Whether aHoliday in the Alpsor a trip to the beach: Our skin is intensively exposed to climatic influences in both summer and winter. Peoplewith dry skinsuffer from inflammation and skin irritation all year round. Patients with neurodermatitis are particularly severely affected, as the weather has a negative effect on the skin and can even worsen the symptoms. A dermatologist from the USA recommends taking an oatmeal bath to relieve the symptoms. What is the effect of the oatmeal bath and who is it particularly helpful for – we explain this in the article.
1. Oatmeal bath effect on dry skin and neurodermatitis
A bath with finely ground oatmeal moisturizes the skin and can relieve itching and redness. The home remedy is particularly helpful for acne, sunburn, skin irritations and, in babies, diaper rash. If you don't have a chronic illness, you can simply test whether an oatmeal bath helps you. To be on the safe side, patients with neurodermatitis should first seek advice from their family doctor and parents with babies should seek advice from a pediatrician.
Dr. Azza Halim, the director of a skin care clinic in Florida, explains that oatmeal acts as a natural emollient and makes dry skin supple again. They protect the skin barrier and help restore the moisture balance. Feelings of tension are relieved, the skin appears even and feels smooth and supple.
Oatmeal is also rich in healthy fats and vitamins. For example, they contain vitamin E, which is known for its strong antioxidant properties. Vitamin E can protect the skin from free radicals caused by the influence of UV radiation. It prevents free radicals from attacking the skin's protective lipid layer. The result: healthy skin.
1.1. What symptoms can you relieve with an oatmeal bath?
Dr. Michele Green, a dermatologist in New York, has been convinced of the calming effects of an oatmeal bath. She treated the following complaints with the natural remedy:
- Acne
- Eczema
- Redness and dermatitis
- Windeldermatitis
- Sunburn
- itching
- Contact dermatitis (caused by poison ivy)
- Insect bites
A new study, published in 2020, confirms the positive effects of oatmeal on our skin. The researchers were able to prove that a cream containing oatmeal heals eczema faster than a cream without oatmeal.
How effective an oatmeal bath is and how quickly it can relieve symptoms depends on the symptoms. People with neurodermatitis should be patient: the first results can only be seen after several weeks. If you want to take an oatmeal bath as a first aid for sunburn, you can feel relief immediately after the bath.
1.2. Oatmeal bath: This is what you need to consider
If you want to take an oatmeal bath, you can use both regular oatmeal and colloidal oats. The colloidal oats are specifically made for the production of skin care products. It is sold in powder form and can be dissolved in lukewarm water. People with neurodermatitis and dry, flaky skin should opt for this.
If you only have temporary problems such as sunburn, you can also use oatmeal from the supermarket. Simply grind 500 g of oat flakes finely so that they dissolve quickly in the water.
1.3. When should you not take an oatmeal bath? Allergies
Important:First test whether you or your children tolerate the oatmeal well. To do this, simply place a pinch of the ground oatmeal on the inside of your wrist. Wait 15 minutes, rinse your wrist under running water and then wait an hour. If there is no redness or swelling within this time frame, then you can take an oatmeal bath.
People with celiac disease (gluten intolerance) should avoid an oatmeal bath. The oat flakes are often mixed with leftovers from other types of grain during production and are therefore contaminated. That's why they can trigger an allergic reaction.
2. Make your own bath additive with oatmeal: recipes for neurodermatitis, sunburn and dry skin
During a study conducted in 2012, researchers tested more than 445,000 products containing oatmeal. No allergic reactions were noted. The subjects with dry skin reported softer skin two weeks after the start of the study.
This is how you can make your own skin care step by step:
1. Fill the bathtub with lukewarm water.
2. Finely grind 500 g oat flakes or add 400 g colloidal oats to the water.
3. Relax in the bathroom for fifteen minutes.
4. Rinse the body with lukewarm water.
5. Pat the skin dry and rub.
2.1. Oatmeal bath for sunburn
Lying on the beach for too long or not wearing sunscreen? The consequences can be felt and seen after just a few hours. As long as you don't have blisters, you can take an oatmeal bath twice a day.
Oatmeal bath recipe for sunburn:
- 300g colloidal oats
- a handful of dried rose petals
- 1 cup Epsom salt (optional)
2.2. Oatmeal bath for neurodermatitis
As long as your dermatologist allows it, an oatmeal bath once a day for a longer period of time can help. By the way, there are special oat ointments and creams available in pharmacies for patients with neurodermatitis.
Oatmeal bath recipe with lavender:
- 15 drops of lavender oil
- 300g colloidal oats
- 50g Epsom salt (bath salt high in magnesium) – optional
The lavender oil not only has a relaxing effect, but is also good for the skin, like newStudy claims. The bath salt deeply cleanses and nourishes the skin without drying it out. However, the effect of Epsom salt on neurodermatitis has not been scientifically proven. It is therefore a beneficial additive that you can add if you wish and after consulting your family doctor.
2.3. Oatmeal bath for dry skin
If you have dry skin, an oatmeal bath could have a beneficial effect on your body. Take a bath with dissolved oat powder two or three times a week.
Oatmeal bath recipe for dry skin:
- 400g Colloidal Oats
- 200 ml milk
- 1 TL Honig
Dr. Alan Parks, a dermatologist with a practice in Ohio, USA, recommends the oatmeal bath with milk and honey. The combination provides moisture.
