Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsEffectivenessHow They’re UsedWarnings and Safety TipsHow To
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Effectiveness
How They’re Used
Warnings and Safety Tips
How To
Diluted bleach baths are sometimes used to treat serious skin problems, including hard-to-control eczema and/ormethicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) infections.The idea of pouring household bleach into bathwater can understandably raise eyebrows, particularly if it’s for young children for whom you would assume it’s too harsh. But this popular, old-time remedy has been gaining popularity as an adjunct treatment.
Eczemais one of the most common skin disorders in children and one that can be made dramatically worse with MRSA. Whileantibioticshave long been used to treat these conditions, increasing concerns about antibiotic overuse have led some healthcare providers to embrace bleach baths as a complementary form of therapy despite a lack of solid clinical evidence.
Jessica Olah / Verywell
Effectiveness: What the Research Says
Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), a key component of bleach, has been in use as a disinfectant and antiseptic since the early 18th century and was widely used during World War I to prevent wound infections in injured soldiers.
In recent years, scientists have taken a fresh look at the effectiveness of bleach baths in both children and adults with recurrent skin disorders.
Among the studies conducted:
Despite these positive results, the relatively small number of participants in these studies limits any interpretation one can make. Of them, only one—the smallest—has been arandomized trial. No large-scale study has yet been conducted.
Some other research suggests that bleach baths aren’t very effective at treating eczema at all.
A review published in theAnnals of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunologyfound that bleach baths were no more effective at healing eczema than plain water baths. The short-term use was noted, and using bleach baths for a longer period of time may garner different results.
At least one study, published in 2019, found that bleach used at the dilution level used in a bath was not effective at killingStaph. This was done in vitro (in a lab) rather than on actual human skin, though. According to researchers, this doesn’t necessarily mean bleach baths aren’t effective, just that there may be another mechanism at work besides antimicrobial action.
7 Home Remedies for Eczema
How Bleach Baths Are Used
Bleach baths are used to treat acute eczema flareups and to prevent future flareups, in cases of chronic eczema that isn’t improving with other treatments. They’re also recommended in cases ofStaphor MRSA skin infections, with or without eczema.
Bleach baths aren’t meant to be used as a sole treatment for eczema. In fact, if you use bleach baths alone and do not properly moisturize skin afterward, eczema may actually worsen.
Instead, bleach baths are meant to be used as complementary treatments alongside conventional eczema medications and routine moisturizing therapies.
Always get a recommendation and advice from a physician before using bleach baths to treat any skin condition. They are not recommended for everyone, and in some cases undergoing the treatment may worsen rather than improve the condition.
There are a few key steps to remember when preparing a bleach bath:
Bleach baths can be done when the skin is cracked or fissured and, in fact, may help heal them. However, bleach baths can sting or burn any open skin. If the stinging is intolerable, or if fissures are exceptionally deep, call your healthcare provider for further advice.
While bathing:
If dilute bleach bathwater gets into the eyes, flush with plain water. Contact your healthcare provider if irritation persists.Swallowing a small amount of dilute bleach bathwater isn’t likely to be dangerous, but may cause stomach upset. Still, contact a healthcare provider for advice if your child swallows more than several mouthfuls or has nausea or vomiting.
If dilute bleach bathwater gets into the eyes, flush with plain water. Contact your healthcare provider if irritation persists.
Swallowing a small amount of dilute bleach bathwater isn’t likely to be dangerous, but may cause stomach upset. Still, contact a healthcare provider for advice if your child swallows more than several mouthfuls or has nausea or vomiting.
If you notice any irritation or worsening of eczema, stop giving bleach baths and call a healthcare provider. Also, don’t hesitate to call your physician if you have any questions regarding your or your child’s treatment.
Respiratory Concerns
Keep the bathroom well-ventilated during bathtime, with either an open window or running a fan, to help dissipate any fumes. While the amount of bleach used in the bathwater is very dilute and does not produce an abundance of fumes, bleach can be irritating to the respiratory system and some people are more sensitive to the fumes than others.
