Eczema Bath Recipe: 3 Soothing Ingredients for Relief

Finding relief from eczema or atopic dermatitis isn’t always easy, especially when symptoms flare up.

An effective eczema bath recipe can soothe irritated skin, reduce itchiness, and help manage eczema symptoms at home.

Simple ingredients like oatmeal, baking soda, dead sea salt or gentle oils can make a huge difference in your comfort level.

You are probably wondering how these baths work exactly, the different benefits of each recipe and common mistakes,

So, we’ll be going on a deep dive into all questions and concerns so you can make the most soothing and healing bath for your skin.

Key Takeaways

• Eczema baths use skin-safe ingredients to ease discomfort.
• Proper bath recipes can calm symptoms like dryness and itching.
• Aftercare protects your skin and helps maintain results.

Benefits of Eczema Baths

Eczema baths are designed to target specific symptoms like itchiness, dryness, and inflammation.

These baths use ingredients that help calm sensitive skin while supporting the natural repair and moisture of your skin barrier.

On top of that, these baths bring a relaxing element to it which also brings benefits to your mental health and nervous system.

Soothing Dry and Sensitive Skin

An eczema bath can provide relief if you deal with constant dryness or flaking.

Ingredients such as colloidal oatmeal and baking soda are commonly used because they lock in moisture and decrease dryness right at the skin’s surface.

This can make your skin feel less tight and more comfortable after soaking.

Soaking allows active components to form a protective film, preventing water loss from your skin.

These baths are gentle, without harsh chemicals or soaps, so they protect sensitive skin types from unnecessary irritation.

Reducing Itch and Irritation

During and even after an eczema bath, you will probably start to notice a relief from itching. Phew!

Ingredients like colloidal oatmeal and dead sea salts have anti-inflammatory properties which help minimize the urge to scratch, making your symptoms more manageable.

On top of that, dead sea salt has mineral that are needed to help repair the skin like magnesium and zinc.

Lowering itch through these baths can break the itch-scratch cycle, preventing additional damage and infections.

Some people find that cool or lukewarm baths are the most effective versus hot water can sometimes increase inflammation.

Key benefits include:

• Calming inflamed areas
• Reducing redness
• Preventing further skin damage caused by scratching
• Minerals needed to heal the skin

Bathing routines like these can be combined with a holistic and nutritional protocol can do wonders for managing eczema.

Strengthening the Skin Barrier

A strong skin barrier helps protect against allergens, bacteria, and environmental irritants.

Eczema baths often use ingredients such as mineral oils or natural moisturizers, which support your skin barrier by replenishing and sealing in moisture.

When the skin barrier is strong, your skin retains moisture better and is less prone to flare-ups.

This can help you reduce your reliance on topical steroids or prescription creams, as basic hydration and barrier repair become more effective.

Maintaining a consistent bath routine, like once a week, may help your skin resist common eczema triggers, leading to fewer and less severe outbreaks over time.

Because the eczema bath recipes include healing ingredients, you also repair and healing your skin at the same time.

It’s not only symptom management but long term healing and preventative!

*This post contains affiliate links. This means, at no additional cost to you, if you purchase the product, I will receive a commission. These commissions help pay for website hosting, keeping it ad-free and to spread the word on clearing eczema!

3 Popular Eczema Bath Recipes

So now that you know the healing benefits of eczema baths, let’s introduce you to three popular ingredients that can help calm your eczema and even prevent it in the future.

Classic Oatmeal Bath

A traditional oatmeal bath calms irritated skin and can reduce eczema-related itchiness.

Use colloidal oatmeal—finely ground oats designed to dissolve in water—not regular oatmeal.

Add 1 to 2 cups of colloidal oatmeal to a tub of lukewarm water. Stir well to distribute the oats.

Soak for 10 to 20 minutes, keeping the water temperature moderate.

Hot water will make your skin drier and itchier.

Pat skin dry with a soft towel after, rather than rubbing, to help avoid irritation.

For extra moisture, you can add 1–2 tablespoons of jojoba or castor oil, but avoid if you have a known allergy.

Check Yareli’s Colloidal Oatmeal Bath, they are highly rated!

Dead Sea Salt Baths

This is my personal favourite remedy for Eczema and TSW!

Dead Sea salt contains minerals like magnesium, which can help boost skin hydration and barrier function.

Start by dissolving 1/4 to 1/2 cup of Dead Sea salt in a full bathtub of warm—not hot—water.

Avoid commercial bath salts that may have added fragrances or artificial colors.

Soak for 10–15 minutes.

Rinse off with clean water after your bath to remove any salt residue, especially if your skin is cracked.

