Water baths for treating eczema

Dermatologists will sometimes recommend to patients with eczema (atopic dermatitis) to use bleach baths as way to reduce symptoms and decrease bacterial infection. New studies have shown that there is no difference between using a bleach bath as compared to a regular water bath in effectiveness. Additionally, bleach baths can occasionally trigger asthma flares and can often cause the skin to burn and sting.

The study done by Dr. Jonathan Silverberg a dermatologist at Northwestern Medicine, assistant professor of dermatology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, and director of Northwestern Medicine's Multidisciplinary Eczema Center, was published November 13th in the journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

Many eczema sufferers refrain from bathing fearing that it will dry out their skin. These results should encourage patients to bathe regularly according to Silverberg, suggesting “if there is any benefit from bleach it is quite modest”. He also notes that soap may not be needed as it may be hard on the sensitive skin, that a 10 minutes soak effectively washes away most of the dirt and germs. He encourages patients to generously apply moisturizer to their skin afterwards.

Bleach baths can become costly for patients, another reason as to why regular water baths are better. Clothing, linens, and towels may become stained. Bleach can also sting, irritate, or burn open sores on the skin and the eyes. Silverberg says patients even have asthma flare ups from the fumes produced from the bleach. All are more reasons why regular water baths are better.

Research suggests that water baths were just as effective at reducing the extent of bacterial infection and severity of the visible signs of eczema studying the results by way of meta-analysis and systematic review of all available studies comparing the 2 types of baths. The study also points out inconsistencies and flaws in current bleach bath studies, of which many did not control if patients moisturized after the baths. Also, many did not factor in if soap was used or what kind was used. Silverburg says this study may provide an improved blueprint for future bleach bath studies.