When & How To Use Bleach Baths For Your Child With Eczema

Key points 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

Why use a bleach bath?

Bleach - sodium hypochlorite baths decrease bacteria (bugs) on the skin. This can help improve active eczema and prevent skin infection.

When should I use bleach baths?

When the skin is dry, red, and itchy or infected (active eczema).

How often should I use bleach baths?

Twice a week. See your doctor or nurse if skin is irritated by the bath, or if infection occurs.

What sort of bleach should I use?

Bleach is sold as household cleaner. Choose one that is plain and has no added fragrance or detergent. They come in different strengths. Bleach gets weaker over time so you may need to replace 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?

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

• 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 can print out bleach bath instructions (PDF, 1.19 MB). 

See more KidsHealth content on eczema

Check out KidsHealth's section on eczema