Oatmeal Bath For Eczema Relief

Skincare routines can often feel complicated for people with eczema - applying topical creams here, there, and everywhere, trying to keep up with the unpredictable pattern of eczema flares across your body.

But what if there was a way to soothe every inch of your skin all at once, finding full-body relief from dry and itchy skin? 

Regular oatmeal baths offer a safe, natural, and effective way to stay on top of eczema symptoms, all while lying back and relaxing! That's why in this post, we'll explore everything you need to know about:

• The skin benefits of oatmeal powder

• How to choose (or make!) the best colloidal oatmeal for you

• The perfect routine for an effective oatmeal bath

Keep reading to learn more about how to harness the full-body nourishment of oatmeal baths for yourself today.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema is an umbrella term for a group of chronic, inflammatory skin conditions that affect 10-20% of the population, caused by a combination of genetic and environmental triggers.

It's characterized by dry, scaly, and itchy skin patches or 'flares' that may appear red on lighter skin tones and brown, grey, or purplish on darker skin tones. While these itchy patches tend to develop on the creases of elbows, knees, feet, and hands, eczema can affect any part of your body.

There are several types of eczema, such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, discoid eczema, and dyshidrotic eczema, among many others.

Treating Eczema

Because there is no known 'cure' for eczema, the aim is to manage eczema symptoms and keep flares in check. Adding oatmeal baths into your self-care routine can help reduce the frequency and intensity of your flares, relieve itchy eczema, and regain control over your skin condition.

Oatmeal In Bath for Eczema: How Does It Work?

Oatmeal may be a simple ingredient, but it is mighty, working to treat eczema in a variety of ways:

• It is rich in beta-glucans which have anti inflammatory properties and stimulate collagen production to strengthen and repair your skin barrier.

• Oatmeal helps create a protective barrier against irritants, maintaining the skin's optimum pH level.

• This ingredient also contains antioxidants, helping to limit skin cell damage. 

• When mixed with water, oatmeal powder can be a gentle exfoliator that helps remove dead skin cells and unclog your pores. 

• Oatmeal not only helps with eczema, but it can relieve any itchy rash, including hives, diaper rash, bug bites, and more, and it is safe even for babies.

Before adding oatmeal baths to your skincare regime, ask your doctor if this treatment method suits your unique symptoms.

Colloidal Oatmeal: What's The Difference?

So you'd like to try a soothing oatmeal bath but need help figuring out where to start? The first thing is to decide on the best oatmeal to use.

Unlike the yummy, gloopy oatmeal you might enjoy for breakfast, colloidal oatmeal is made from finely ground oats to create a floury oat powder. Due to this, colloidal oatmeal suspends in your bath water without sinking, creating the perfect milky, silky texture to soothe itchy skin (without blocking your drains!)

D-I-Y Home Remedies

Did you know that you can make your own colloidal oatmeal? Toss organic rolled oats into a coffee grinder, blender, or food processor and blitz them until you create a fine powder. You can test your D-I-Y oatmeal by adding a teaspoon of warm water to a glass to see if it absorbs and blends quickly.

To maximize the clinical properties of your oatmeal bath, buy your oats from only high-quality sources. 

Treating Eczema: The Perfect Oatmeal Bath Routine

If you hope to find full-body relief for irritated skin, follow these steps to take an oatmeal bath safely and effectively.

Running The Bath

1. Pour half a cup of your colloidal oatmeal bath soak into the tub (or one cup for dry skin).

2. Fill your tub with lukewarm water, stirring until the oat powder is thoroughly blended. (While it might seem tempting to run yourself a hot, steamy soak, hot water can further inflame and irritate dry and itchy skin, drawing moisture from your body).

3. While your tub fills, why not complete a restful self-care ritual such as lighting a candle, doing a short meditation, or journaling? Eczema symptoms are linked to emotional stress and exhaustion, so the more you can relax, the better.

During The Bath

1. Allow yourself to soak in the water for 15-30 minutes, ensuring all of your body remains submerged. (The recommended amount for babies aged two and older is to add 2-4 tbsp per bath and soak for 5-15 minutes).

2. Stay hydrated throughout your bath time by sipping a drink of water.

After The Bath

1. Rinse yourself clean with lukewarm water to wash off the oatmeal residue.

2. Take a gentle towel and pat dry so that your eczema flares are not irritated further, leaving your skin slightly damp.

Moisturize

To deepen the soothing effects of colloidal oatmeal baths, we suggest massaging your skin with a nourishing and soothing moisturizer straight afterward, such as this Organic Manuka Skin Soothing Cream. 

This creamy balm will reduce itching and heal dry skin, providing anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Moisturize within 3 minutes of leaving the bathtub to lock in the maximum moisture.

This Calendula Oil for Eczema is also an excellent hydrator for post-bath skin. Rub it onto your body or face for a calming and soothing moisture boost.

Manage Eczema Symptoms Today

Take a colloidal oatmeal bath today to see instant soothing results for your atopic eczema and prevent skin infections.