lemma health

Holy shit. The difference is noticeable even after just one soak. Full bathtub up to the drainage hole, half a cup of household bleach. Soaked for 10 mins from the neck down. Rinsed in the shower, washed hair with normal products, washed skin with hypoallergenic soap substitute, lathered myself in Aproderm on the way out (my skin seems to be VERY sensitive to creams with parrafin). When I tell you I am half as red as usual and completely itch-free 30 minutes after getting out, I mean it. I’ve tried everything that the doctor suggested. I’ve been trying to control this breakout for almost a year now. I had to quit my job, I’ve been bedbound most days. It’s been everywhere; legs, arms, torso, neck, even parts of my face. Oral steroids, topical corticosteroids, ointments, creams, lotions, antihistamines, the lot. I even resorted to not-so-legal anaesthetics to numb the pain from itching. NOTHING has done anything even CLOSE to what a 10 minute soak did. If you’re out of options, look into it. Everyone around me was skeptical, me included. BUT (at least for now) IM PAIN FREE!! I’ll probably post again if this works long-term, but I just wanted to get my feelings out there right now. Hope is coming back for me!!! :)

Hey guys! So I’ve had eczema over my entire body for 3 years. My face, scalp, neck, ears, legs, arms, you get the deal. And I had tried everything. Dermatologist was prescribing me lots of different creams and lotions and they were kinda okay but not really fixing my eczema at all. I went about identifying triggers. Made my entire life hypoallergenic for months and didn’t see a relief. I was moisturising all the time (we’ll see later as to why that may have been an issue) and was also at a point just limiting my showers because my entire body would rash out when water would hit it. Basically I was lost. Then I started reading about people on this group talking about the fact that they have staph infections that wont let the skin heal. And then i saw someone suggesting that a lot of people have fungal and bacterial overgrowths on their skin that further inflame skin and wont let it heal. I looked into treatments for that and saw people suggesting bleach baths. I’ve been having bleach baths for 3 days now and I don’t want to get too excited by holy shit my eczema is healing now. I honestly am in disbelief. You see I had eczema flared up chronically, I didn’t even know what a flare was, it was just always inflamed and hot and burning, i never had a point in time where my skin was ever clear. BUT NOW HOLY SHIT MY FEET ARE WHITE NOT RED. And my arms are softer (still red but we will get there one day) and everything has actually improved for me so quickly after 3 days of bleach baths. I assume this means that I had bacteria/fungi on my skin that was causing the rashes and that would make sense as I noticed that the more I moisturised the worse my skin got. And also the longer I wouldn’t shower the worse my skin got. Now that I am bleach bathing every day its really turned everything around. I also have sebderm and treating that now with vinegar (as I’m sure that my seb derm is also caused by a fungus/bacteria). I know I’ll always have fucked skin that will be sensitive to shit, but if I can get some relief and clear some of the spots (like what is happening now) its the best day of my life. Ill keep everyone updated!

For me personally I helped me tremendously. Unfortunately I found out a little late so I’ll have eczema scars for life but the inflammation and open wounds are 70% gone. I was curious to see how it worked for others who’ve tried.

This is the worst flare I've ever had. Nothing has helped like bleach baths. I thought they would be irritating, but they're so soothing. The itching has gone from a 10 on a scale of 1-10 down to a 3-4. My skin is still blotchy but I so feel so much better!!

