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A Bleach Bath Could Be The Eczema Treatment You Need

A bath can be a risky proposition when you have eczema. Hot water, fizzy bath bombs, and luxuriously scented bubbles typically spell trouble for those with either atopic dermatitis or eczema. Instead of leaving your skin smooth and supple, popular bath products and hot, sudsy water may irritate red, scaly, and painful patches. So, you're probably reading that headline and thinking: "You want me to add bleach to my bath?!"

Bleach is a strong disinfectant that many rely on as a household product to kill bacteria and viruses. Understandably, the idea of getting into a bathtub with bleach may put you on edge. However, bleach baths could actually help manage eczema flare-ups when done properly, providing much-needed relief to your skin. It concerns how eczema affects your body's outermost layer and how you can use bleach's properties to your benefit.

However, as board-certified dermatologist Ross Radusky, MD, FAAD, pointed out: "Keep in mind that bleach baths are one component of an overall treatment plan that includes medicine and a good skincare routine. To improve your eczema and prevent flare-ups, talk to a board-certified dermatologist to create a treatment plan that's tailored to your needs," (via the American Academy of Dermatology Association). If you're ready to dive into some unconventional relief, here's how to do a bleach bath at home safely and effectively.

How To Use Bleach Bath Therapy

If there's anything you take away from this article, it should be the fact that you must dilute bleach first. Never apply bleach directly to your skin. Experts, like Dr. Ross Radusky, always recommend dilution. Per the American Academy of Dermatology Association, to make a bleach bath, you'll need to (obviously) procure some bleach. Always opt for standard plain bleach, not the scented, concentrated, or non-splash versions.

Most regular bleach is around 5% to 6% concentration. Measure out a half cup for a full bathtub of water. This is for an adult bath; the bleach-to-water ratio differs for little ones. Then, begin filling your tub with lukewarm (not hot) water. As the water runs, slowly pour the bleach into the tub, letting it dilute. Once the basin is completely full, you can get in. Take care to leave your neck and head above the water, protecting your hair and face.

Usually, a five to ten-minute soak is adequate. However, your dermatologist can advise you on the best therapy specifics for your skin. After you've spent a few minutes in your bleach bath, drain the water and rinse off with a shower. Don't worry about soaping up with shower foam or wash; the bleach's properties have provided enough cleaning action. Finally, gently pat yourself dry and apply whatever moisturizer your doc recommends.

Are Bleach Baths Effective?

smiling woman sitting on bed post shower

Eczema often appears as dry, red, scaly patches of skin that can itch, cause pain, and lead to further issues. Eczema is caused by skin inflammation that can leave it susceptible to infections, especially if you scratch. During an eczema flare-up, the skin has a hard time keeping out viruses, bacteria, and germs. Regular baths using hot water and scented products may exacerbate eczema issues.

Alternatively, bleach is an antibacterial substance that can kill bacteria and germs on your skin, reducing redness, inflammation, and itching while preventing infection. Crucially, bleach baths work best when used alongside a moisturizer or topical medication prescribed by your dermatologist. You can have too much of a good thing when it comes to bleach bath therapy, though. A bleach soak is recommended only twice a week.

Avoid dipping daily, as you could dry out your skin. If you don't like the smell of bleach, experts suggest salt or vinegar baths, which can also help clean and protect your skin, thanks to their pH-altering properties. But just like bleach, it's important to follow professional recipes when creating a medicinal-type soak in your tub. And if you notice any irritation or discomfort, rinse off thoroughly and contact your doctor before continuing with it.

Read this next: 7 Skincare Products You Should Be Using And 7 You Shouldn't

15 Best Moisturizers For Eczema That'll Calm Any Flare-Up

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My introduction to Dr. Pimple Popper (real name: Sandra Lee) was an exploding cyst video I'm still trying to scrub from my memory. Most of us associate the skincare expert with her can't-look-away skin extractions. But one thing we tend to forget is that her expertise covers the gamut of obscure, acne-zapping facts to everyday tips. She also lives with eczema. So, we enlisted Dr. Lee for her expert tips, specifically, the best moisturizers for eczema.

