Dermatology
Skin can benefit from the anti-septic effects of a bleach bath (which is similar to chlorine in a swimming pool).
To make a bleach bath at the correct concentration you should do the following:
- Add lukewarm water to fill the bath half way up (about 120 litres)
- Add 250ml (a cup) of Milton Sterilizing Fluid (MSF) using a kitchen measuring cup or jug. This contains 2% sodium hypochlorite and can be obtained from most supermarkets. The amount of MSF added may need to be adjusted depending on the size of the tub and amount of water used.
- Stir the mixture with the jug to ensure that the bleach is completely diluted in the bath water.
- The patient should soak in the chlorinated water for about 10 minutes. In smaller children, use a sponge or cloth to soak the dry, scaly parts of the body. At the end of the bleach bath, rinse your child’s skin very well with fresh, clean warm water.
- As soon as the bath is over, pat dry. Do not rub as this has the same effect as scratching.
- Immediately apply any prescribed emollients and other treatments.
- Repeat the bleach baths two or three times a week
Cautions
- Never use undiluted bleach directly on the skin
- Avoid getting dilute bleach water in your child’s eyes or in your eyes
- Do not swallow dilute bleach water
- Throw away or drain any unused bleach or bleach water right after each use
- Keep bleach bottle out of reach of children
- Do not use bleach baths with a known contact allergy to chlorine.
Contact us
If you require further information, please contact us on:
Telephone 01642 854149
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
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This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
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