Oatmeal Baths For Rash/general Irritation
Itchy, dry skin? Rashes? According to a study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, oats excel in soothing irritated and dry skin, because they are so high in starches. These starches help strengthen the skin barrier. Specifically, the compounds in the oats promote lipid regulation in skin which means your skin retains moisture better.
Things And Supplies Needed For An Oatmeal Bath
An oatmeal bath can be prepared easily at home in a few minutes. The following ingredients are required for an oatmeal bath:
- cup of Colloidal oatmeal, i.e. finely ground oatmeal. It may be purchased from a pharmacy or made at home by grinding up instant oats. Since babies have sensitive skin, flavoured oatmeal should be avoided. Organic, unflavoured, instant oatmeal is recommended.
- Warm tap water.
- After-bath emollient or body butter.
Best Colloidal Oatmeal Products To Soothe Your Skin
Oats with berries and cream, oats with brown sugar and maple syrup, overnight oats â if you canât get enough oats in your life, weâve got a solution for youânot for your breakfast, but for your skin. Colloidal oatmeal is an ultra-nourishing, super hydrating powder made of ground oats that can be used in luxuriously hydrating baths and in rich colloidal oatmeal creams to soothe dry, itchy skin conditions.
Here, weâve curated the best colloidal oatmeal body care products so you can find relief from the itch that plagues you or the flakey skin that refuses any and all other forms of moisture you throw at it. Read on for our fav picks and hot tip â for the Mrs. Meyerâs products below, select the âoat blossomâ scent for maximum colloidal oatmeal power. Donât forget to check out the FAQ at the end, where we answer all your burning colloidal oatmeal questions too.
This list of products was determined by ratings and reviews from Grove members.
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Guide To Oatmeal Baths
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Oatmeal is a popular eczema treatment for three reasons. It protects the skin, helps maintain pH levels, and moisturizes. The fat in oatmeal acts as an emollient that moisturizes and stops the itch that eczema causes.
My guide is for infants and toddlers, but you can do this for yourself as well. Here is your step-by-step guide to oatmeal baths for eczema and itchy skin.
Is Oatmeal Soap Good For Eczema
Oatmeal soap is a sensitive choice for inflamed skin problems like eczema. There are many varieties of oatmeal soaps designed to give sensitive skins the perfect cleanser without causing any types of irritations.
If you have a problem with eczema, then you should think twice before using just any kind of soaps. The wrong choice can cause a chemical irritation and put your inflamed skin condition at risk.
Before choosing any oatmeal soap, check the pH level, allergen factors and other active ingredients to determine if it is the right choice for you. Additionally, look for a scent-free soap as the fragrance will put you in danger and can flare up your eczema, increase allergy problems and affect at risk skin conditions.
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How To Make An Oatmeal Bath Soak
As I described above, I grind my oats for bath soaks in a blender or food processor rather than purchasing colloidal oatmeal. This is a money saver.
To enhance the effectiveness of the powdered oats, I like to add magnesium sulfate , bicarbonate of soda and a little lavender essential oil.
The ingredients are placed in a a blender and pulsed. When all the oat flakes are ground down to a fine powder, it is done.
There is a quick video showing how easy it is to make this homemade bath soak yourself. along with full printable recipe below.
Rejuvenate With One Drop
Voted Top 10 Favorite Bath Bomb by Dujour and featured on Elite Daily& ! Whether youre looking to energize and rejuvenate or simply soothe the day away, Eczema Honey Oatmeal Bath Bomb is an easy way to these bath benefits in one drop. Our bath bombs are about twice as large compared to normal bath bombs for long lasting benefits.
Now you can take a calming bath and give your body all the moisture and nutrients in a convenient, all-in-one bath bomb.
So fill up a bathtub with warm water, drop in an Eczema Honey Oatmeal Bath Bomb, and step in to enjoy its calming wonders. Your skin will thank you for it.
Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty Free.
Voted Top 10 Favorite Bath Bomb by Dujour and featured on Elite Daily& ! Whether youre looking to energize and rejuvenate or simply soothe the day away, Eczema Honey Oatmeal Bath Bomb is an easy way to these bath benefits in one drop. Our bath bombs are about twice as large compared to normal bath bombs for long lasting benefits.
Now you can take a calming bath and give your body all the moisture and nutrients in a convenient, all-in-one bath bomb.
So fill up a bathtub with warm water, drop in an Eczema Honey Oatmeal Bath Bomb, and step in to enjoy its calming wonders. Your skin will thank you for it.
Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty Free.
How to use
KEY INGREDIENTS & STORAGE
Also Check: How To Avoid Itching Eczema
Diy Oatmeal Bath Soak
An Oatmeal bath soak is an old fashioned remedy for itchy skin that really works. This soak is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to alleviate skin inflammation and dry skin.
While oatmeal is of course the primary ingredient in this soak, other ingredients can have a complimentary effect. Soothing essential oils, baking soda or Epsom salts added to a therapeutic oatmeal bath soak, increases the benefits.
