Bleach bath procedure

BLEACH BATH PROCEDURE Bleach baths can reduce the levels of bacteria, fungi and viruses on the skin. They are particularly good at reducing the levels of Staphylococcus aureus, which can be helpful for: 1. People with frequent skin infections (like boils). 2. People with atopic eczema where they have been reported to reduce the severity of the dermatitis and itch, and the need for topical steroids and antibiotics. No microbial resistance has been reported to sodium hypochlorite bleach, however, the effect of Bleach bath procedure is only temporary, so they must be repeated regularly (usually around twice a week). Selecting a bleach: - Choose one that is plain and has no added fragrance or detergent. - They come in different strengths, generally with 2-4% available chlorine. Procedure: 1. Fill your bath or tub with warm water: - A full-sized bath filled 10 cm deep holds about 80 litres of water. - A baby's bath holds around 15 litres of water. - Work out how much water is in your bath by filling it to a mark using a bucket or large measuring jug. 2. Add bleach and mix well: For a 4% product, add 1 ml for every litre of water. For a 3% product, add 1.3 ml for every litre of water. For a 2% product, add 2 ml for every litre of water. 3. Bathing: - Soak trunk and limbs in the bath for 10–15 minutes. Do not submerge your head. - Rinse off with warm tap water and pat dry with a towel. Avoid sharing towels. - Apply topical steroids and moisturisers if prescribed. Use the bleach bath twice a week as otherwise advised by a doctor. Warnings: Exposure to Bleach bath procedure can cause: - Dry skin. - Rash/dermatitis/skin irritation. - Asthma exacerbation. - Nasal irritation. These symptoms are usually caused by added perfumes or detergents in the bleach. If troublesome, try another brand and avoid perfumes and detergents. - Never apply the bleach directly to the skin. - Keep bleach out of reach of children. References: 1. https://dermnetnz.org/topics/bleach-baths-in-patients-with-skin-infections 2. https://media.starship.org.nz/bleach-baths-2019/bleach-baths-2019.pdf

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