Bleach bath is being used as an anecdotal solution for its potential role in managing Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). A bleach bath is a type of antiseptic cleansing solution used to cleanse the body and remove germs. Bleach baths have been used for centuries to treat skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and other infections. TSW is a complex illness and more research is required around the efficacy of bleach baths.
Topical steroid withdrawal is a complex health phenomena that can be described as a series of symptoms associated with the gradual or abrupt cessation of topical corticosteroid use. Symptoms of TSW can include red, itchy, and inflamed skin, as well as fatigue, anxiety, and depression. There is no known cure for TSW, but throughout Facebook groups and online communities, some people are suggesting that bleach baths can help to relieve the symptoms. Please keep reading before you attempt to use a bleach bath to assist with Topical Steroid Withdrawal.
Bleach bath for Eczema and Psoriasis
Eczema and Psoriasis are the most common underlying skin conditions of people with Topical Steroid Withdrawal. Although it is difficult to separate the symptoms of TSW from Eczema and Psoriasis, communities online are suggesting the use of bleach baths to potentially improve their symptoms.
What is a Bleach bath?
Bleach baths are advised for patients who get repeated skin infections to lessen the number of dangerous germs that colonize their skin. According to some reports, using bleach baths may lessen the severity of atopic dermatitis and the need for topical steroids and antibiotics.
The main ingredient in a bleach bath is sodium hypochlorite, which is the same compound found in household bleach. When diluted properly, this compound may be used safely on the skin.
Bleach baths are most commonly used to treat eczema, a chronic skin condition that causes dryness, redness, itching, and flaking. Eczema is thought to be caused by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Psoriasis is also another chronic skin condition that causes dryness, redness, itching, and flaking. Psoriasis is thought to be caused by an overactive immune system. Bleach baths may help to reduce the symptoms of both of these conditions by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation.
Other skin conditions that may benefit from bleach baths include: cellulitis, impetigo, folliculitis, and MRSA infections.
What are the benefits of bleach baths for eczema?
Bleach baths are thought to work by killing bacteria on the skin that can worsen eczema. Bleach baths may also help to remove scale and crusting from the skin. Bleach baths are generally safe when done as directed. However, people with certain medical conditions, such as asthma or a history of allergies, should speak to their doctor before using this treatment.
According to a research study, children with eczema who regularly took bleach baths had a lower risk of getting a secondary bacterial illness such a staph infection as a result of their eczema. In the same study, bleach bathing also reduced the intensity of the symptoms in children.
If you are considering using a bleach bath to treat your eczema, talk to your doctor first. They can help you to determine if this treatment is right for you and can provide guidance on how to safely use bleach baths.
Can a bleach bath help with psoriasis?
Bleach baths are becoming an increasingly popular treatment for psoriasis, and for good reason. There are a number of benefits that come with using a bleach bath to treat your psoriasis.
One of the biggest benefits of using a bleach bath to treat psoriasis is that it may help to reduce the itchiness and irritation that are often associated with the condition. Psoriasis can be a very itchy and irritating condition, and anything that may help to reduce those symptoms is worth considering.
Another benefit of using a bleach bath for psoriasis is that it may help to kill off the bacteria that can worsen the condition. Bacteria can make psoriasis flare-ups worse, so getting rid of them may help improve your condition.
Finally, bleach baths may also help to exfoliate the skin. This may be helpful in reducing the build-up of dead skin cells that can contribute to psoriasis flare-ups.
Potential side effects of bleach baths?
While bleach baths are generally safe, there are a few potential side effects that should be aware of.
The most common side effect of a bleach bath is skin irritation. This is usually mild and goes away on its own within a day or two. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to avoid using a bleach bath or only use it every other week to give your skin a chance to adjust.
Another potential side effect is an increase in sun sensitivity. This is because bleach can remove the natural oils from your skin that protect it from the sun. If you are going to be spending time outdoors, make sure to wear sunscreen and cover up as much as possible.
Finally, some people may experience an increase in allergies after using a bleach bath. If you have any allergies, it’s important to talk to your doctor before using this treatment.
Despite these potential side effects, bleach baths are generally safe for most people. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor before using this treatment.
Does Bleach bath help with Topical Steroid Withdrawal?
Bleach bath has not been specifically studied or proven to assist in people with topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). Although anecdotally, some people suggest it may help with TSW, we are collecting information to understand if there is a trend of success with bleach baths.
Topical Steroid Withdrawal is a highly complex health condition caused by an adverse reaction to the cessation of prescribed steroid creams. Because TSW is an iatrogenic illness, currently there is no known cure, standardized medical treatment, or support for sufferers. Many people suffering with Topical Steroid Withdrawal are turning to online groups and Facebook forums to try an array of products, therapies and solutions to manage their inflammation of their skin during this withdrawal period from topical steroids. The challenge we are seeing is that there is no tracking of the efficacy of bleach baths and other anecdotal solutions.
At TSW Assist, we are aiming to discover the collective efficacy of anecdotal recommendations from the TSW community. We hope to identify trending solutions that may be helpful in assisting with the symptoms experienced during topical steroid withdrawal.
Learn more about the crowd-sourced solutions and treatments for topical steroid withdrawal that are trending as helpful.
More research is required to understand the benefits of Bleach bath for TSW
If you are considering using bleach baths for Topical Steroid Withdrawal, it is important to understand that more research is needed to understand its efficacy. Although some people may have success with bleach baths in treating their eczema or psoriasis, further clinical studies are required for TSW.
Through the TSW Assist website, we hope to share crowd-sourced information on the efficacy or inefficacy of bleach baths in helping TSW, as well as other solutions that may help.
If you are unsure, please speak to a healthcare professional before using bleach baths for topical steroid withdrawal.
