Oatmeal is the best way to combat the three major problems that eczema cause. Drawing an oatmeal bath for eczema protects the skin, helps maintain pH level, and the fat in it acts as an emollient which moisturizes and stops the itch. Oatmeal is the best way to combat the three major problems at once. 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.



Step One Prepare Lukewarm Water

The recommended temperature for a bath for a baby is 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This will keep the water at a medium temperature that will not chill or overheat the baby. Use your elbow to test the water for a warm temperature. As an adult the bath water should not be too much hotter than the normal body temperature, but you will have to determine what that is for yourself. Recommended bath temperatures change and they cause great debates. Keep in mind that the hotter the water the more you will dry out your skin.



Step Two – Add Colloidal Oatmeal to Water

Colloidal oatmeal is processed from rolled oats and designed to be absorbed by the skin. Regular oatmeal particles are not designed for skin absorption and you can debate if it works as well in a bath. Aveeno is one brand that has created a products specifically for a oatmeal bath for eczema. The Aveeno colloidal oatmeal packets are simple, quick, and they work wonders. I like to buy them in bulk so I am always ready for an oatmeal bath. They are great to have when you need to pr epare a quick bath for an unexpected flare up. However, If I don't have the packets I use what I have on hand.

To use regular oats place the oatmeal in a knee-high stocking and drop it in the bath. Squeeze the knee-high being careful not to break the bag or you'll have a big mess to clean. Natural oats are different that colloidal oatmeal, so you may want to allow time for the bag to sit a little while before you get in. You can also tie the bag to the faucet to let the water run through it while the tub fills. A quick way to get the oatmeal to seep into the bath water and your skin is to grind them in a food processor first.



Step Three Stir the Oatmeal into the Water

Be careful not to let it all sit on the bottom give the oatmeal a gentle mix with your hands. The process of using natural oats is different. Squeeze the knee-high being careful not to break the bag or you'll have a big mess to clean. Natural oats do not dissolve in the water, so you may want to allow time for the bag to sit a little while before you get in.

Step Four Soak in the Bath

Now you climb in, it's as simple as that! Add oils that your skin loves to the water before you get in if you have them. Be careful not to slip. Allow time for the skin to soak in the oatmeal. People with dry and eczema prone skin should take quick baths, but in this case wait a bit longer. Use a loofah to massage the oatmeal water into the skin. The oatmeal bag can be your loofah if you are using one. No need to use soap during this process. Soap can counteract the oatmeal soaking into the skin. This is a good time to bathe with alternative cleansers like oils.



Step Five Moisturize your Skin

Never forget, no matter what kind of bath you take, to always moisturize your damp skin. Another emollient enriched moisturizer will give you pillow soft skin. For a baby use this step as a moment to relax them by applying the cream with a gentle massage. This will be calming and take away the itch long enough for the baby to be rocked to sleep.

After moisturizing you are all done with your oatmeal bath for eczema. You will be able to see and feel the difference in your baby's skin. To learn more about creating a skin care routine for a baby with eczema read Soothing Skin Care Regimen and Daily Eczema Routine. If you have any questions drop them in the comments below. Follow me on twitter and communicate with me using the #eczemama. As always happy parenting and enjoy bath time.