How to Treat Eczema With Oatmeal

Eczema, which is a skin condition resulting in potentially severe rashes, may be effectively treated through the use of oatmeal baths. Since many products used to treat eczema can actually burn and irritate skin upon application, oatmeal is an ideal treatment option since it immediately soothes the skin and eliminates itching.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Organic rolled oats or colloidal oatmeal
• Coffee grinder or food processor

1. Turn rolled oats into colloidal oatmeal by grinding them into a fine powder, using either a coffee mill or a food processor. You will know when the colloidal oatmeal has been milled to the right consistency when a spoonful will instantly dissolve into a glass of water, resulting in a milky liquid. Avoid using instant or flavored oatmeal products.

2. Add a few handfuls of the colloidal oatmeal to running bath water, ensuring that it dissolves completely and thoroughly. Keep the water cool to lukewarm, avoiding higher temperatures that can dry out and irritate the skin even further. Feel around the water and break up any clumps of oatmeal that may remain, constantly stirring the water until it achieves an even, milky appearance.

3. Get into the tub carefully, since the colloidal oatmeal will make everything a bit slippery. If a child with eczema takes an oatmeal bath, you may want to assist to avoid an accident.

4. Soak for at least 15 minutes to effectively treat the eczema. You may notice a slight burning feeling or irritation when you first enter the tub, but that should subside quickly once the oatmeal begins to soothe the skin.

5. Rinse all of the oatmeal residue off your body with cool water before you exit the tub. Any colloidal oatmeal that is allowed to dry on the skin could cause additional irritation.

6. Dry yourself gently with a large, thick bath towel once you get out of the tub. Avoid rubbing your skin back and forth with the towel by dabbing cautiously until you are completely dry.

7. Use a moisturizing cream in problem areas such as folds of the skin, or around joints, immediately after drying your skin.

8. Repeat the entire procedure up to twice a day in order to relieve the itching and rash caused by eczema.

Tips & Warnings

• For younger children and babies, you may want to use slightly less colloidal oatmeal in the bath. In most cases, one-half cup of colloidal oatmeal should be sufficient to treat eczema.