There seems to be a lot of confusion with the recent posts of bleach baths, so here is some research I did and it's summaries. (I am by no means an expert in dermatology, my only relevant experience is research in Systems Biology) A study found that colonization of S. aureus, a bacteria part of the microbiota in the human body, caused higher inflammation in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). This of course doesn't imply a cause and effect, but bleach bathing specifically targets this. The most common concentration used in RCTs of Sodium hypochlorite(NaOCl), or, bleach, is from 2\~6%, while the ratio of bleach to water in a bath is 60ml\~120ml to 15L (4\~8% concentration), applied at most 10 minutes. (Frequency varies but usually 1\~3 times per week) It seems that more recent papers suggest that many of the older papers that suggest a positive feedback are flawed with biases and a small number of participants and studies. However, there are a few that do still suggest it as beneficial. Side effects may include itchiness, decrease in sleep quality, increased severity in AD, lowering of quality of life, but are either with inclusion of bias and/or of very low certainty. However, some interesting observations: 1. The use of bleach ( not just bleach baths) are associated positively for AD for those whose allergens are outdoors or cats. 2. It seems that bleach bath show a stronger sign of improvement for AD for those who have more severe symptoms, while it is likely trivial for those who have milder symptoms. 3. **Current literature does suggest that bathing improves** **AD**, however, there was no significant difference in bathing compared to bleach bathing, as well as risks. (Bleach bathing is as dangerous as normal bathing as long as you abide to common sense) 4. Alternatives that do not include bathtubs are more expensive, and include topical antiseptics/antibiotics, Benzalkonium chloride, Triclosan, Chlorhexidine. A [novel treatment for AD](https://www.drugs.com/nda/nemolizumab_240214.html) is soon coming, called Nemolizumab, a anti-IL-31 receptor antibody, which basically limits priuritis (itching). (It's in phase III but who knows when it's coming out. Still, exciting.) If you want to try bleach bathing, here is an excerpt from a paper that is a protocol to make a bleach bath from trials: 1. Explain to the patients that their skin may benefit from "swimming in pool water". Then give them these instructions for making a pool right in their very own bathroom. 2. Add lukewarm water to fill the bathtub completely (about 40 gallons of water \[15L\]) 3. Depending on the size of the bathtub/amount of water used, add 0.25-0.5 US Cup (60\~120ml) of common bleach solution to the bath water. Any sodium hypochlorite 6% will do; the goal is to make a modified Dakin's solution with a final concetration of 0.005%. 4. Stir the mixture to ensure that the bleach is completely diluted in the bath water. 5. Have patients soak in the chlorinated water for 5-10 minutes. 6. Thoroughly rinse skin clear with luekwar, fresh water at the end of the bleach bath to prevent dryness and irritation. 7. As soon as the bath is over, pat the skin dry. Do not rub dry, as this is the same as scratching. 8. Immediately apply any prescribed medications/emollients. 9. Repeat bleach bath 2\~3 times a week or as prescribed by the physician. 10. The following restrictions apply: 11. Do not use undiluted bleach directly on the skin. Even diluted bleach batchs can potentially cause dryness/irritation. 12. Do not use bleach baths if there are many breaks or open ares in the skin (May cause intense stringing/burning) 13. Do not use bleach baths in patients with a known contact allergy to chlorine. Revisit on the Use of Bleach Baths as a Standardized Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis ([2022](https://journals.lww.com/prcm/fulltext/2022/06040/revisit_on_the_use_of_bleach_baths_as_a.4.aspx)) Bleach baths for atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis including unpublished data, Bayesian interpretation, and GRADE ([2022](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1081120622002861)) Bleach baths for atopic dermatitis ([2022](https://depressiongenetics.med.upenn.edu/ifi/assets/user-content/documents/bleach-baths.pdf)) Efficacy of bleach baths in reducing severity of atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis ([2017](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1081120617309584)) Prevalence and odds of Staphylococcus aureus carriage in atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis ([2016](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26994362/)) Use of bleach baths for the treatment of infected atopic eczema ([2013](https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/ajd.12015)) Domestic use of hypochlorite bleach, atopic sensitization, and respiratory symptoms in adults ([2009](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0091674909008744)) Management of atopic dermatitis in the pe

Hi all, moderate-severe eczema 28[F] here. I've been using Protopic for about two months now, which has almost completely 'cured' my horrible facial eczema (seriously awesome). I've also substituted it for my topical steroids (have been completely off steroids for almost 3 months now, as I definitely developed TSW). Unfortunately, it looks like I need to use it in a more targeted manner, as over the past 10 days I've developed a pretty bad skin infections covering the insides of both of my arms (red, weepy, kind of looks like folliculitis). Because I'm worried about staph, I tried a bleach bath today (1/2 cup bleach in a full bathtub for 10min). It stung some in the tub, but 5min after getting out it actually looks significantly better - dry (not weeping anymore) and lost a bit of redness. It also doesn't itch right now (which is a miracle). Has anyone had experience with bleach baths? I understand that it's less for eczema and more for the accompanying skin infections. Any opinions would be helpful - thanks!

