Should You Try an Oatmeal Bath for Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)?

Should You Try an Oatmeal Bath for Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)?
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Published on July 10, 2025
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You might love a warm bowl of oatmeal for breakfast, but did you know you can use it on your skin, too? Oatmeal baths are a popular home remedy for skin conditions like atopic dermatitis, the most common form of eczema. If you’re struggling with itch or other symptoms, oatmeal baths could help you feel better.

“When managing dermatitis, especially atopic dermatitis, patients often seek relief from the relentless itch, inflammation, and dryness that accompany the condition,” says Elizabeth Cabrera, MD, a dermatologist based in Georgetown, Texas. Oatmeal baths are a gentle, affordable, and effective way to soothe irritated skin and relieve itch, she says.

“While they should not replace medical treatments [for atopic dermatitis], they can significantly enhance comfort and repair the skin barrier when used as part of a comprehensive care plan,” says Dr. Cabrera.

Oatmeal Baths for Eczema: Do They Work?

The ideal type of oatmeal to use for a bath is colloidal oatmeal. It’s made of oats ground into an extremely fine powder so it dissolves in water and mixes evenly.

Colloidal oatmeal works in a few different ways. “It contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that works to prevent cell damage in the skin,” says Oyetewa Asempa, MD, an assistant professor of dermatology and director of the Skin of Color Clinic at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. “The starches and complex sugars in colloidal oatmeal also help the skin to retain moisture and maintain a healthy skin barrier.”

It also reduces skin inflammation by dulling the effect of cytokines (inflammatory proteins in the body that lead to skin itch), and may lower the amount of a bacteria called Staphylococcus on the skin, which can contribute to eczema flares.

No recent research has measured how well oatmeal baths work for atopic dermatitis, but one small study of 64 participants found that creams that included colloidal oatmeal reduced symptoms by over 50 percent.

“Some researchers also speculate that colloidal oatmeal may help rebalance the skin microbiome, promoting a more normalized skin environment that could reduce flare-ups,” says Bruce A. Brod, MD, a clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine in Philadelphia.

But while these theories hold promise, the science is still developing, and experts need more research to fully understand how and why oatmeal baths may benefit certain people with eczema, Dr. Brod says.

Should You Try an Oatmeal Bath for Eczema?

Overall, oatmeal baths are very safe for those with atopic dermatitis. Many providers recommend oatmeal baths two to three times a week or, in cases of extreme itch or flares, every day.

 “It is gentle and well tolerated by most patients, and is a crowd favorite for those who are looking for non-steroidal options to help with itching,” says Dr. Asempa.
However, they may not be the best option for everyone.

 “For example, patients with hand-limited disease may not benefit from full-body soaking, and others may not have access to a bathtub due to housing limitations,” says Dr. Brod.
Also, be aware of how an oatmeal bath might affect your bathtub. “Oatmeal can make the tub slick, so use a nonslip mat and ask for assistance if needed,” Cabrera says. She also urges parents to supervise young children during and after a bath and ensure they don’t get water in their eyes or mouth.

Beyond tub safety, some people may have an unknown colloidal oatmeal allergy. Brod recommends putting any new colloidal oatmeal solution on a small patch of skin first or asking your healthcare provider for a patch test before trying a full bath.

How to Try an Oatmeal Bath for Atopic Dermatitis at Home

These steps can help you prepare an oatmeal bath at home.

1. Choose a Product

You can buy colloidal oatmeal products from a drugstore or make a do-it-yourself version at home.

If you decide to buy it, be sure to choose colloidal oatmeal packets specifically labeled for bathing, says Asempa. If you make it at home, use plain oats instead of flavored or instant options, says Cabrera. “Blend 1 cup of oats into a fine powder. Its texture should be similar to flour.”

2. Prepare Your Bath

Fill your tub with lukewarm water and add either a packet or ½ cup to 1 cup of homemade colloidal oatmeal and stir to help it dissolve.

 “Avoid hot water because it can worsen itching and inflammation,” says Cabrera.

3. Soak and Relax

Once the oatmeal dissolves, you can soak in the bath for 10 to 15 minutes. You don’t need to do anything other than enjoy the symptom relief. Even if you feel itchy, avoid scrubbing your skin, says Brod. This can irritate it and undo the beneficial effects of the bath.

4. Pat Your Skin Dry

Once you’re done soaking, you can get out of the tub and dry off. “Gently pat the skin dry with a soft towel — do not rub,” says Asempa. Your skin will still be a little damp, and that’s okay.

5. Moisturize and Medicate

After patting your skin dry, moisturize right away. “Apply a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer immediately after drying off to lock in hydration,” says Asempa. The best time to do this is within three minutes after drying off, while the skin is still damp.

The Takeaway

  • Oatmeal baths for eczema (atopic dermatitis) offer soothing relief for itching and inflammation.
  • While oatmeal baths are generally safe, it’s always best to check in with your healthcare provider before you try it in case of an unknown allergy or other factors.
  • Oatmeal baths can be store-bought or made at home, and you can do them several times per week or every day during a flare, but be sure to let your provider know if symptoms persist or worsen.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Colloidal Oatmeal: What Is It and What Are Its Benefits? Cleveland Clinic. January 23, 2025.
  2. Barnes M. Should You Try a Colloidal Oatmeal Bath for Your Eczema? National Eczema Association. April 3, 2025.
  3. Capone K et al. Effects of Colloidal Oatmeal Topical Atopic Dermatitis Cream on Skin Microbiome and Skin Barrier Properties. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology. May 2020.
  4. Eczema Management. National Eczema Association.
  5. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) - Diagnosis & Treatment. Mayo Clinic. May 15, 2024.
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Jacquelyn-Dosal-bio

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Jacquelyn Dosal, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Skin Associates of South Florida in Coral Gables. She practices general, medical, cosmetic, and surgical dermatology.

Dr. Dosal provides compassionate care to all her patients, listening to their concerns and creating a treatment plan with each patient's priorities and real life in mind.

She is a member of the voluntary faculty at the University of Miami.

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Abby McCoy, RN

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Abby McCoy is an experienced registered nurse who has worked with adults and pediatric patients encompassing trauma, orthopedics, home care, transplant, and case management. She is a married mother of four and loves the circus — that is her home! She has family all over the world, and loves to travel as much as possible.

McCoy has written for publications like Remedy Health Media, Sleepopolis, and Expectful. She is passionate about health education and loves using her experience and knowledge in her writing.

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