How To Prepare An Oatmeal Bath
If youâre using a store-bought product, follow the directions on the package.
Dermatologists suggest:
- Make sure the water is lukewarm, not hot.
- Sprinkle the recommended amount or 1 cup of your DIY oatmeal under running water as the tub fills.
- Soak for about 10-15 minutes.
- After the bath, gently pat yourself dry so your skin still feels damp.
- Immediately apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer.
The water should feel soft and silky on your skin. If you soak too long, your skin will dry out. Thatâll make your itch worse.
Oatmeal is safe for most people. But you might get a skin rash from it. Your doctor will call this contact dermatitis. If your skin is red and itchy after an oatmeal bath, donât try it again. Topical steroid creams or antihistamine pills can help. See your doctor if the rash doesnât clear up.
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Can You Use Colloidal Oatmeal Every Day
Colloidal oatmeal comes in an assortment of products, so frequency of use depends on what type of colloidal oatmeal skincare youâre using. In general, colloidal oatmeal is safe to use multiple times a day â especially if youâve got dry skin or if youâve just gotten out of the shower or bath.
Before incorporating a new product into your skincare routine, test it out on a small patch of skin. Colloidal oatmealâs side effects are rare, but some folks might experience redness or irritation. If youâve got a skin condition like eczema or psoriasis, check with your doctor before you slather anything new on your body.
For more dry skin relief, take a gander at our favorite body creams, lotions, and oils that contain avocado oil for maximum moisture where you need it most.
Notes About Preservative Choices
One of my favorite nature-derived preservatives is Leucidal SF Complete derived from Lactobacillus& coconut ferment, used at a 2 to 4% rate, which is 2 to 4 grams in this recipe.
It usually gives me a shelf life of at least 3 months, though Ive heard from a couple of readers whove only gotten about 1 month shelf life when using.
For more preservative options, be sure to check out my article:
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Ask The Experts: Colloidal Oatmeal And Baby Eczema Relief
From soothing itchiness to giving nourishment thatâs mild â finding products to care for baby eczema can be overwhelming, but the right skin care routine can make all the difference. Parents often complement prescribed treatments from their childâs paediatrician or dermatologist with additional products to bring relief to their childâs sensitive skin. In fact, one of the best natural remedies for eczema can be found in more off-the-shelf products than you may realise.
Introducing colloidal oatmeal: the quick-absorbing, natural, and soothing ingredient clinically proven to relieve your babyâs sensitive skin. We asked paediatricians Dr. Mona MD and Dr. Kavita MD to answer your parenting questions about one of the most effective baby eczema natural remedies.
What is colloidal oatmeal?
Colloidal oatmeal is ground oatmeal that has been suspended in liquid. Itâs quick-absorbing, locks in moisture and forms a protective barrier on your babyâs skin.
How does colloidal oatmeal help?
With infants, eczema normally appears on the face, elbows and knees â places they can reach to scratch easily. Colloidal oatmeal helps soften and soothe those inflamed areas, as the starch and beta glucans found in oats can help form a protective, anti-inflammatory barrier.
Can I give my baby a colloidal oatmeal bath for eczema relief?
How can I fit colloidal oatmeal into my babyâs bath routine?
Can I use colloidal oatmeal day-to-day?
Dr. Mona Gohara, MD, FAAD
What Kind Of Oatmeal Do You Use For Treating Eczema
Dont go to the breakfast cereal aisle of the grocery store looking for oatmeal to use in a bath for treating skin sensitivity issues, you need to use a finely ground, powder version called colloidal oatmeal. The finely ground colloidal oatmeal can be suspended in water and binds to the skin and forms a protective barrier that helps hold moisture in and reduce inflammation. Typically sold in drug stores, colloidal oatmeal is frequently used as the active ingredient in over the counter skin cleansers, moisturizers, buffers, as well as a soothing and protective anti-inflammatory agent.
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Oatmeal Bath For Rashes
Soaking in an oat bath calms the inflammation of a rash and coats the surface of skin with hydrating lipids . These oils also create a protective barrier on the surface of the skin.
With less itchy skin, scratching is reduced so healing can occur. For eczema, diaper rash, sunburn, heat rash and other simple inflammations keep the focus of teaming the oats with other soothing ingredients, such as lavender oil, frankincense oil, baking soda , Epsom salts and milk .
Oatmeal baths are particularly popular remedies for diaper rash as they are safe and gentle for the delicate skin of babies. The soak will also protect the skin from further irritation.
Fill The Bath And Add The Oatmeal
Run a bath of warm water. Make sure the temperature is not too hot for baby. While the bath is filling, pour cup of the colloidal oatmeal directly into the bath. Stir the bath with your hand several times to make sure the oatmeal is distributed evenly. Break up any oatmeal clumps that you find on the bottom of the tub.
Another option for adding the oatmeal into the bath is with a muslin bag, cheesecloth, or pantyhose. This will keep the oatmeal from leaving too much of a mess at the bottom of the tub. It also works well if you find you can’t grind the oatmeal as finely as you’d like.
