Topical Uses for Baking Soda
Baking soda can be used topically for bathing to help remove scales, provide moisturizing benefits, and improve skin comfort in patients with skin conditions like ichthyosis and atopic dermatitis. 1
Dermatological Applications
Bathing Additive
- Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) can be added to lukewarm baths (3-6 g/L) to provide additional benefits for patients with scaling skin conditions 1
- Daily lukewarm baths with baking soda (30 minutes or more) can help remove scales when combined with gentle rubbing using sponges, microfiber cloths, or pumice stones 1
- Baking soda baths can be used alongside other bathing additives like moisturizing preparations or saltwater (normal saline 0.9%) 1
Skin Conditions Management
- For congenital ichthyoses, baking soda baths can help with scale removal and provide comfort 1
- In atopic dermatitis, bathing with warm water followed by moisturizer application is recommended, with baking soda being a potential bathing additive for symptomatic relief of pruritus and skin irritation 1
- Baking soda can be used to help reduce itching and desquamation in certain skin conditions 1
Oral Hygiene Applications
- Baking soda is used in oral hygiene products due to its low abrasivity compared to other dentifrice ingredients 2, 3
- It has bactericidal properties against periodontal pathogens when used in high concentrations 3
- Baking soda can be used as a component in mouthwash, dentifrice, or chewing gum for long-term use with minimal side effects 4
- Its low intrinsic hardness and high solubility make it a safe abrasive for tooth cleaning 2, 3
Wound Care
- Baking soda is not recommended for wound healing in diabetes-related foot ulcers 1
First Aid Applications
- For jellyfish stings, vinegar is the first-line treatment, with baking soda slurry as an alternative if vinegar is not available 1
Safety Considerations
Dermatological Safety
- When used as directed in bathing (3-6 g/L), baking soda is generally safe for topical use 1
- Baking soda should be thoroughly rinsed off after bathing to prevent skin irritation 1
Oral Safety
- Baking soda has low abrasivity on tooth enamel and dentin, making it safer than many other abrasive ingredients in toothpastes 2, 3
- Even toothpastes with additional ingredients alongside baking soda typically maintain abrasivity within safety limits established by regulatory agencies 2
Potential Risks
- Ingestion of excessive amounts of baking soda can lead to significant toxicity including electrolyte imbalances, metabolic alkalosis, or respiratory depression 5
- Misuse of baking soda as a home remedy (especially when ingested) can result in serious health complications 5, 6
- Patients at highest risk for toxicity include those who chronically use it as an antacid, pregnant women, and young children 5
Clinical Recommendations
- For skin conditions with scaling, consider recommending baking soda baths (3-6 g/L) for 30 minutes daily, followed by gentle mechanical removal of scales 1
- For oral hygiene, baking soda-containing products can be recommended as safe alternatives to more abrasive dentifrices 2, 3
- Always advise patients to use baking soda topically as directed and avoid ingestion as a home remedy 5
- For jellyfish stings, recommend baking soda slurry only if vinegar (the first-line treatment) is unavailable 1