How to make an oatmeal bath to soothe and moisturize skin, according to dermatologists

• Oatmeal baths are warm baths containing finely ground oatmeal which can soothe and moisturize skin.
• Oatmeal baths are beneficial for those with acne, dry skin, itchy skin, psoriasis, and rashes.
• To make an oatmeal bath add colloidal oats to warm water and soak for at least 15 minutes.
• Visit Insider's Health Reference library for more advice.

Soaking in an oatmeal bath – a warm bath that contains finely ground oatmeal – can soothe skin conditions and irritations such as eczema, poison ivy, and bug bites.

Oatmeal baths aren't just for adults, they're great for babies too – especially for treating diaper rash.

Here's what you need to know about the benefits of oatmeal baths and how to make one for you or your baby.

Oatmeal bath benefits

If you're dealing with a skin condition or irritation, there's a good chance an oatmeal bath can help. "The oatmeal acts as an emollient and protective moisturizer for dry skin," says Azza Halim, MD, a physician with her own practice.

Oatmeal contains a variety of nutrients such as proteins, fats, and vitamins - like vitamin E - which makes it especially good at binding, cleansing, and hydrating the skin.

According to Michele Green, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist with her own practice, oatmeal can soothe a wide variety of skin conditions, including:

• Acne
• Eczema
• Rashes, including diaper rash
• Sunburn
• Dryness
• Itchiness
• Poison ivy
• Chickenpox
• Psoriasis
• Bug bites

After just one oatmeal bath, your skin may feel softer and smoother. However, it may take a few weeks of once-weekly oatmeal baths for ongoing irritations to become less inflamed, says Green.

How to make an oatmeal bath

Not only are oatmeal baths beneficial, but they are easy to make, requiring just two ingredients: oats and water.

While you can use regular oats for an oatmeal bath, it's best to choose colloidal oats - a finely ground oat designated by the FDA as a skin protectant. Colloidal oats are meant to be used as skincare rather than eaten. You can buy them at most drugstores and supermarkets.

You can take oatmeal baths twice daily, says Halim. However, if you experience any redness, itchiness, or irritation, speak to a dermatologist before taking any more oatmeal bathes.

In a 2012 review, researchers looked at the potential side effects of using oatmeal on the skin. No allergies were reported of over 445,000 oatmeal-containing products sold during a three-year period. Subjects with dry skin also reported more moisturized skin for up to two weeks after stopping use.

Insider's takeaway

Oatmeal baths are a relatively simple way to soothe skin irritations, such as eczema and poison ivy. As time goes on, the positive effects of an oatmeal bath will become more noticeable, but the skin should be smoother after one soak.

If you or your child react to an oatmeal bath, contact your dermatologist about other options for helping soothe dry or irritated skin.

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