When & How To Use Bleach Baths For Your Child With Eczema
When & How To Use Bleach Baths For Your Child With Eczema
Antiseptic baths 2 times a week can help prevent infection and improve eczema. Bleaches come in different strengths - see the instructions for how much to use.
Key points to remember about bleach baths for eczema
- bleach (sodium hypochlorite) baths decrease bacteria (bugs) on the skin
- this can help improve active eczema and prevent skin infection
- use bleach baths 2 times a week when your child's skin is dry, red, itchy or infected (active eczema)
- see your doctor or nurse if the bleach bath irritates your child's skin, or if infection occurs
When should I give my child with eczema a bleach bath?
Give your child a bleach bath twice a week when their skin is dry, red, and itchy or infected (active eczema).
What sort of bleach should I use for my child with eczema?
Make sure you store the bleach where children cannot reach it.
You can find bleach in the cleaning aisle at your supermarket. Choose one that is plain and has no added fragrance or detergent.
Bleaches come in different strengths.
Bleach gets weaker over time, so you may need to replace it with a fresh bottle.
Make sure you store the bleach where children cannot reach it.
Value Extra Strength Bleach
Buy at: New World, Pak'n Save, Four Square
Strength: 4.2% bleach
Clor-o-gene
Buy at: New World, Pak'n Save, Four Square
Strength: 3.1% bleach
Necessities Bleach
Buy at: The Warehouse
Strength: 2.1% bleach
How do I use bleach baths for my child with eczema?
See these step by step instructions.
Fill your bath or tub with warm water
- a full-sized bath filled 10cm deep holds about 80 litres of water
- a baby's bath holds around 15 litres of water
- you can work out how much water is in your bath by filling it to a mark using a bucket or large bottle
Add bleach and mix well
Commercial bleach products can change so please see your doctor if you are not sure or have any concerns.
- for a 4.2% product, add 1 ml for every litre of water
- for a 3.1% product, add 1.3 mls for every litre of water
- for a 2.1% product, add 2 mls for every litre of water
Work out the amount of bleach to add to the bath.
Soak in the bath for 10 to 15 minutes then wash with non-soap cream
- rinse off with tap water
- pat skin dry with a towel - do not share towels
- apply steroid and moisturiser creams
When should my child with eczema see a doctor or nurse?
See your doctor or nurse if your child's skin is irritated by the bath, or if infection occurs.
Want a print version of this bleach bath instructions page?
You might like to print out the handout Bleach bath instructions (PDF, 466 KB).
This page last reviewed 13 June 2022.
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