Are Bleach Baths Overreach Baths?

Bleach baths may be preferred when heavy S. aureus colonization is suspected.

Staphylococcus aureus can be isolated from lesional skin in at least 80% of patients with atopic dermatitis whether or not the skin looks “infected.” Crusting hints at high levels of colonization. At some point, heavy colonization contributes to disease severity and persistence. Although antistaphylococcal antibiotics are often prescribed, bathing the skin in tap water may wash off crusts and bacteria to reduce the density of S. aureus. Recently, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) bleach baths have become fashionable, added to bathwater. Do bleach baths really work better than regular baths?

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial, 40 children aged 4 to 18 years with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis were randomized to bleach bath…

Reviewing Author

Mark V. Dahl, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Ulthera, Inc.; AuBio LifeSciences, LLC; Paris Therapeutics

Equity Elorac, Inc.; Makucell, Inc.; Paris Therapeutics

Editorial boards UpToDate

Leadership positions in professional societiesNational Rosacea Society (Chairman, Medical Board)