How to Use an Oatmeal Bath

Co-authored by Lydia Shedlofsky, DO and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: April 10, 2022 References Approved

Oatmeal baths are a tried and true way to soothe away your itchy, irritated skin. Believe it or not, these baths can help with a variety of issues. If you have a lot of colloidal oatmeal (a medicinal type of oatmeal) lying around, take a peek at this list to see how oatmeal baths can possibly help you in the future.^{[1]
X
Trustworthy Source
PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
Go to source} If you just have regular oats, grind them to a fine powder with a food processor so they’ll be ready to mix with your bath water!^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source
DermNet NZ
Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health
Go to source}

1

Soothe itchy skin.^{[3]
X
Trustworthy Source
DermNet NZ
Online clinical resource website written and run by dermatologists providing evidence-based information about dermatology and skin health
Go to source}

Whip up a simple bath with 1 cup (129 g) of colloidal oatmeal. Fill your tub with lukewarm water, then sprinkle in the colloidal oatmeal.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist
Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.} Relax and unwind for about 15 minutes, which can help relieve your itchy skin. When soaked in water, oatmeal does a great job of sticking to your skin, which helps protect and soothe your skin.^{[5]
X
Expert Source

Lorena Barcal
Clinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist
Expert Interview. 28 June 2020.}
- Scientific evidence also shows that oatmeal has some antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, which are great for your skin.
- Don’t use hot water in your oatmeal baths—this can actually irritate your skin.
- If you don’t have any colloidal oatmeal on hand, blend 1 cup (129 g) of oatmeal in a food processor first until it turns into a powder.
- You can also purchase a ready-made product if you prefer. It may include other ingredients but avoid fragrance.^{[6]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
  Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.}
- Make sure to use a fragrance-free cream afterwards.^{[7]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
  Dermatologist
  Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.}

2

Give your itchy dog some relief.^{[8]
X
Research source}

Fill your tub with lukewarm water and mix in ⅓ to 1 cup (43-129 g) of ground oatmeal. Stir the powdered oatmeal into the bath water until it looks milky, and coax your furry friend into the tub. Gently ladle the bath water over your dog’s fur and skin, waiting 10 minutes for the oatmeal to really soak in. Rinse off the leftover oatmeal with warm water until your pet’s fur and skin is completely clean. Then, guide your pooch out of the tub and towel-dry them off.
- Small dogs only need about ⅓ cup (43 g) of colloidal oatmeal in the bath, while bigger dogs might need ½ to 1 cup (65-129 g).
- If your dog still seems itchy after the bath, call your vet for advice.

3

Treat eczema and psoriasis.^{[9]
X
Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}

Fill up your tub with lukewarm water and mix in the colloidal oatmeal. Stir the powder into the bath water and soak for about 10-15 minutes. Towel-dry yourself off as you step out of the bath, so your skin is damp but not dripping wet. Then, rub your moisturizer of choice into your skin right after.
- A nice soak in an oatmeal bath can help loosen some of the psoriasis “scales” on your skin.^{[10]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Lorena Barcal
  Clinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist
  Expert Interview. 28 June 2020.}^{[11]
  X
  Research source}

4

Soothe a yeast infection.^{[12]
X
Research source}

Give yourself temporary relief by soaking in a lukewarm bath. Yeast infections can leave you with an overwhelming itch and burning feeling that just won’t go away. While it’s best to tackle yeast infections at the source, an oatmeal bath can give you some relief from the more obvious symptoms.

5

Cope with itchy chicken pox.^{[13]
X
Research source}

Enjoy a 20-30 minute oatmeal when you have chicken pox. Cool or lukewarm water can help soothe away the itch—it’s really up to your personal preference. Since chicken pox tends to flare up all over, give yourself 20-30 minutes to soak instead of the usual 15-minute bath.
- If you plan on washing up during your oatmeal bath, choose a mild soap that won’t irritate your skin even more.
- Pat your skin dry after the bath instead of rubbing it.

6

Treat poison ivy rashes.^{[14]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}

Take quick oatmeal baths to cope with the itchiness. Poison ivy, sumac, or oak rashes are no fun, especially if they’re all over your skin. Soak in the tub for a few minutes and see if the oatmeal helps relieve any of the itchiness.^{[15]
X
Expert Source

Lorena Barcal
Clinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist
Expert Interview. 28 June 2020.}
- When you’re not soaking in an oatmeal bath, treat the rash with calamine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, or a cool compress.
- Antihistamine pills might also help make the itching go away.

7

Soothe away hives.^{[16]
X
Research source}

Draw a cool oatmeal bath for yourself if you develop hives. Hives are typically the result of an allergic reaction, and are very unpredictable. Fill your tub with cool water, then sprinkle in some colloidal oatmeal. Soak in the tub for a few minutes and see if your hives go away.

8

Take a bath if your skin is irritated from cancer treatment.^{[17]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Cancer Society
Nonprofit devoted to promoting cancer research, education, and support
Go to source}

Cancer treatments can really ravage your skin with unpleasant side effects. You may notice unexplained rashes, or feel like your skin is sunburned. Add some colloidal oatmeal to your bath to help ease away these unpleasant symptoms. Lukewarm or cool water is best for these kinds of baths.
- Always talk to a doctor if you’re dealing with any unexplainable side effects from your treatment.

Expert Q&A

Question

What are the benefits of taking an oatmeal bath?

Lorena Barcal
Clinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist
Lorena Barcal is a Clinical Herbalist, Clean Beauty Specialist, and Writer for IslandBeauty.co, a blog dedicated to sharing the benefits of using all-natural beauty products and recipes created by herbalists. Lorena specializes in studying and developing natural alternatives for beauty products. After finishing her herbal studies, Lorena managed an herbal lab in Barcelona developing natural beauty products. As a writer for IslandBeauty.co, she shares knowledge and insights to promote the natural beauty industry.

Lorena Barcal

Clinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist

Expert Answer

Oatmeal baths cleanse your skin, reduce infections and inflammations, and make a protective barrier for your skin.
Question

Can oatmeal stop itching?

Lorena Barcal
Clinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist
Lorena Barcal is a Clinical Herbalist, Clean Beauty Specialist, and Writer for IslandBeauty.co, a blog dedicated to sharing the benefits of using all-natural beauty products and recipes created by herbalists. Lorena specializes in studying and developing natural alternatives for beauty products. After finishing her herbal studies, Lorena managed an herbal lab in Barcelona developing natural beauty products. As a writer for IslandBeauty.co, she shares knowledge and insights to promote the natural beauty industry.

Lorena Barcal

Clinical Herbalist & Clean Beauty Specialist

Expert Answer

Yes, it can. Oatmeal baths also help with dry skin, psoriasis, eczema, rashes, insect bites, and more.
Question

How do you use cleansing foam?

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO
Dermatologist
Dr. Lydia Shedlofsky is a Resident Dermatologist who joined Affiliated Dermatology in July of 2019 after completing a traditional rotating internship at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, Florida. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology at Guilford College in Greensboro, North Carolina. After graduation, she moved to Beira, Mozambique, and worked as a research assistant and intern at a free clinic. She completed a Post-Baccalaureate program and subsequently earned a Master's Degree in Medical Education and a Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Lydia Shedlofsky, DO

Dermatologist

Expert Answer

Use lukewarm water and a clean cloth to wet your skin. Apply the product using a gentle circular motion. Then wash and pat dry your skin. In the morning, follow this with moisturizing sunscreen.

Warnings

Oatmeal baths are a great home remedy for itchy and uncomfortable skin, but they’re not a permanent solution. Talk to your doctor for more specific suggestions for your condition or ailment.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0