Essentially I dismissed bleach as it seemed too simple to work but my feet got so bad that I had nothing to lose so I tried it. I filled a large metal mixing bowl (all I have) with cold water & 2 tablespoons of concentrated bleach & soaked them for 15 minutes. Dried off, did not rinse & put on vaseline & socks. Next day, noticeable improvement. I repeated the next day & instead of vaseline I used some tacro. Feet are 75% clear. I am in disbelief. I have struggled with my feet all summer. Less itching & a lot less inflamed now. I beg you all to try it if you have not already.

I was at my wits end, almost my entire body is covered in eczema at this moment, ranging from light to severe. It's debilitating at work. I have a derm booked for Thursday, but I needed relief. Take a bath in bleach. Seriously. The steps as outlined were; 1/2 cup of regular bleach (I used Clorox) is a full 40G tub. Soak for ten minutes. Wash off immediately after in lukewarm water. Pat dry. I then covered myself in my creams and lotions, put on 100% cotton full length jammies, and when I woke up this morning my whole body felt better, like the bleach had dried out the eczema and it was healing. Do this MAX three times per week. Something to try if you're waiting to seek help and need some relief.

Hi everyone, I have had eczema since I was born. At its worst it would get hot, flaky and I was unable to move. Sometimes I would cry because I was in so much pain. I’ve been to multiple dermatologist and it still hasn’t gone away. Recently my doctor has recommended me try a bleach bath. As scary as it sounds, it actually works. I get less flares and the oozing has reduced dramatically. You’re practically using about .005% concentration of bleach in a big bath tub so it’s all diluted and not harmful. This method is highly recommended at hospitals and it’s also safe for children. This method helps reduce bacteria on the skin so anyone with oozing and yellow infection (like me) would benefit from this. I’ve provided a link with all information and it will tell you how to give a bleach bath safely. https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Skin_infections_bleach_baths/ I’m from Melbourne, Australia and as you can see on the website, it’s from one of our biggest and trustworthy hospitals. Also note, it will smell like a swimming pool I hope this is able to help you like it helped me.**Please follow the instructions accurately on the website to avoid any burning or stinging** Edit; I would also like to note I add bath oil and salt into my bleach bath and it helps keep my skin more hydrated. I did this 3 times a week/ every second day. Also if you’re planning on using salt, get natural salt. Not the ones with anti caking agent!

Anyone have experience with damaged hair from bleach baths, Drs said I could do daily bleach baths for eczema in the last 2 years and during this time my hair suffered significantly. I am only realising now its most likely from daily bleach bath. Any tips to recover?

Hey guys, I’m sorta new to Reddit but found this subreddit a couple weeks ago and it’s been really assuring to read other people’s stories about eczema. I’ve had moderate to severe eczema my entire life and I’ve recently started flaring up again. I heard bleach baths could help reduce the inflammation and kill bacteria on the skin. I’ve been trying to reduce the amount of steroid cream use on my skin, so I’m wondering if this would help me at all. Has anyone had experience with bleach baths? And if so, what’s a safe amount of bleach to put in? Thanks!

Hi itchy friends... I've had hand eczema for a long time: it splits, gets the weird bubbles that are explosively itchy and weep a clear liquid, crusts over, almost heals, cycle begins again. My little finger nail is growing out bumpy and the finger is swollen permanently. No amount of hand cream works, tried all kinds of soap, no soap, natural sanitizer, antihistamines, switching products and of course, steroid cream. I'm thinking I have some kind of infection or fungal thing that just makes it constant and I'm reading on here that bleach baths work for a lot of people. Is it safe to bleach bath on broken skin / this blistery style eczema? If so, how often should I bleach bath? Scratch scratch. Thank you 🙏