Q&A for How to Make an Oatmeal Bath

You only need to soak for around 15 minutes before rinsing and drying yourself off.

Depending on the seriousness of the condition, yes. Many people have had good results treating pityriasis rosea rashes at home with oatmeal baths.

It couldn't hurt to try; some people swear by it. Reducing exposure to triggers will help. For example, mine flares up because of certain foods, too much stress and certain laundry detergents -- so I avoid those things.

People who suffer from painful skin conditions should use tepid water to keep from making the irritation worse. Your best option is to run the bath hot to extract the essence of the oatmeal and other elements, then let it cool before getting in.

The oatmeal bath wont "cure" the rash. It just helps soothe the inflammation. You may find that cortisone and diaper rash creme work best. Going diaperless can also help. You may need to see the doctor.

For some people yes, this will help, and some persons with eczema find that it relieves itching and pain briefly. The good thing is that an oatmeal bath is mild and cannot harm the problem, so give it a try to see what the outcome is for you.

The oatmeal bath soothes itchiness associated with allergies. Avoid using essential oils as you may be allergic or they may aggravate the itchy skin.

It should work, because peppermint oil is known to sting sensitive areas if used too much. You can try it, but if you feel any stinging or burning, get out immediately.

Yes, it soothes the itchy feeling and feels nice and soft.

Yes, as it contains only natural products. Keep the water lukewarm and avoid hot water. Also, avoid adding essential oils, as they may cause complications with your pregnancy.

Flavored oatmeal is not recommended as its sugar content could upset your skin and vaginal pH levels. Oatmeal is a very cheap product, look for brand name oatmeal in the supermarket and it should be well under $2 for a decently-sized package.

You shouldn't need to, as the natural compounds in the oatmeal will fight the itch on their own. If it helps suppress the itch between baths, however, you definitely can.

Yes, but keep an eye out for overly large pieces. You'll probably need to smash it up as mentioned in step 3.

If it helps to relax you, then definitely.

It will, but it won't make the symptoms go away altogether. If you haven't been vaccinated for shingles, and sometimes even if you have, the disease can continue to be expressed in the body as it overrides the immune system. Recurring bouts of shingles should be handled by a medical professional.

It depends on your skin and the medication, but yes, it's possible. However, you should contact your doctor immediately about a skin rash resulting from a new medication.

You can certainly try, although the weave of the handkerchief might be a little too thick to allow the oatmeal to diffuse the way it needs to.

It will spread and you will come out with tiny bits of oatmeal stuck to your skin. If this happens, just rinse off in the shower.

It could help with a dry, itchy scalp and with moisturizing your hair as well. I use this specifically as a hair treatment in the winter when my scalp and hair are dry.

Consult a doctor or dermatologist. Oatmeal baths can relieve certain symptoms, but they're not a cure for the underlying condition.

The soothing power of oatmeal is only used to reduce itch, inflammation and soreness. It may help your skin stay in good condition, helping you recover faster, but it won't actually cure a botanical skin infection.

It may relieve some of the swelling, itching and irritation, but you should always get serious bites looked at by a doctor. You might need additional treatment if the spider has transmitted venom or disease.

Yes, as long as it is pet-friendly shampoo that you are using. You can ask a vet for recommendations that will help with your dog's dry skin.

You could, but it is hard to tell if it would help or hinder the desired effect of the oatmeal bath. It works differently for different skin types.

It may help, but it depends on your personal skin type. You can ask your dermatologist if they think that an oatmeal bath will help with your back acne.

Ask a family member or your caretaker (if you have one) to help you. Someone who cares for you will likely want to help you out.

In general, it isn't recommended that you use oatmeal anywhere near your eyes, as it can get gummy and make irritation worse if it should get into them. Oatmeal baths are best reserved for skin conditions affecting large areas of the body below the neck.

Yes, but keep an eye out for overly large pieces. You'll probably need to smash it up, as mentioned in step 3.