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I'm wondering whether you've heard of oats being inflammatory for people with eczema? I googled oats and eczema recently and came across some information about eating and using oats topically on eczema can be more inflammatory than soothing. I had been using oat based moisturisers and bath soaks for my two sons' eczema but have stopped since reading this info.

Hi Laura,

That is a good question. It has been long advised by doctors to use oats in the bath or use an oat soap. Throughout my life I have had stays in hospital for eczema that had got out of control. I was made to use oat poultices in the bath but because I was on so many drugs at the same time ie., cortisone and antihistamines etc, I never noticed an issue with oats at that time.

It wasn't until I first collapsed in 2002 that I realised that oats in my bath was actually a problem. My first instinct was to use the oats in the bath as previously instructed during hospital stays, but because I was not using antihistamines and cortisone (which inhibit the irritation and inflammation) I found that the oats really really irritated my condition, even the smell made me feel nauseous. I immediately stopped putting it in the bath and found other products to use and my bath became less irritating and more soothing as it should be.

So, yes ... Oats can be a problem for those with eczema. It makes sense to me now because research has revealed to me that oats actually contain gluten. I am very sensitive to gluten as most people with eczema are. So avoiding gluten in my bath and in my diet makes a huge difference to my condition.

It's a bummer because I do like oats, but even more so I prefer my condition to be under control, so i can live without oats.

A great alternative in the bath is a good quality Honey such as UMF Active Manuka or Manuka Blend or fresh honey from the hive if available. Add a generous teaspoon to the bath water.

You could also try adding a Calendula flower pouch to the bath as well. You can get dried Calendula flower from a health food shop in the herbal tea section. Put a tablespoon into a little stocking or calico or muslin pouch. Steep in a mug of hot water (like a tea bag) for about 10 minutes then pour the whole lot into the bath. The pouch can be used as a little sponge.

Both these natural products are cleansing, soothing, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial as well as healing to the skin. I don't know how old your son's are, but you could probably even avoid using soaps with these two ingredients in the bath.

glad i found your site