Be mindful if you have open wounds as salt baths can sometimes sting sensitive skin.

Always moisturize thoroughly after.

Minera is a solid brand and product you can trust, if you need a starting point.

Gentle Baking Soda Solution

Baking soda can relieve itching and help balance skin pH for some people with eczema.

Dissolve 1/4 cup of baking soda directly into a standard bathtub filled with lukewarm water.

Mix well to ensure it’s completely dissolved.

You may also blend baking soda with colloidal oatmeal for a combined soothing effect.

Avoid using baking soda if you have any skin cracks or raw patches, as it may cause mild irritation.

Limit your bath time to no more than 15 minutes for best results and always pat dry gently before applying moisturizer.

Enhancing Eczema Bath Recipe Safely

When preparing an eczema bath, choosing safe ingredients and preparation is important. Certain carrier and essential oils and bath conditions can soothe, but others may irritate sensitive skin.

Essential Oils for Eczema Relief

Some essential oils have skin-calming properties, but not all are safe for eczema skin.

Popular options include lavender, geranium, and tea tree oil.

These oils may help reduce redness and itching when used correctly.

Remember to always dilute essential oils before adding them to your bath.

Mix 5-10 drops of essential oil with a tablespoon of a carrier oil like coconut or jojoba oil.

This prevents irritation from direct contact with concentrated oils.

Some people with eczema are sensitive to fragrance or specific plants so if that’s you, skip them!

Always perform a patch test with diluted oil on a small area of skin at least 24 hours before full use.

Choosing the Right Bath Temperature

Water temperature plays a major role in managing eczema.

Hot baths feels relaxing and soothing but can strip away natural oils, making the skin drier and more irritated.

So, lukewarm water is recommended.

Aim for a bath temperature between 34°C and 37°C (93°F to 99°F).

The water should feel comfortably warm, not hot.

Limit your bath time to 10-15 minutes. Longer baths or higher temperatures can worsen eczema symptoms by drying out your skin.

After bathing, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel and immediately apply a high quality fragrance-free moisturizer.

Allergies and Irritants to Avoid

Always, always, always check all bath additives for allergens and irritants.

Avoid products with artificial fragrances, harsh detergents, or dyes, as these can aggravate eczema.

Ingredient lists should be short, simple and easy to understand ingredients.

Common irritants include bubble bath products, certain essential oils, and bath salts containing perfumes or colorants.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and parabens are also known to cause flare-ups in sensitive skin.

If you have a known allergy, carefully read labels for alternative names.

When trying a new ingredient, start with a small amount and monitor your skin closely.

If you notice increased redness, itching, or burning, wash your skin off right away and stop using the newly added ingredient..

Aftercare and Skin Protection

Thorough aftercare helps lock in moisture and reduce irritation.

Taking steps to prevent bacteria exposure can lessen eczema flare-ups and protect your skin barrier.

Post-Bath Moisturizing Routine

After your bath, gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel, leaving some water on your skin.

Immediately apply a high quality fragrance-free moisturizer seal in hydration.

This is called the “soak and seal” method and helps ease dryness and itching.

Avoid lotions with alcohol, fragrances, or dyes since these can irritate sensitive skin.

For young children or infants, ointments often work better than creams or lotions.

Covering the skin with loose, cotton clothing after moisturizing can help maintain the effect and avoid irritation from rough fabrics.

Tips for Moisturizing:

Protecting Against Bacteria and Flare-Ups

Eczema-affected skin can be prone to bacterial infection, especially Staphylococcus aureus.

To protect your skin, keep your nails trimmed to avoid scratching and breaking the skin barrier.

Use gentle, soap-free cleansers and change bathwater every time since bacteria can thrive in standing water.

Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, or bath toys to reduce the spread of bacteria.

If you notice yellow crusting, oozing, or a sudden worsening of symptoms, consult your healthcare provider as these are signs of possible infections.

Dress in clean, loose-fitting, cotton clothing to allow your skin to breathe.

Regularly launder clothing and linens with fragrance-free detergents.

Monitoring your skin for any changes, such as increased redness or swelling, allows for quick action if irritation or infection develops.

Early intervention is key in managing flare-ups and maintaining healthy skin.

What if these Eczema Bath Recipes Don’t Work?

As a Certified Holistic Eczema Coach, I highly recommend not to give up on these baths so quick.

This is only one piece to the puzzle.

Combining eczema baths with a solid foundational nutritional healing plan is the next step.

This is exactly what we do inside the Eczema Reset Program!

We work on your Eczema from the inside out, with a protocol to address gut health and nervous system, while recommending high quality skincare products that help your skin externally.

If this sounds like something you are interested, book your Reset Chat below so you can live Eczema Free!