Your Stories - Oatmeal Baths

Thumbs Up for Oatmeal Baths - Lindsay, Bristol, UK

I would like to add to the positive experiences with "oatmeal baths". It has really soothed my skin, made it softer and taken away much of the dry skin on my face. I found not only bathing in the water, but applying the creamy substance that comes out of the oats directly onto my skin, to work even better. I am so glad that I read of other people's stories about this. (August 2006) Contact Lindsay

Oatmeal Baths - Theresa, Congleton, UK

I heard David Bellamy on television many years ago telling of his daughter's severe eczema and how they coped with it. I tried his remedy and though it doesn't cure - it does soothe remarkably well. Take one popsock (or similar item, such as a muslin bag) and put in one cup of organic oatmeal. Tie the bag and hang it over the bath tap, so that the bag hangs directly under the running water. Run the hot water through first as it takes out more of the curative part of the oats (I don't know what it is called but it feels like lanolin). This will make the water creamy white, do not add any soap, just bathe in the water then pat the skin dry - or if possible leave to dry naturally. Having recently developed pomphylox eczema this has been so soothing, and helps to moisturise my dry skin all over. I hope this helps - it is specially good for children as they are getting treatment and enjoying it too!! (March 2006) Contact Theresa

Roll your oats and moisturise - Kathie, Manchester, UK

This may sound a bit bizarre but it worked for us. Put a good handful of rolled oats in the leg of an old pair of tights tie it in a knot and hang it over the hot tap of the bath, run the bath water through this and bathe in the water. You can use the tight to wash yourself until all the goo has come out of the oat. It takes away the itching and softens the skin. 'Tidemans sea salt for bathing' also helps this can be bought in supermarkets and health shops. Hope this helps. (April 2002)

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