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Instead of sacrificing a long list of everyday habits, like say a hot shower, the dermatologist prefers making small adjustments. For instance, while most experts recommend taking lukewarm or even cold showers to avoid excess dryness, Dr. Lee says to simply "minimize the length" of them. "Most important for those of us with eczema is you want to minimize your showers," she says. "For me, there's no way I can take a cold shower. So I just take a very short, hot shower because the heat actually takes moisture from your skin."

Her other small, but effective game-changer? Keep moisturizer inside the shower. "That's key. It will change your life. Because what we do is when we take a shower is we get out and dry ourselves off. When you're still damp…that's when you want to put the moisturizer in," she says. "Because it will bind that water to you. If you go out of the water and you're still a little damp, it evaporates and pulls water from you. That's why when you take a shower, you sometimes feel itchy after."

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When it comes to face cleansing specifically, it doesn't matter whether you wash in or out of the shower. It really boils down to frequency. If you're dealing with flaking, simply wash your face less. "Obviously, make sure it's clean," she says, "But do it when you feel like you need to–it can be just once a day. It can be just before you go to sleep." Washing less can be especially effective for those with atopic dermatitis or eczema, but again, everyone's cleansing routine is singular and should be approved by an expert if possible.

So what kind of moisturizer should you keep in the shower? In general, but especially for dryer skin types, Dr. Lee says to rely on creams instead of water-based lotions. "Creams are oil-based. Those of us who are dryer can tolerate heavy creams because they're just more moisturizing. Even an ointment like Vaseline, we can tolerate that," she says. Also, you don't need to get fancy with your body moisturizers. In fact, Dr. Lee actually recommends a slew of drugstore staples if your eczema is flaring up. "Over the counters like CeraVe, Cetaphil, Dove, Eucerin; they all make really, good thick creams," she says.

Grab any of these eczema-friendly moisturizers and stick it next to your body wash. You'll be glad you did.

Murad.

Murad Eczema Control Quick Relief Colloidal Oatmeal Treatment

Soothe an eczema rash and dermatitis on the face, eyes and body with this ultra-gentle cream. It contains colloidal oatmeal, oat lipids and ground cherry for max comfort.

Murad Eczema Control Quick Relief Colloidal Oatmeal Treatment

Price: $46

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Gold Bond.

Gold Bond Cream for Eczema Relief Skin Protectant Cream With 2% Colloidal Oatmeal

Relieve the itching, dryness, scaling, roughness and redness associated with eczema with 2 percent colloidal oatmeal. This lotion is steroid-free formula and hypoallergenic for every day use.

Gold Bond Cream for Eczema Relief

Price: $15.62

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Skinfix.

Skinfix Eczema+ Extra Strength Body Cream

This rich all-over body moisturizer is made with calming colloidal oatmeal and sweet almond oil.

Skinfix Eczema+ Extra Strength Body Cream

Price: $24.46

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Aveeno.

Aveeno Eczema Therapy Nighttime Itch Relief Balm

Use this non-greasy lotion made with soothing colloidal oatmeal to relieve itch at night so you can actually get some sleep.

Aveeno Eczema Therapy Nighttime Itch Relief Balm

Price: $17.41

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CeraVe.

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

For those dry, itchy patches around your eyes, use this calming cream made with moisturizing hyaluronic acid, calming niacinamide and ceramides to help restore the skin's natural barrier.

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream

Price: $19.99

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Cetaphil.

Cetaphil Eczema Restoraderm Flare-Up Relief Cream

Cetaphil promises instant relief of itchy eczema flare-ups with this cream infused with 2 percent skin protectant colloidal oatmeal.

