A bleach bath is a specialized dermatological treatment where a small, carefully measured amount of household bleach is added to bathwater to help manage chronic skin conditions, most commonly severe eczema (atopic dermatitis). The goal is not to clean the skin, but to address underlying factors that worsen this inflammatory condition. It is a highly diluted solution, similar to the chlorine level found in a swimming pool, and should only be attempted after receiving specific guidance from a healthcare provider.
Why Bleach Baths Are Recommended
Dermatologists recommend this treatment primarily to reduce the colonization of harmful bacteria on the skin’s surface, a common issue with eczema. Over 90% of individuals with severe atopic dermatitis often have a high presence of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterial overgrowth triggers inflammation and can lead to skin infections.
Bleach baths work through the oxidizing power of sodium hypochlorite, the active ingredient, to reduce these surface microbes. While known for its antimicrobial action, recent research suggests the diluted solution also has anti-inflammatory properties. It appears to help calm the hyperactive immune response, a significant factor in eczema flares, and can help restore the skin barrier function, reducing overall disease severity and itchiness.
Preparing the Correct Dilution
Accurate measurement is paramount for the safety and effectiveness of a bleach bath, as using too much can cause irritation. For a standard 40-gallon bathtub filled completely, the usual recommendation is to add no more than a half-cup of plain, unscented household bleach. If you are using a half-full tub, the amount should be reduced to one-quarter cup.
The bleach must be regular-strength, typically containing between 5% and 8.25% sodium hypochlorite, and must not be a concentrated or scented formula. Measure the bleach with a standard kitchen measuring cup before pouring it into the running bathwater to ensure precision. For smaller applications, such as an infant tub or a foot bath, use a ratio of approximately one teaspoon of bleach for every gallon of water. Always pour the bleach directly into the water as the tub is filling to ensure it is thoroughly mixed before entering. Never apply concentrated bleach directly to the skin, as this will cause severe chemical burns and irritation.
Execution of the Bath and Rinsing
Once the water is drawn and the bleach is fully diluted, enter the tub and soak for the recommended duration of five to ten minutes. Immersion should be limited to the neck down, and you must keep your head above the water at all times. The diluted solution should not be used to wash the face, and contact with the eyes, nose, or mouth must be avoided.
After soaking, drain the tub and rinse your entire body with clean, plain warm water from a shower or separate basin. This crucial step removes any residual chlorine solution from the skin, which could otherwise cause excessive dryness or irritation if left on the surface.
Immediate Safety Precautions and Post-Bath Care
Before starting this therapy, discuss the treatment frequency with your dermatologist; most patients take a bleach bath two to three times per week. Pay close attention to how your skin reacts during the first few treatments. If you experience stinging, burning, or increased redness, stop the bath immediately and rinse your skin thoroughly with plain water.
After rinsing away the bleach water, the next steps are essential for locking in moisture and maximizing the benefit. Gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel, avoiding any rubbing or harsh friction. Immediately following the pat-dry, apply any prescribed topical medications or a generous layer of moisturizer. This “soak and seal” method traps hydration into the skin barrier and is most effective when performed within three minutes of exiting the water.