Skin Concern: Eczema
If you or your little one has ever struggled with eczema, you know how frustrating it can be. The itchiness, the redness, the flare-ups that seem to come out of nowhere—it’s exhausting. When my daughter’s eczema was at its worst, even the most gentle moisturizer I could find burned her skin so badly that she'd scream out in pain the moment it touched her skin. Bathtime felt like a battle, and when doctors suggested bleach baths, I remember thinking, This can’t be the best we’ve got. There had to be a gentler way. That’s when I discovered hypochlorous acid (HOCl), and it completely changed the game. Let’s dive into why bleach baths are recommended, their downsides, and why HOCl is the better alternative for calming inflamed, sensitive skin.
Understanding Eczema and Its Challenges
Eczema affects approximately 15–20% of children and 1–3% of adults worldwide. The condition is characterized by a defective skin barrier, leading to increased water loss and vulnerability to environmental irritants and allergens. This compromised barrier function often results in chronic itching and inflammation, significantly impacting the quality of life of those affected.
The Role of Staphylococcus aureus in Eczema
A significant challenge in managing eczema is the colonization of the skin by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) aka staph. Studies have shown that S. aureus colonization is prevalent in individuals with atopic dermatitis, with rates of 70% in lesional skin, 39% in non-lesional skin, and 62% in the nose. This colonization exacerbates inflammation and can lead to secondary infections, complicating the management of eczema. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
Why Do People Use Bleach Baths for Eczema?
Bleach baths involve adding a small amount of household bleach to bathwater to help reduce bacteria on the skin—specifically staph, which is known to make eczema worse. The idea is that by lowering the bacterial load, eczema flare-ups and infections can be reduced.
And it does work—kind of. Research has shown that bleach baths can decrease eczema severity, but here’s the kicker: so can regular water baths. A systematic review found that both bleach baths and plain water baths significantly improved eczema symptoms, with no real difference between the two after four weeks (source). That means the real benefit isn’t necessarily the bleach—it’s the hydration from soaking in water. But we were already bathing her daily and it wasn't helping, so this wasn't great news for us.
The Problem with Bleach Baths
If bleach baths worked without any downsides, they might be a solid option. But let’s be real—there are downsides.
- Bleach can sting – If your skin is cracked or raw (which is super common with eczema), bleach can cause burning and irritation.
- It’s drying – Eczema-prone skin already struggles with moisture retention, and bleach can make that worse.
- Harsh fumes – Bleach isn’t the gentlest thing to breathe in, especially for kids or anyone with respiratory issues like asthma.
- Difficult to be precise – It’s hard to measure the right amount of bleach precisely, and getting it wrong can either make it ineffective or too harsh.
Why Hypochlorous Acid is the Game-Changer
Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is like nature’s own defense mechanism. It’s what our white blood cells produce to fight bacteria and inflammation. The best part? It’s gentle, non-toxic, and doesn’t sting.
Here’s why HOCl is a better alternative to bleach baths:
- It fights bacteria (including staph) – Just like bleach, HOCl is antimicrobial and helps keep eczema-prone skin clear of harmful bacteria.
- It reduces inflammation – Unlike bleach, HOCl actually calms irritation instead of making it worse.
- No burning, stinging, or drying – It’s gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin.
- Super easy to use – No measuring bleach, no prepping a bath—just spritz it on and go.
When formulated for topical use, hypochlorous acid is non-toxic and safe for all skin types, including sensitive skin. It does not produce the caustic fumes associated with bleach and is less likely to cause skin irritation. This makes it a more user-friendly option for individuals seeking to manage their eczema symptoms. In one study, 73% of participants with eczema reported less itching after using a topical HOCl spray (source). That’s huge when dealing with an itchy, irritated kid (or yourself!).
The Bottom Line: You Deserve a Gentler Option
If bleach baths have worked for you, that’s great! But if they’ve ever stung, dried out your skin, or just felt wrong, know that you have other options. Hypochlorous acid gives you all the benefits of bleach baths without the harsh side effects. It’s safe, soothing, and a total game-changer when my daughter was struggling.
That’s why I created Say Hooray Skincare—because no one should have to choose between effective and gentle. With the right products, you can have both.
