Use an Oatmeal Bath

The oatmeal used in oatmeal baths is not the kind you eat. This variety of oatmeal is called colloidal oatmeal, though it is often labeled as avena sativa L. Colloidal oatmeal is made of oats that have been ground into a very fine powder. When used properly in a bath, colloidal oatmeal can soothe dry, itchy or inflamed skin. It is an all natural remedy for eczema, bug bites, chicken pox and encounters with plants such as poison ivy. Colloidal oatmeal has natural anti-itch properties that reduce the pH levels of your irritated skin, thereby reducing the need to itch. It will coat, moisturize and soften and it remains dispersed throughout the bath rather than sinking to the bottom in a layer of sediment, making a perfect oatmeal bath.

Steps

  1. Prepare the oatmeal.
    • You can buy already prepared colloidal oatmeal for the bath, or you can make your own. To make your own, purchase rolled oats, not the instant cooking variety, from your grocery store. Place 1 cup (236 ml) of rolled oats into a food processor, blender or other grinding device. Grind it until it has become a fine powder.
  2. Fill the bathtub.
    • Resist the urge to fill the tub full of hot water. Hot water will only exacerbate the itchiness of dry skin as it removes essential oils and moisture from the skin. Instead, fill the tub with water that is warm. Add enough water so that most of your lower body will be submerged, but don't overflow the bathtub.
  3. Add the oatmeal.
    • As the tub is filling, add the colloidal oatmeal to the tub by pouring it slowly into the stream of water from the faucet. This will ensure that the oatmeal is evenly dispersed throughout the tub.
  4. Soak in the tub.
    • Carefully lower yourself into the warm water with the oatmeal in it. It can be slippery from the oatmeal so go slowly. Soak in the tub for 15 minutes or so, and then carefully get out of the tub.
  5. Dry your skin.
    • Rather than vigorously drying your skin with a towel, pat yourself dry. Rubbing can further irritate skin and it will remove any moisturizing benefits from the oatmeal bath.
  6. Repeat as necessary.
    • If necessary, you can take oatmeal baths up to 3 times per day. Your doctor may recommend taking them more often, depending on your particular condition.

Warnings

  • The bathtub will be very slippery after soaking in the oatmeal. Rinse it right away to remove any residual oatmeal and be careful when getting into the tub the next time.
  • Always check with your doctor before using an oatmeal soak, especially if you have skin lesions or other open sores.
  • Avoid scented packaged oatmeal bath products. The scented ingredients can leech moisture from the skin. If purchasing the oatmeal bath, only buy all-natural products with no added ingredients.

Things You'll Need

  • Rolled oats
  • Grinding device
  • Bathtub
  • Warm water
  • Towel

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

Retrieved from "https://kipkis.com/index.php?title=Use_an_Oatmeal_Bath&oldid=307506"