Bleach bathing for eczema

While bleach bathes can sound a bit drastic to the new eczema parent, they are actually not that different from taking your child to swim in a chlorinated pool. The chlorinated water kills bacteria on the skin, controlling skin infections that can make eczema even more itchy. Our simple guide takes you through when bleach bathes are useful in eczema management and how to go about it.

• Clinical trial have shown that bleach baths can be helpful for eczema kids who are prone to skin infections. The sodium hypochlorite in the bleach reduces that bacteria, fungi, and viruses on the skin.
• For a full-size bath are to fill with warm water, add 125ml of Milton Sterilising Fluid (2% sodium hypochlorite), soak for 10 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and apply emollient. For a baby bath, use 2ml per litre.
• Bleach baths should only be done under the guidance of a doctor, especially for those with asthma or very dry, cracked skin.

What is bleach bathing?

It sounds a bit terrifying, but it is actually a recognised treatment for those who suffer with recurrent skin infections. The chemical sodium hypochlorite is effective against bacteria, fungi, viruses and MSRA. Bleach baths may help to reduce inflammation and itching as well as reducing the amount of bacteria on the skin.

A number of clinical trials have shown that regular bleach baths can substantially reduce the severity of moderate to severe eczema in some patients¹.

Who is it suitable for?

Using the correct bleach and following the instructions below to the letter means it is suitable for anyone, including children. However, it should not be undertaken without talking to your doctor first, especially if your child suffers with asthma or the skin is very dry and cracked.

What type of bleach should I use?

Milton Sterilising fluid (2% sodium hypochlorite) is the only product which matches the strength used in trials. It is widely used in hospitals and can be purchased inexpensively from high street pharmacies and online. Because it contains no perfumes and colourants it does not degrade over time, therefore the strength remains the same.

• Do not use household bleach – the sodium hypochlorite levels may vary and there could also be additional chemicals which may damage the skin.
• Don’t be tempted to use Milton Sterilising tablets, these have a different formulation to the fluid.

How do I give my eczema child a bleach bath?

For a standard full-size bath:

• Fill to around 10cm depth with warm water (this is around 60 litres)
• Add 125ml of Milton Sterilising Fluid and mix completely (this works out at 2ml per litre of water). The bottle cap holds 30ml.
• Soak your child for ten minutes in the water. Any areas that are out of the water can be soaked using a sponge or flannel. Do not splash onto the face as the bleachy water may cause irritation to eyes.
• Rinse your child carefully with fresh warm water. A shower or shower attachment on the taps is ideal for this.
• Using a soft towel, gently pat dry and apply emollient.

For a baby bath

• Measuring carefully using a jug follow the ratio of 2ml of Milton Sterilising Fluid to 1 litre of water. As a guide an old fashioned baby bath holds around 30-40 litres while the upright tummy tub style bath baths can hold as little as 2-5 litres. A dosing syringe or medicine spoon is useful for getting the right amount for these smaller tubs.
• Follow all the steps listed above.

Our sources

1. Bakaa, L. et al. Bleach baths for atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis including unpublished data, Bayesian interpretation, and grade. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. March, 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35367346/

As well as sharing our experience of bringing up an eczema child (and favourite allergy-friendly recipes), we also manufacture and sell our unique stay-on scratch mitts and PJs for itchy babies, toddlers and children. We now stock sizes from 0-adult years in a range of colours and designs. Visit our main website for more information.