Milton baths can be a helpful part of managing atopic dermatitis (AD). Soaking in a bath of lukewarm water mixed with a small amount of bleach, two to three times per week, may:
- help calm inflammation and relieve itching
- lower the number of staph bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) on the skin
- reduce the risk of skin infections
This treatment is often recommended by doctors for people with eczema that’s prone to infection.
How to take a bleach bath?
What you will need?
- Bathtub
- Milton disinfecting liquid
- Measuring cup
Ratio
| Age | Bath volume | Milton dose | Soak time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult |
Half tub (approximately 60 litres of water) |
125mL | 10 minutes | Two to three times per week |
| Child |
Child tub (approximately 30 litres of water) |
Approximately 62ml or 2ml per litre | 5 to 10 minutes | Two to three times per week |
Directions
- Fill your bath with lukewarm water – do not add any bubble bath or ingredients to the bathwater
- Add the correct Milton dose from the table above depending on how deep your bath is
- Mix well
- Soak in the water for approximately 5 - 10 minutes
- You can wet your hair and face with the bathwater but do not submerge in and avoid ‘drinking’ the water
- Rinse with plain water and gently pat dry and moisturise/apply emollients as usual.
- Repeat two to three times a week
Safety advice
-
Children should always be supervised in the bath
-
Never use undiluted Milton fluid directly on the skin
-
Avoid using very hot water to prevent irritating vapours
-
Keep bleach out of reach of children
Contact us
If you have any queries or require any help, please contact the Paediatric Dermatology Team.
Last reviewed: 28 July 2026