We currently do 2-3 bleach baths a week for my 4 yr old son under the direction of a pediatric dermatologist at a large childrens hospital.
Bleach baths aren't as horrible as they sound...the amount of bleach that is used is similar in concentration to what a swimming pool would be. The key is you have to moisturize heavily right after, when the skin is still wet. They aren't so much for the eczema, but to help control bacteria on the skin and prevent infection. My son was hospitalized for 5 days with a terrible staph infection that was contracted because his eczema was out of control, he was itching and contracted the infection throught the open wounds. After 5 days of heavy antibiotics and antiviral etc he was well enough to come home. Once home we started a strict bath routine...2 baths a day, then he is covered head to toe in vaseline...yup vaseline. We do use a steroid cream sparingly on some trouble spots...but for the most part we just use plain old vaseline. This treatment and regime has worked absolute wonders for him. He is pretty much clear now and much happier!!! From what our ped derm says....the baths are the key...the more the better. They used to think less baths were better because they would just dry the skin out, but if you moisturize right after with vaseline more baths are better. Vaseline is not fun, its goopy and gross but it works, my sons skin is the softest and healthiest it has been since birth. He still has some issues but we have it totally under control now...and he tolerates the bleach baths just fine...we use about 1/4 cup for a full bath. I have spend probably hundreds of dollars on every cream out there....vaseline is the magic answer for us...its cheap too!!!
