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No Tub for an Oatmeal Bath? Try an Oatmeal Shower

Medically reviewed by Kelsey Stalvey, Pharm.D.
Updated on June 24, 2025

Key Takeaways

  • Oatmeal baths can help soothe and calm eczema symptoms by creating a protective layer on the skin.
  • Oatmeal contains natural compounds like phenols, starches, and beta-glucans that provide antioxidant and moisturizing benefits for the skin. These properties make oatmeal particularly effective for relieving eczema-related itching and irritation.
  • People interested in trying an oatmeal treatment can create a shower-friendly version using colloidal oatmeal in a mesh bag, but should check with their healthcare provider first and do a small skin test before full application.
  • View full summary

Oatmeal contains natural compounds that form a protective layer on the skin and help calm skin irritation, making oatmeal baths a popular home remedy for eczema. However, you don’t necessarily need a large bathtub to get the benefits of an oatmeal bath. If you only have access to a shower — or just don’t have the time or space — you can still enjoy the soothing effects of an oatmeal bath.

Taking an oatmeal bath while showering may sound unusual, but it’s totally doable. Here’s how to make an “oatmeal shower” work without making a mess or needing a plumber afterward.

How Does Oatmeal Help With Eczema?

Researchers have long recognized oatmeal’s skin-soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Oatmeal contains compounds such as phenols, starches, and beta-glucans that offer antioxidant and skin-moisturizing benefits. These properties make ground oatmeal baths particularly effective for relieving eczema-related itching, discoloration, and irritation.

“I always soak in plain water or crush some oatmeal up and soak for 15 minutes,” one MyEczemaTeam member said. “Then, I use regular Vaseline and lotion. I don’t dry completely to trap the water in my skin. The oatmeal works well. We used to use it for chickenpox.”

Another member shared, “At times my eczema was so unbearable, I finally broke down and started soaking my hands in oatmeal. It helped tremendously.”

Not everyone with eczema finds oatmeal baths beneficial. Finding out what works for you can take some trial and error. Although oatmeal baths and other complementary therapies can help, they’re unlikely to replace your eczema care plan and prescription treatments.

Prepping for an Oatmeal Shower

Before you start the water, gather all your supplies. These include:

  • Colloidal oatmeal
  • A fine mesh bag (such as a muslin cloth or a pair of pantyhose)
  • Mild, fragrance-free cleanser
  • A soft towel
  • Moisturizer designed for sensitive skin

Available at most drugstores and supermarkets, colloidal oatmeal is finely ground oats that disperse evenly in water to form a milky solution. You can also turn regular oatmeal into a fine powder using a food processor or coffee grinder. If your skin is sensitive to gluten, choose oats that are labeled as processed in a gluten-free facility — this helps lower the risk of cross-contamination.

Before taking a whole-body oatmeal shower, consider doing a test to see if it’s safe. This involves applying a small amount to your skin to see if your skin reacts. Although oatmeal is generally well tolerated, everyone’s skin is different. It never hurts to test before you apply a new skin care product, including something natural like oatmeal. You can also run the idea by your dermatologist (a doctor who specializes in conditions that affect the skin, hair, and nails) to make sure they’re on board with your plan.

Taking a Shower-Only Oatmeal Bath

When you’re ready, start by preparing the oatmeal bag. Fill the mesh bag or pantyhose with about 1 cup of colloidal oats. Knot the top securely to prevent the oatmeal from leaking out and making a mess.

Take a quick lukewarm shower using a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. Avoid using hot water, which can further dry out your skin and make eczema symptoms worse.

Hang the oatmeal-filled bag under the showerhead so that the water can pass through. As you shower, lightly squeeze the bag to mix the milky oatmeal liquid with the shower water and make a soothing, skin-nourishing solution.

Gently cleanse your body with the milky water, paying extra attention to areas with eczema flare-ups. Avoid scrubbing vigorously so that you don’t irritate the skin.

After cleansing your skin, let the oatmeal-infused water flow over your body for several minutes and soak into your skin. You can even turn the water off for a few minutes and allow the oatmeal to sit on your skin. Keep the oatmeal on your skin for 10 to 15 minutes, if possible. Wet oatmeal is slippery, so be careful to avoid slipping in the shower.

Another option is to make an oatmeal paste before you enter the shower. To do this, cook oatmeal in hot water as you would normally, then let it cool. Get in the shower, wet your skin, and turn off the water. Gently apply the room-temperature oatmeal paste to affected areas, letting it sit before carefully scooping it off and into a garbage bag.

Whichever method you use, be sure to rinse off any residue with lukewarm water when you’re done. You might want to let the shower water run clear for a little longer to help avoid a clogged drain.

After Your DIY Oatmeal Shower

After your oatmeal shower, pat your skin gently with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing, which can further irritate sensitive skin.

Immediately after patting dry, apply a generous amount of a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic lotion to lock in moisture and provide a protective barrier for your skin. Moisturizing within three minutes of your shower is ideal to lock in hydration.

“I totally agree with moisturizing while the skin is still wet,” a MyEczemaTeam member said. “I apply oil while I’m still in the shower, and then when I get out, I apply lotion on top. It makes me feel so moisturized every time!”

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyEczemaTeam, the social network for people with eczema and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with eczema.

Do you have specific shower or bath home-remedy recipes that relieve itchy, dry skin? What are your thoughts on how to make an oatmeal bath work in the shower? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.

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