Pour the oatmeal into the bag, cheesecloth or pantyhose .
Then, place the bag in the bath and let the oatmeal mix in. Again, mix the bath to make sure the oatmeal is distributed evenly.
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Other Eczema Baths That May Work
Some dermatologists recommend adding bleach to bathwater. Bleach can help fight bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, that can gather on the hands, feet, and other areas of the skin in children and adults with eczema. S. aureus can cause infections, as well as worsening inflammation and itchiness.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommend two to three bleach baths a week as part of a skin maintenance program. Daily bleach baths are also an option.
Use one-half cup bleach for a full bath and one-quarter cup bleach for a half bath. Use a teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water for a child or toddlers bath.
If people, particularly children, have current skin infections with areas of open sores, see a doctor for advice before using a bleach bath, as it may cause discomfort.
In addition to the relief an oatmeal bath for eczema can provide, colloidal oatmeal also:
- restores the PH balance of the skin, which keeps it from becoming irritated or drying out
- protects against sun damage
- has anti-fungal properties
- enhances the effectiveness of cleansers and moisturizers
Doctors often provide topical corticosteroids to help reduce and control the inflammation and itching of eczema. However, potent steroidal creams can have side effects, such as skin thinning, so people, especially parents of children with eczema, may want to minimize the use of steroid creams when possible.
A study found that a non-steroidal cream containing colloidal oatmeal:
Get Clean Without Harsh Chemicals Or Surfactants
Eczema Honey Gentle Oatmeal and Lavender Soap is an easy addition to your bathtime regimen. Get clean without harsh chemicals or surfactants with our convenient gentle cleansing bars. Intentionally designed to have low lather to limit irritation.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Results may vary.
Ingredients: Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Safflower Oil, Grapeseed Oil, Colloidal Oatmeal, Organic Honey, Sodium Hydroxide , Sorbitol , Vegetable Glycerin, and Lavender Essential Oil.
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How To Use Colloidal Oatmeal For Eczema
To get started in healing your itchy and inflamed eczema, there are some home remedies you can use, as well as products made with colloidal oats that can help relieve skin. Studies indicate that a minimum of 1% colloidal oats is required to be effective for eczema in any skin care product .
Creating your own homemade colloidal oatmeal eczema treatment is actually rather easy and can be done on a small budget. All you need is 2-3 cups of colloidal oatmeal powder. This can be made by purchasing organic whole rolled oats and using either a food processor or coffee grinder to produce a fluffy, soft powder . Once your powder is ready, you can draw a warm bath and pour it right in while its filling. This can get a bit messy though, so I prefer to use a cotton muslin bag, dump the oats in the bag and seep the oats in the warm bath water, like you would a tea.
For other ideas on your own homemade oatmeal baths for eczema, check out Eczema Livings blog post here.
Be careful though! Hot baths can actually be counterproductive for most forms of eczema or dry/sensitive skin. Drawing a lukewarm bath and soaking for 10-15 minutes will allow your skin to absorb the colloidal oatmeal without irritating skin further.
If you dont have time to grind your own oats, there are plenty of wonderful natural eczema treatments that contain colloidal oatmeal and your skin will love.
Have you ever tried colloidal oatmeal for eczema? Let us know your results in the comments below!
References
It Softens Babys Skin
You probably never thought about bathing in oatmeal to moisturize your skin, but maybe you should: In addition to a number of healing health benefits, oatmeal is a highly effective way to keep skin soft and moisturizedyours and your babys. Thats because it forms a protective barrier on the skin and can prevent moisture loss. Its also a natural ingredient, so you dont have to worry about it being irritating or causing further harm. You may even notice the difference in your babys skin long after bath time is over. While oatmeal baths can be an easy, effective and natural treatment for ailments like diaper rash and eczema, its important to check-in with your childs pediatrician before giving one to your baby. A doctor may recommend that you also try an over-the-counter or prescription medication that helps soothe your baby. If you choose to explore oatmeal baths, youll definitely want to check out these other tips for ways to make bathtime fun.
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Taking A Bath With Oatmeal
Taking and oatmeal bath is quite easy. Simply pour your bath soak mixture directly into a warm running bath, then soak in the warm bathwater for 15 minutes to 30 minutes.
Alternately, if you do not wish to grind your oats or buy colloidal oatmeal you can fill an old sock or stocking with a cup or two of oats. Then run a hot bath and allow the oats to steep in the water. When the bath cools to a gently warm temperature, soak in it for 15-30 minutes as above.
Benefits Of Oatmeal Baths
Wild oatsofficially known as Avena sativahave been used in personal care products for millennia.
- In 2000 BC, ancient Egyptians soaked in a wild oat baths to calm anxiety, as well as burns and eczema.
- Ancient Romans used oat baths for relieving sun burns.
- And in the 19th century, oat baths were used to soothe hives.
Why oatmeal? Why not quinoa, or wheat? Oatmeal contains a compound called avenanthramides that has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, there is so much evidence that supports the healing properties of wild oats that colloidal oatmeal has officially been classified as a skin protectant by the FDA.
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