Should You Try an Oatmeal Bath for Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)?
You might love a warm bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, but did you know you can use it on your skin, too? Oatmeal baths are a popular home remedy for skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema. If you’re struggling with itch or other symptoms, oatmeal baths could help you feel better.
“When managing dermatitis, especially atopic dermatitis, patients often seek relief from the relentless itch, inflammation, and dryness that accompany the condition,” says Elizabeth Cabrera, MD, a dermatologist based in Georgetown, Texas. Oatmeal baths are a gentle, affordable, and effective way to soothe irritated skin and relieve itch, she says.
“While they should not replace medical treatments [for atopic dermatitis], they can significantly enhance comfort and repair the skin barrier when used as part of a comprehensive care plan,” says Dr. Cabrera.
The ideal type of oatmeal to use for a bath is colloidal oatmeal. It’s made of oats ground into an extremely fine powder so it dissolves in water and mixes evenly.
Colloidal oatmeal works in a few different ways. “It contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that works to prevent cell damage in the skin,” says Oyetewa Asempa, MD, an assistant professor of dermatology and director of the Skin of Color Clinic at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “The starches and complex sugars in colloidal oatmeal also help the skin to retain moisture and maintain a healthy skin barrier.”
It also reduces skin inflammation by dulling the effect of cytokines (inflammatory proteins in the body that lead to skin itch), and may lower the amount of a bacteria called Staphylococcus on the skin, which can contribute to eczema flares.
No recent research has measured how well oatmeal baths work for atopic dermatitis, but one small study of 64 participants found that creams that included colloidal oatmeal reduced symptoms by over 50 percent.
“Some researchers also speculate that colloidal oatmeal may help rebalance the skin microbiome, promoting a more normalized skin environment that could reduce flare-ups,” says Bruce A. Brod, MD, a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia.
But while these theories hold promise, the science is still developing, and experts need more research to fully understand how and why oatmeal baths may benefit certain people with eczema, Dr. Brod says.
Overall, oatmeal baths are very safe for those with atopic dermatitis. Many providers recommend oatmeal baths two to three times a week or, in cases of extreme itch or flares, every day. “It is gentle and well tolerated by most patients, and is a crowd favorite for those who are looking for non-steroidal options to help with itching,” says Dr. Asempa.
However, they may not be the best option for everyone. “For example, patients with hand-limited disease may not benefit from full-body soaking, and others may not have access to a bathtub due to housing limitations,” says Dr. Brod.
Also, be aware of how an oatmeal bath might affect your bathtub. “Oatmeal can make the tub slick, so use a nonslip mat and ask for assistance if needed,” Cabrera says. She also urges parents to supervise young children during and after a bath and ensure they don’t get water in their eyes or mouth.
Beyond tub safety, some people may have an unknown colloidal oatmeal allergy. Brod recommends putting any new colloidal oatmeal solution on a small patch of skin first or asking your healthcare provider for a patch test before trying a full bath.
These steps can help you prepare an oatmeal bath at home.
1. Choose a Product
You can buy colloidal oatmeal products from a drugstore or make a do-it-yourself version at home.
If you decide to buy it, be sure to choose colloidal oatmeal packets specifically labeled for bathing, says Asempa. If you make it at home, use plain oats instead of flavored or instant options, says Cabrera. “Blend 1 cup of oats into a fine powder. Its texture should be similar to flour.”
2. Prepare Your Bath
Fill your tub with lukewarm water and add either a packet or ½ cup to 1 cup of homemade colloidal oatmeal and stir to help it dissolve. “Avoid hot water because it can worsen itching and inflammation,” says Cabrera.
3. Soak and Relax
Once the oatmeal dissolves, you can soak in the bath for 10 to 15 minutes. You don’t need to do anything other than enjoy the symptom relief. Even if you feel itchy, avoid scrubbing your skin, says Brod. This can irritate it and undo the beneficial effects of the bath.
4. Pat Your Skin Dry
Once you’re done soaking, you can get out of the tub and dry off. “Gently pat the skin dry with a soft towel — do not rub,” says Asempa. Your skin will still be a little damp, and that’s okay.
5. Moisturize and Medicate
After patting your skin dry, moisturize right away. “Apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer immediately after drying off to lock in hydration,” says Asempa. The best time to do this is within three minutes after drying off, while the skin is still damp.
Oatmeal baths for eczema (atopic dermatitis) offer soothing relief for itching and inflammation.
While oatmeal baths are generally safe, it’s always best to check in with your healthcare provider before you try it in case of an unknown allergy or other factors.
Oatmeal baths can be store-bought or made at home, and you can do them several times per week or every day during a flare, but be sure to let your provider know if symptoms persist or worsen.
