Researchers report that adding one half cup of bleach to children’s bathwater can help ease skin irritations associated with atopic eczema. A University of Colorado study published in the current issue of Pediatrics found that bleach dilute baths drastically decreased prevalence of bacterial infections associated with the skin disease in patients from 6 to 17 years of age. The study showed that suppressing the growth of the bacterium responsible for the skin irritations helped reduce problems associated with eczema.

Atopic eczema is an allergic skin disease characterized by red, swollen, itchy skin accompanied by flaking, cracking, crusting and blistering. Children often respond by scratching skin raw, until bleeding or oozing occurs. This causes significant discomfort and is often embarrassing to the affected parties.

Conventional eczema treatments include oral antibiotics, which work against bacteria, and topical anti-itch creams, which sooth the skin and combat itchiness. But bacteria often become resistant to these medications, making future treatment even more difficult. Bleach baths might offer more permanent relief.

If you have other tips for relieving eczema symptoms, share them on the Healia Dermatitis Online Health Community and Support Group.