Oatmeal has been used for centuries as a home remedy to soothe itchy skin, rashes, insect bites, dermatological reactions caused by contact with poison ivy and shingles. This substance not only has moisturizing properties, but also acts as an emollient and reduces skin dryness. People who have children will be happy to know that it also helps soothe the discomfort caused by chickenpox. An oatmeal bath reduces itching and discomfort during the active phase of the disease.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Prepare a Bath with an Oat Bag
Step 1. Buy oats
This substance of a thousand qualities is not only an edible product, but has an infinite number of healthy properties: it is able to moisturize the skin, reduces itching, acts as an emollient, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It also protects against sun damage and inflammation due to some dermatological disorders. You should easily find it in all grocery stores and supermarkets. Choose the integral one - not instant - because it is more effective for this purpose. Avoid the flavored variety.
Step 2. Prepare an oat bag
Place rolled oats inside a nylon stocking or muslin cloth. The amount needed for a baby's bath is about 30 g. Then tie a knot at the end of the wrapper so the oats can't come out. You need to get a type of fabric that holds the substance inside, but allows water to penetrate.
Step 3. Fill the bathtub
Make sure the water reaches the proper level and the correct temperature for your child. It must not be hot, but hot enough to be pleasant to the touch and to allow the activation of the beneficial properties of oats. The ideal is that it is lukewarm.
Step 4. Put the bag with the oats in the tub
Leave it in the water for a few minutes. You will soon notice a milky substance leaking out of the pouch that helps soothe the itch.
Step 5. Put the baby in the tub
When the bag has soaked enough and released the properties of the oats, you can immerse your baby in the water. Be very careful, as oats can make the tub much more slippery than usual.
Step 6. Gently wet the baby
Leave it in the water with the oats for about 15-20 minutes. Lift the bag and gently drop the milky water onto your baby's skin.
Step 7. Pat it dry
When finished, use a dry towel and just pat your skin rather than rubbing it to avoid aggravating the itchy sensation.
Method 2 of 2: Take a Bath with Colloidal Oats
Step 1. Buy colloidal oats
It is a special inedible variety that is finely ground into a powder. It is used as an ingredient in shampoos, shaving gels and moisturizers. Colloidal oats are very rich in moisturizing starch, as well as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances, which means they are an excellent product for soothing and protecting the skin. You should easily find it in pharmacies and health food stores.
Step 2. Make colloidal oats yourself
An alternative solution is to make it using a food processor, but you need to make sure you buy regular oats, not instant oats. Grind the flakes with the food processor or other similar tool until you get a fine powder, free of coarse chips. You can prepare as many as you like in advance, from a small amount to a whole pack.
Step 3. Prepare the bathroom
You will need about 50g of oatmeal for a bath. Let the hot or lukewarm water run. As the tub fills, pour the powder into the water stream. This way, you can dissolve it better by creating a colloidal solution, in which the flour particles remain suspended in the liquid instead of settling to the bottom. Check that the oats are well dissolved by mixing the water to break up any lumps.
Step 4. Immerse your child in the water
Just as described in the previous section, put the baby in the bath when the oats begin to release their soothing substances. Be careful, as colloidal oats can make the bottom of the tub quite slippery.
Step 5. Wash the baby
Leave it in the water for 15-20 minutes; instead of using the bag or sponge, pick up the milky solution with your hand and drop it on your body.
Step 6. Pat it dry
Use a clean, dry cloth to pat the baby's skin without rubbing. You can do this treatment once or twice a day in the acute phase of the disease or even more if your doctor recommends it.
Warnings
- Throw away the socks filled with oats after use.
- Prepare a new pair of socks with more oats for each bath.
- Never leave the child unattended.
