Oatmeal is not just good for children. You can also use it yourself for itchy or dry skin. The secret is that “colloidal” oats, which act as an emollient, work to soothe and moisturize dry and irritated skin. Colloidal means ground into small particles. Regular oats become emollient when they’re ground up into a fine powder. Then the skin can more readily absorb the nutrients. If your doctor recommends an oatmeal bath for a skin condition, you can buy a commercial product—or you can make your own at home for less than a dollar. All you need is one simple ingredient that you probably already have in your kitchen: Oatmeal.
Oatmeal Bath Ingredients and Equipment
You can use quick-cooking, slow-cooking, or instant oats, as long as they are unflavored. They all work equally well. You will need:
Blender, food processor, or coffee grinderWarm water1 cup of oatmeal (for a full-size bath; 1/3 cup for an infant tub)Muslin bag, cheesecloth, or pantyhose as a bag for the oatmeal in the bath (optional)
Steps for Making the Oatmeal Bath
To unlock oatmeal’s healing properties, all you need to do is grind it into a powder.
How to Give an Oatmeal Bath
Pour your homemade oatmeal into a tub of running warm water and stir the water with your hand several times to ensure even distribution. Feel along the bottom of the tub for clumps and break up any you find. If you’ve used a bag to contain the oatmeal, run a hot bath and place the bag in it while the water cools down to an appropriate temperature for your child. You may want to set a timer; be sure that the water isn’t too hot before you give your child a bath. Allow your child to soak in the tub for 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid using soap or other cleansers. This bath is to moisturize and soothe skin, not clean it. You also do not need to rinse your child off after an oatmeal bath. You may even want to gently rub some of the oatmeal directly on your little one’s skin. You can give an oatmeal bath once or twice a day, or more frequently if your pediatrician advises it. Be careful getting your little one in and out of the bath. Oatmeal will make the tub even more slippery than usual. Pat your child’s skin dry with a soft towel.
Skin Conditions Soothed by Oatmeal Baths
Parents and doctors alike have been turning to the skin-soothing powers of oatmeal for ages. It’s not surprising, then, that you’ll find finely powdered (colloidal) oatmeal listed among the ingredients in many body soaks, moisturizers, and soaps for kids and adult). Oatmeal is a natural way to lock in the body’s moisture, protect the skin, and soothe any irritation or itching. Oatmeal baths can help with conditions including:
Anal itching (often from pinworms) Baby acne Chickenpox Diaper rash Dry skin Eczema Insect bites Poison ivy, oak, and sumac Shingles Sunburn Windburn
A Word From Verywell
Oatmeal baths are great for your baby, but you may find them soothing for any itchy rash, or for sunburn, dry skin, or eczema. Now that you’ve mastered using it for your child, don’t hesitate to try it yourself. If your doctor hasn’t already suggested it to help treat your own skin issues, ask them about it at your next appointment.
