By Jillian Berman, USA TODAY
Though most people reserve bleach for removing stains from clothing, a study in the journal Pediatrics says it also may offer relief to children who have the skin disease eczema.
The study, out last month from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, found that giving children with moderate or severe eczema diluted bleach baths reduced the severity of the disease.
Eczema can often cause itching, rash, crusting and other forms of irritation, the National Eczema Association says.
"This is a study that was based on the fact that we've known for many years that diluted solutions of bleach can be antibacterial," says Amy Paller, professor and chair of dermatology at the medical school and the senior investigator of the study.
Eczema patients often develop colonies of the bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, on their skin as a result of the itching and scratching caused by the disease, she says. The bacteria can exacerbate symptoms of the disease, so when eliminated by the bleach, patients usually feel some relief.
The 31 participants were split randomly into two groups. One received a bottle of bleach, the other a bleach bottle filled with water. Doctors did not know which group was using bleach, and participants were instructed not to tell researchers which group they were in.
Patients were told to use about a half-cup of bleach for a full standard tub and to soak for five to 10 minutes twice a week. After a month, researchers saw "a significant decrease" in the severity of the symptoms of the group using the bleach.
Robert Brodell, a professor of internal medicine and dermatology at Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, says dermatologists have been using the treatment for about 20 years, but this is the first scientific study on the topic.
"Many dermatologists wait until there's evidence that something really works because there are a thousand things out there that people do and when they're subjected to scientific study they don't work," he says.
Brodell describes the baths as an "adjunctive treatment," to be used in conjunction with moisturizers, antibiotics and other treatments.
"It is a component that helps a bit, but it's not God's gift to eczema patients," he says.
Paller adds that patients should consult with a physician before starting the treatment and cautions them never to put non-diluted bleach directly on the skin.
Julie Block, vice president for programs at the National Eczema Association, says the study will "help people learn options that they can do at home to empower themselves."
Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more.