Bleach Baths

What are Bleach Baths?

Diluted household bleach has been safely used for many years to help treat skin infections. A small amount of bleach added to the bath is recommended for conditions such as eczema, impetigo (school sores), boils, and infected wounds, to help reduce bacteria on the skin and improve the severity of disease.

What are the benefits of Bleach Baths?

Bleach baths are safe and effective way of reducing the bacterial numbers on your child's skin. Eczema is an itchy skin condition which is worsened by staph infection. Diluted bleach baths reduce the risk of your child's eczema getting infected with staph. This minimises the need for antibiotics by mouth or hospitalisation for antibiotics through a drip.

What do you need to give a Bleach Bath?

You will need the following to prepare a Bleach Bath:

household bleach, 4.2% sodium hypochlorite – do not use fragranced (e.g. lemon or lavender scented) bleach.
measuring cup
standard-sized bucket (10 litres)

How to give a Bleach Bath?

Fill the bath with tap water to the desired level using a standard-sized bucket. Count the number of buckets you use. Then mark your bath with tape so you don't need to use the buckets again.
Add 12 mL of bleach for every 10 litres of water (final bleach concentration of 0.005%).
Let your child soak in the bath for 10 minutes.
Wash your child's head and face with the bath water, but do not immerse their head in the water.
Wipe away any crusting or weeping at the infected area while your child is in the bath. Use a soft disposable towel (e.g. a Chux-type cloth) and throw it away afterwards.
Do not rinse your child's skin after the bath.
Use old or white towels to avoid possible bleaching of coloured towels.
Repeat the bleach baths as often as recommended by your child's doctor or nurse.

What are the complications and side effects of Bleach Bath treatment?

Household bleach can sometimes cause a stinging or burning sensation on the skin.
If your child does have stinging or irritation in the diluted bleach bath, rinse them off with plain water. Discuss this with your child's doctor before trying the treatment again.