If you or your child develop burning of the nose or throat, coughing, or other respiratory issues, stop the bleach baths and let your healthcare provider know.
Bleach baths are generally contraindicated for those with asthma because of the risk of fumes triggering an attack.
How to Give a Bleach Bath
If your physician or child’s pediatrician recommends bleach baths, make sure to follow their guidelines for the bath. In general, instructions for a making a dilute bleach bath is as follows:
If there is any skin irritation, speak with your healthcare provider about other home treatments that may help. Some dermatologists recommend washing with chlorhexidine cleanser (Phisohex, Hibiclens) as an alternative to bleach baths.
Diluting a bleach bath further won’t help as the lower concentration would unlikely be able to neutralize the bacteria fully.
A Word From Verywell
Bleach baths sound a bit odd (and maybe even a bit scary) at first blush. Rest assured, when used properly the dilution rate of a bleach bath gives is similar to the chlorine dilution in a properly maintained pool.
That said, bleach baths are only meant to be used in specific circumstances. While generally safe when used as instructed, you should always get advice from a healthcare provider before using bleach baths a treatment for any skin condition. Remember, too, that bleach baths are only effective when used alongside your current eczema treatment routine.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Chopra R, Vakharia PP, Sacotte R, Silverberg JI.Efficacy of bleach baths in reducing severity of atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2017;119(5):435-440. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2017.08.289Maarouf M, Shi VY.Bleach for Atopic Dermatitis.Dermatitis. 2018;29(3):120-126. doi:10.1097/DER.0000000000000358Fritz SA, Camins BC, Eisenstein KA, et al.Effectiveness of measures to eradicate Staphylococcus aureus carriage in patients with community-associated skin and soft-tissue infections: a randomized trial.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2011;32(9):872-80. doi:10.1086/661285Shi VY, Foolad N, Ornelas JN, et al.Comparing the effect of bleach and water baths on skin barrier function in atopic dermatitis: a split-body randomized controlled trial.Br J Dermatol. 2016;175(1):212-4. doi:10.1111/bjd.14483Chopra R, Vakharia PP, Sacotte R, Silverberg JI.Efficacy of bleach baths in reducing severity of atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2017;119(5):435-440. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2017.08.289Sawada Y, Tong Y, Barangi M, et al.Dilute bleach baths used for treatment of atopic dermatitis are not antimicrobial in vitro.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2019;143(5):1946-1948. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2019.01.009Barnes TM, Greive KA.Use of bleach baths for the treatment of infected atopic eczema.Australas J Dermatol. 2013;54(4):251-8. doi:10.1111/ajd.12015Creech CB, Al-zubeidi DN, Fritz SA.Prevention of Recurrent Staphylococcal Skin Infections.Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2015;29(3):429-64. doi:10.1016/j.idc.2015.05.007Additional ReadingGittler JK, Wang JF, Orlow SJ.Bathing and Associated Treatments in Atopic Dermatitis.Am J Clin Dermatol.2017 Feb;18(1):45-57. doi:10.1007/s40257-016-0240-2
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Chopra R, Vakharia PP, Sacotte R, Silverberg JI.Efficacy of bleach baths in reducing severity of atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2017;119(5):435-440. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2017.08.289Maarouf M, Shi VY.Bleach for Atopic Dermatitis.Dermatitis. 2018;29(3):120-126. doi:10.1097/DER.0000000000000358Fritz SA, Camins BC, Eisenstein KA, et al.Effectiveness of measures to eradicate Staphylococcus aureus carriage in patients with community-associated skin and soft-tissue infections: a randomized trial.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2011;32(9):872-80. doi:10.1086/661285Shi VY, Foolad N, Ornelas JN, et al.Comparing the effect of bleach and water baths on skin barrier function in atopic dermatitis: a split-body randomized controlled trial.Br J Dermatol. 2016;175(1):212-4. doi:10.1111/bjd.14483Chopra R, Vakharia PP, Sacotte R, Silverberg JI.Efficacy of bleach baths in reducing severity of atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2017;119(5):435-440. