What is the recommended concentration of bleach for a bleach bath?

Recommended Bleach Bath Concentration for Skin Conditions

For bleach baths, use 1 teaspoon of regular household bleach per gallon of bathwater, or alternatively, add 1/4 cup of bleach to a quarter-filled standard bathtub (approximately 13 gallons of water). 1, 2

Preparation Instructions

• Use regular household bleach (sodium hypochlorite) that is fragrance-free and does not contain additives 2
• For a standard bathtub filled to 1/4 capacity (approximately 13 gallons):
  • Add 1/4 cup (approximately 60 mL) of bleach 1, 2
• For smaller containers or partial baths:
  • Use 1 teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water 2
• Always fill the tub with water first, then add the bleach to ensure proper dilution 2
• Mix well to ensure even distribution of bleach in the water 2

Treatment Protocol

• Soak in the bleach bath for 15 minutes 1
• For treating recurrent skin infections or atopic dermatitis, use bleach baths twice weekly for up to 3 months 1, 2
• After bathing, rinse the skin thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual bleach 2
• Pat the skin dry (don't rub) and apply moisturizer immediately after the bath to lock in moisture 1, 2

Clinical Evidence and Effectiveness

• Bleach baths at this concentration are effective for reducing bacterial colonization, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, on the skin 1, 2
• Studies show that bleach baths probably improve atopic dermatitis severity by approximately 22% compared to regular baths 3
• Bleach baths may reduce the need for topical corticosteroids and antibiotics in patients with recurrent skin infections 4
• In vitro studies demonstrate that properly diluted sodium hypochlorite can effectively kill community-acquired MRSA after 5 minutes of exposure 2

Safety Considerations

• Do not use bleach baths for infants under 2 months of age 2
• Avoid getting the bleach bath water in the eyes, mouth, or nose 2
• Discontinue use if skin irritation or discomfort occurs 2
• Do not use bleach baths on broken or infected skin without medical supervision 2
• Never mix bleach with other household cleaning products, especially those containing ammonia, as this can create toxic gases 1
• Ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated during the bath 1

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Using scented or additive-containing bleach products, which may cause skin irritation 2
• Adding bleach to the water before filling the tub, which can create too high a concentration initially 2
• Using hot water, which can increase skin dryness and irritation 2
• Soaking for longer than the recommended 15 minutes, which may increase the risk of skin dryness 1, 2
• Not rinsing thoroughly after the bath, which can leave residual bleach on the skin 2
• Failing to apply moisturizer immediately after the bath, which is crucial for maintaining skin barrier function 1