Cetaphil Eczema Restoraderm Flare-Up Relief Cream

Price: $19.97

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First Aid Beauty.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration

Made without potentially harmful ingredients including fragrance, this top-seller is worthy of a higher price. Its formula includes colloidal oatmeal for calming inflammation, shea butter, and ceramides for hydration and a custom antioxidant booster for protection against future damage.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration

Price: $38

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Curél.

Curél Itch Defense Calming Body Lotion

An advanced ceramide complex, pro-vitamin B5 and shea butter help this lotion soothe and calm the itch.

Curél Itch Defense Calming Body Lotion

Price: $11.49

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Eucerin.

Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream

Gentle enough for every member of the family, even babies, this eczema-specific formula is also made with ceramides for strengthening the skin's barrier and natural oatmeal for calming irritation.

Eucerin Eczema Relief Cream

Price: $11.77

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La Roche-Posay.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Eczema Soothing Relief Cream

The National Eczema Association recommends this heavy cream, infused with lipids, for relieving itchiness and other symptoms of eczema.

La Roche-Posay Lipikar Eczema Soothing Relief Cream

Price: $15.99

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Vaseline.

Vaseline Clinical Care Eczema Calming Therapy Cream

Calm red, itchy and irritated skin with the brand's Barrier Repair Complex and colloidal oatmeal skin protectant.

Vaseline Clinical Care Eczema Calming Therapy Cream

Price: $6.13

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Amazon.

Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream

This best-selling Amazon staple is a straight-forward, uncomplicated solution for red, irritated or itchy skin. Plus it's been officially approved by the National Eczema Association and contains zero fragrances.

Vanicream Moisturizing Skin Cream

Price: $13.56

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Burts Bees.

Burt's Bees Sensitive Solutions Calming Night Cream

A blend of aloe, rice milk and honey calms and soothes sensitive skin, helping to reduce redness and restoring the skins moisture barrier.

Burt's Bees Sensitive Solutions Calming Night Cream

Price: $11.57

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Cortisone 10.

Cortizone-10 Intensive Healing Lotion for Eczema

1 percent hydrocortisone relives itch while vitamins A, C and E soothe the skin.

Cortizone-10 Intensive Healing Lotion for Eczema

Price: $8.46

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Welly.

Welly Eczema Body Cream

1 percent colloidal oatmeal skin protectant and 6.5 percent shea butter both hydrate and relive redness and itch due to eczema.

Welly Eczema Body Cream

Price: $19.59

Buy Now

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Summer-Proof Your Skin: The Best Natural Remedies For Dry Skin

Home Remedies for Dry SkinPic Courtesy: Unsplash

Summers can be rough on the skin, especially if you have dry skin. The summer heat, humidity, and UV rays can wreak havoc on your skin and leave it itchy, dry, and flaky. A number of products are available on the market that claims to moisturise your skin, but many of them are expensive and may contain harmful chemicals. Here are the best natural remedies for dry skin in summer that you can find in your kitchen or local store.

Dry Skin

It is important to understand the causes and effects of dry skin before we explore natural remedies. Having dry skin means losing your skin's natural oils and moisture, which results in tight, rough, and flaky skin. There are several factors that can contribute to dry skin, such as hot showers, low humidity, harsh soaps, and prolonged exposure to sun or wind. Dry skin is also more prevalent in people with certain skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis.

Home Remedies for Dry Skin

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In addition to being a great breakfast option, oatmeal is also an excellent natural remedy for dry and itchy skin. Its anti-inflammatory properties of it can aid in soothing any irritation and moisturizing the skin. Oatmeal can be added to your bath or mixed with honey and used as a face mask.

3. Nourish your skin with Honey

The natural humectant properties of honey can help lock in moisture and prevent dry skin. Furthermore, its antibacterial properties can help prevent any infections or breakouts. Add honey to avocado or yogurt for added nourishment or apply it directly to your skin.

4. Moisturise your skin with Coconut Oil

Coconut oil contains fatty acids and antioxidants that can moisten and protect your skin, making it a popular natural solution for dry skin. If you want to add extra benefits, you can mix coconut oil with other ingredients like shea butter or essential oils.