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2017.08.289Sawada Y, Tong Y, Barangi M, et al.Dilute bleach baths used for treatment of atopic dermatitis are not antimicrobial in vitro.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2019;143(5):1946-1948. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2019.01.009Barnes TM, Greive KA.Use of bleach baths for the treatment of infected atopic eczema.Australas J Dermatol. 2013;54(4):251-8. doi:10.1111/ajd.12015Creech CB, Al-zubeidi DN, Fritz SA.Prevention of Recurrent Staphylococcal Skin Infections.Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2015;29(3):429-64. doi:10.1016/j.idc.2015.05.007Additional ReadingGittler JK, Wang JF, Orlow SJ.Bathing and Associated Treatments in Atopic Dermatitis.Am J Clin Dermatol.2017 Feb;18(1):45-57. doi:10.1007/s40257-016-0240-2
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Chopra R, Vakharia PP, Sacotte R, Silverberg JI.Efficacy of bleach baths in reducing severity of atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2017;119(5):435-440. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2017.08.289Maarouf M, Shi VY.Bleach for Atopic Dermatitis.Dermatitis. 2018;29(3):120-126. doi:10.1097/DER.0000000000000358Fritz SA, Camins BC, Eisenstein KA, et al.Effectiveness of measures to eradicate Staphylococcus aureus carriage in patients with community-associated skin and soft-tissue infections: a randomized trial.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2011;32(9):872-80. doi:10.1086/661285Shi VY, Foolad N, Ornelas JN, et al.Comparing the effect of bleach and water baths on skin barrier function in atopic dermatitis: a split-body randomized controlled trial.Br J Dermatol. 2016;175(1):212-4. doi:10.1111/bjd.14483Chopra R, Vakharia PP, Sacotte R, Silverberg JI.Efficacy of bleach baths in reducing severity of atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2017;119(5):435-440. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2017.08.289Sawada Y, Tong Y, Barangi M, et al.Dilute bleach baths used for treatment of atopic dermatitis are not antimicrobial in vitro.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2019;143(5):1946-1948. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2019.01.009Barnes TM, Greive KA.Use of bleach baths for the treatment of infected atopic eczema.Australas J Dermatol. 2013;54(4):251-8. doi:10.1111/ajd.12015Creech CB, Al-zubeidi DN, Fritz SA.Prevention of Recurrent Staphylococcal Skin Infections.Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2015;29(3):429-64. doi:10.1016/j.idc.2015.05.007
Chopra R, Vakharia PP, Sacotte R, Silverberg JI.Efficacy of bleach baths in reducing severity of atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2017;119(5):435-440. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2017.08.289
Maarouf M, Shi VY.Bleach for Atopic Dermatitis.Dermatitis. 2018;29(3):120-126. doi:10.1097/DER.0000000000000358
Fritz SA, Camins BC, Eisenstein KA, et al.Effectiveness of measures to eradicate Staphylococcus aureus carriage in patients with community-associated skin and soft-tissue infections: a randomized trial.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2011;32(9):872-80. doi:10.1086/661285
Shi VY, Foolad N, Ornelas JN, et al.Comparing the effect of bleach and water baths on skin barrier function in atopic dermatitis: a split-body randomized controlled trial.Br J Dermatol. 2016;175(1):212-4. doi:10.1111/bjd.14483
Sawada Y, Tong Y, Barangi M, et al.Dilute bleach baths used for treatment of atopic dermatitis are not antimicrobial in vitro.J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2019;143(5):1946-1948. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2019.01.009
Barnes TM, Greive KA.Use of bleach baths for the treatment of infected atopic eczema.Australas J Dermatol. 2013;54(4):251-8. doi:10.1111/ajd.12015
Creech CB, Al-zubeidi DN, Fritz SA.Prevention of Recurrent Staphylococcal Skin Infections.Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2015;29(3):429-64. doi:10.1016/j.idc.2015.05.007
Gittler JK, Wang JF, Orlow SJ.Bathing and Associated Treatments in Atopic Dermatitis.Am J Clin Dermatol.2017 Feb;18(1):45-57. doi:10.1007/s40257-016-0240-2
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