 days with oral antibiotics. Half of the patients also received bleach in their bath water (half a cup per full standard tub). The other half bathed in a placebo. All were instructed to bathe for 5 to 10 minutes twice a week for three months. The research team saw such rapid improvement in the children taking the bleach baths that they ended the study early.

The bleach is presumed to have antibacterial properties and decrease the number of bacteria on the skin, which is one of the drivers of atopic dermatitis flares.

The study’s author stated, "This is not going to be a cure for everybody, but there is certainly a subset of patients who will benefit tremendously."

"I prefer the term 'swimming pool baths' for dilute bleach baths since this is essentially what they are--the same level of chlorine (bleach) that you find in your own backyard or neighborhood pool. We in Pediatric Dermatology have been using this therapy for years with our patients with atopic dermatitis / eczema. This is a very good adjunctive treatment for many children with eczema, especially those with frequent skin infections.

It is well accepted that the naturally occurring bacteria on our skin may trigger or flare bouts of eczema, and patients with eczema are at a higher risk of skin infection due to their compromised skin barrier function. The use of this safe, readily available therapy can improve patients atopic dermatitis by decreasing the severity and frequency of flares and secondary infections. While most children with atopic dermatitis are generally mild enough that swimming pool baths are not necessary, anybody with moderate/severe or poorly controlled eczema should consider adding this to their routine. Be sure to consult with a Board Certified Dermatologist, ideally one with an interest in eczema, to maximize all the components of you or your child's skin care regimen."

Learn more about Dr. Jeffrey Poole at Poole Dermatology.