How to Make an Oatmeal Bath Soak: Benefits of Oatmeal Baths

A homemade oatmeal bath is quite easy to make and is both skin soothing and moisturizing. It is a great addition to your skin care routine as well as a treatment for various skin conditions.

Among the many benefits of an oatmeal bath soak is it’s alleviation of skin irritations and itchiness, whether from a common rash, eczema, poison ivy, hives, or even diaper rash. Below, I show how to make the bath soak along with an oatmeal bath recipe, that includes a few other beneficial anti-itching ingredients to treat even sensitive skin and other issues.

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Oatmeal Bath Soak

An Oatmeal bath soak is an old fashioned remedy for itchy skin that really works. (see this study on it’s anti-inflammatory ability)

Finely ground oats (sold as colloidal oatmeal) can be dissolved right into hot water when starting a warm water bath. Here I’ve made my own by pulsing quick oats in a blender. This ground oatmeal is not quite as fine as colloidal oatmeal, but it is close enough and will dissolve in the bath rather than floating or collecting at the bottom of the tub.

While oatmeal is of course the primary ingredient in this soak, other ingredients can have a complimentary effect when added to a therapeutic oatmeal bath soak. This soak is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to alleviate itchy irritated skin.

Oatmeal Bath Benefits

Oatmeal baths are a go to home remedy for all sorts of skin issues, from simple dry skin to major outbreaks. Soaking in a soothing oatmeal bath is often the first thing suggested for treating eczema flare ups, rashes and poison ivy outbreaks. It is soothing and reduces itchiness, which of course assists with healing. These therapeutic baths are also suggested for those suffering from hives or chicken pox, as the bath will lessen the likelihood that sufferers will scar themselves scratching after having one.

Oatmeal Bath for Rashes

Soaking in an oatmeal bath calms the inflammation of a rash and coats the surface of skin with hydrating lipids (fats/oils). These oils also create a protective barrier on the surface of the skin.

As the skin is less itchy, scratching is reduced so healing can occur. For eczema, diaper rash, sunburn, heat rash and other simple inflammations keep the focus of teaming the oats with other soothing ingredients, such as lavender oil, frankincense oil, baking soda (helps reduce acidity), Epsom salts and milk (if if does not cause issues for your skin).

Oatmeal baths are particularly popular remedies for diaper rash as they are safe and gentle for the delicate skin of babies.

Oatmeal for Hives

If you are looking for natural remedies to relieve itching from hives, and oatmeal bath is just the thing. Soaking should alleviate the affected area. Soaking in a bath in general eases stress, which is often a trigger of hives. Lavender oil in an oatmeal bath for hives is also helpful, as it is considering relaxing in aromatherapy.

Oatmeal Bath for Eczema

For those suffering from eczema symptoms this is among the simplest of eczema treatments and often provides significant relief. Dissolving finely ground oats into the bath water along with a few supporting ingredients (such as baking soda or Epsom salts) can help soothe and heal the the inflammation of eczema. After soaking, gently pat the skin dry.

Oatmeal Soak for Chicken Pox or Poison Ivy

The same bath ingredients that help with a rash also assist in treating poison ivy and chicken pox blisters. Adding tea tree oil to the soothing bath soak when treating theses issues can also be beneficial, as it is antiseptic and antibacterial.

Is there enough oatmeal in a simple bath soak to be effective?

Yes, there is scientific evidence beyond the anecdotal results. This study found a 1% solution to be effective in treating dermatitis.

How to Make an Oatmeal Bath Soak

As I described above, I grind my oats for bath soaks in a blender or food processor rather than purchasing colloidal oatmeal, but that works well too. To enhance the effectiveness of the powdered oats, I like to add magnesium sulfate (Epsom salts), bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) and a little lavender essential oil. The ingredients are placed in a a blender and pulsed until all the oat flakes are ground down to a fine powder.

There is a quick video showing how easy it is to make this homemade bath soak yourself. along with full printable recipe below.

Taking a Bath with Oatmeal

Simply pour your bath soak mixture into a warm (not hot) running bath, then soak soak in the warm bathwater for 15 to 20 minutes. Alternately, if you do not wish to grind your oats or buy colloidal oatmeal you can fill an old sock or stocking with a cup or two of oats, run a hot bath and allow the oats to steep in the water until the bath cools to a gently warm temperature, then soak in it for 15-20 minutes as above.

Other Homemade Oatmeal Bath Products to Help Soothe Skin

Oatmeal is sort of a go to item for me when making homemade bath products with my daughter in mind. Oats are mild and their benefits are great for kid’s skin. She particularly loves my Soothing Lavender Oatmeal Soap and Lavender Oatmeal Bath Bombs recipe. They make bath time fun while soothing and healing skin.

Oatmeal Bath Recipe

Easy to make anti-inflammatory oatmeal bath for dry or irritated skin. Simply dissolve in bath water and soak in it for awhile. The soak is finely powdered to dissolve well in bath water.