Oatmeal baths deliver results because oatmeal has proven anti-inflammatory and moisturizing qualities.
Finely ground oat grain (Avena sativa) applied topically acts as a skin protectant.
Oats improve skin problems because they are rich in phytochemicals.
Catherine Falls Commercial / Getty Images
Prevent Scratching of Itchy Skin
Taking an oatmeal bath can relieve itchy skin.
The itch-soothing properties of oatmeal can help prevent scratching in these conditions long after a bath.
Reduce Inflammation and Promote Anti-Oxidant Effect
Research supports the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of oatmeal.
Research indicates that oatmeal can significantly improve the skin barrier, moisturize the skin, and prevent dryness.
People with compromised skin or skin conditions often have high pH levels.
Research indicates that oatmeal can act as a buffering agent to help maintain yourskin’s ideal pH.
Research has consistently shown that products that contain colloidal oatmeal can help manage these conditions.
When Would an Oatmeal Bath Make Symptoms Worse?
While an oatmeal bath has many benefits, it may not be the best therapy for every skin condition.
The sweat gets trapped under the skin, causing a rash.
The recommended treatment for a heat rash is to keep the affected skin cool and dry.
Cool compresses can help lower the temperature of the affected skin to relieve inflamed sweat glands.
The warm water required to produce an oatmeal bath could aggravate or worsen symptoms.
Oat Allergies
Whileoat allergiesare not very common, they can occur.
Making ingredients for your oatmeal bath is quick and easy.
As an added benefit, a DIY oatmeal bath may be more economical than using prepared products.
For convenience, you’re free to purchase premade products that you add to bathwater.
Or, you could prepare your own colloidal oatmeal to get the same results.
Oatmeal baths can relieve some skin problems.
They can provide a diagnosis and treatment plan that’s right for your condition.
2015;14(1):43-48.
2020;19:10(Suppl):s4-7.
2016;15(6):684-690.
Fowler JF.Colloidal oatmeal formulations and the treatment of atopic dermatitis.J Drugs Dermatol.
2014;13(10):1180-1183.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Heat rash.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Food allergies: What it’s crucial that you know.
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Anaphylaxis.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Allergens in cosmetics.
National Eczema Association.Eczema and bathing.
Pediatric Health online grid/Children’s National.Bleach baths, oatmeal baths, and wet wraps for eczema.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CFR code of federal regulations title 21.
October 2020;19(10).
National Eczema Association.Available eczema treatments.
