For patients with eczema, a bleach or condys crystals bath can be used to reduce the bacterial load on the skin which can be contributing to recurrent flare ups and infection. It can also be useful to reduce bacteria in healing wounds.

Bleach or Condys Bath’s for Eczema

Bleach Baths instructions

  • Add 1/4 cup of bleach for half a tub of water - or 12 mL of bleach for every 10 litres of water

  • Plain white bleach (e.g. white king bleach regular) can be used - avoid fragranced bleach

  • 1-2 caps of QV bath oil can also be added

  • Bathe for 10-15 minutes

  • Pat skin dry after (don’t rinse)

  • This can be done once or twice a week, or more frequently if the skin has an active infection.

Find more information at the Royal Children’s Hospital Website

QV bath oil and white bleach for bleach baths

Condy’s crystals bath instructions

  • Purchase condys crystals (potassium permanganate) at your regular pharmacist

  • Make a solution of potassium permanganate, fill the bath with water and add a small pinch of condys crystals

  • The water should turn a very light pink. If hot pink/purple, empty half the tub and refill with water.

  • 1-2 caps of QV bath oil can also be added

  • Pat dry (do not rinse)

  • This can be done once or twice a week, or more frequently if the skin has an active infection.

Please see an instructional video at the Queensland Children’s Hospital website

Condy’s Crystals bathing for the lower legs

Condy’s crystals can also be used to the lower legs in venous eczema or lower leg wounds- instead of making up a bath use a white bucket and soak the leg in the bucket for 15 minutes. Pat dry, and this can be done daily for active ulcers or 2-3 times a week for eczena to the lower legs

Condy’s crystals for healing wounds

For smaller lesions such as cuts, abrasions, or healing skin cancer excisions, the condys crystals solution can be made up in a small cup, a clean makeup round or cotton ball can be soaked into this solution, and then placed on the skin for 15 minutes.

What if I don’t have a bath?

Microshield 2 Chlorhexidine Skin Cleanser or phisohex wash can also be used as antibacterial agents in the shower.