5. Exfoliate your skin with Sugar

Dead skin cells must be removed and pores unclogged by exfoliating your skin. Exfoliating with sugar is a gentle way to get rid of dry or flaky skin. If you want to exfoliate your body or face, mix sugar with coconut oil or honey.

6. Soak your skin with Milk

Milk contains lactic acid, which exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells. Furthermore, it contains soothing qualities that hydrate and nourish the skin. Milk can be added to your bath or mixed with honey and oatmeal for a nourishing face mask.

7. Protect your skin with Sunscreen

Sunscreen isn't just for the beach; it's an essential part of your skincare routine, especially during the summer. Your skin is more likely to dry out, wrinkle, and develop dark spots when exposed to UV rays. It is important to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 on your skin to protect it from harmful rays and to prevent further damage.

8. Stay hydrated with Water

Keeping your skin hydrated and healthy requires drinking enough water. Your skin can appear dull, dry, and flaky if it is dehydrated. Water keeps your skin's natural moisture. If you drink 8 glasses a day, your skin will stay moist. Additionally, coconut water, herbal tea, or fresh fruit juice can be consumed as hydrating beverages.

9. Use Cucumber to Soothe Your Skin

In addition to being an excellent summer snack, cucumber is a great remedy for dry, irritated skin. As it contains vitamin C and caffeic acid, it can soothe any inflammation and moisturize your skin. Cucumber slices can be placed on your eyes or cucumber juice mixed with aloe vera gel can be applied to your face as a mask.

10. Moisturise your lips with Coconut Oil

There is no need to spend a fortune on lip balms if you have dry, chapped lips in the summer. Coconut oil's moisturizing and nourishing properties make it a great natural remedy for dry lips. Coconut oil can be applied to your lips before you go to bed, or you can mix it with sugar for a lip scrub.

11. Reduce Inflammation with Chamomile Tea

In addition to being a soothing beverage, chamomile tea is also a natural remedy for dry and inflamed skin. There are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in it that can reduce redness and irritation. Make chamomile tea and let it cool, then use it as a toner or make a calming face mask with honey and oatmeal.

12. Avoid Hot Showers

Even though it may be tempting after a sweaty day to take a long hot shower, you may end up damaging your skin. Skin can be stripped of its natural oils by hot water, which can result in dryness and itching. Instead, stick to lukewarm water and take your shower for no longer than 10-15 minutes. For added relaxation, add a few drops of essential oils like lavender or chamomile to your bath.

13. Use Rosewater as a Toner

With rosewater, you can hydrate your skin and balance its pH level naturally. Moreover, it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe any irritation or redness. The benefits of rosewater can be enhanced by mixing it with other ingredients like witch hazel or aloe vera gel.

14. Moisturise your Skin with Shea Butter

Thanks to its high concentration of fatty acids and vitamins, shea butter is a nourishing and rich natural remedy for dry skin. You can use it to hydrate and soften your skin without clogging your pores. Besides using shea butter directly on your skin, you can also mix it with other oils like almond oil and jojoba oil to nourish your skin even further.

15. Keep Your Skin Cool with Cucumber Water

Drinking cucumber water can be refreshing and hydrating, as well as beneficial to your skin. Inflammation and puffiness can be soothed and dark circles can be reduced with its antioxidants and vitamins. Cucumbers can be blended with mint leaves and lime juice to make a refreshing summer drink, or you can slice them and add them to your water.

Dry Skin Treatment Dry skin can be an uncomfortable and frustrating condition, but there are a number of natural treatments you can try to hydrate and nourish your skin. You can easily find excellent natural remedies in your home kitchen or at your local grocery store, including aloe vera, oatmeal, honey, coconut oil, sugar, milk, sunscreen, cucumber, chamomile tea, rosewater, shea butter, and cucumber water. Maintain your skin's health, hydration, and glow all summer long with these natural remedies.

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