Dry, itchy skin may have led you to visit a dermatologist or try out home remedies for relief.
If so, somebody may have suggested you try using colloidal oatmeal as a treatment.
This article explains how to use colloidal oatmeal for skin conditions and whether its safe and effective.
For centuries, colloidal oatmeal has been a salve for itchy, dry, or irritated skin. This natural ingredient is readily found in cosmetic products like moisturizers, shampoos, and shaving creams.
Colloidal oatmeal is made by grinding oat grain, or Avena sativa, into a fine powder. Its considered an emollient a substance that softens or soothes the skin because it packs fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients shown to benefit the skin (1, 2, 3).
In fact, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially categorized colloidal oatmeal as a skin protectant in 2003 (1).
It also boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that benefit your skin. Antioxidants fight free radicals, which can damage your body through oxidative stress if their numbers become too high (1, 2, 3).
Oxidative stress is linked to conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as inflammation and certain skin diseases like dermatitis. It also affects aging, which can present as a lack of skin elasticity and moisture (4, 5, 6).
One study found that colloidal oatmeals unique chemical profile diminishes cytokines, a group of proteins that cause inflammation in your body. These beneficial properties are due to avenanthramides, a group of plant chemicals found in oat kernels (3, 7, 8).
By blocking inflammatory cytokines, avenathramides inhibit the inflammatory response. As such, avenathramides are not only responsible for colloidal oatmeals benefits to the skin but also the heart-healthy properties associated with eating oatmeal (1, 7, 8).
Colloidal oatmeal has been used for centuries to soothe dry, itchy skin. Its content of unique antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant chemicals called avenanthramides boost both skin and overall health.
Colloidal oatmeal is used to treat the symptoms of many conditions, including eczema.
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a cluster of medical conditions that result in skin abnormalities like itchy, scaly, or patchy skin. It has various causes, including allergies, irritants, and stress (9).
While eczema tends to affect children, adults can also develop it. Colloidal oatmeal in the form of lotions or baths may be used as a treatment (9).
Colloidal oatmeal has likewise been used to soothe skin irritation or dryness caused by radiation treatments for cancer (7, 10, 11, 12).
Moreover, it may be useful for people with xerosis, or severely dry skin (7, 11, 12).
Xerosis is more common during the colder winter months and in older adults, as well as those who have experienced repeated exposure to harsh chemicals. It can also result from an underlying disease or be a side effect of certain medications (7, 11, 12).
Studies in both people with and without xerosis have observed significant improvements to the skins moisture in those using a moisturizer containing colloidal oatmeal, compared with both untreated areas and those in a placebo group (2, 11, 13).
Further, it may help alleviate itching chickenpox- or burn-related itching. In these cases, its usually used in combination with other medications, such as antihistamines (3, 13, 14).
Note that serious burns require prompt medical care to avoid infections, complications, and even death.
Colloidal oatmeal is used to alleviate symptoms of a broad range of skin conditions, including eczema, severe dry skin, mild burns, and chickenpox.
Colloidal oatmeal has been found to be safe in most people.
Allergic reactions are rare. In fact, zero allergic reactions were reported by 445,820 consumers of colloidal-oatmeal-containing personal care products within a 3-year period (2).
Whats more, in a large study in 2,291 adults, only 1% of participants reported low-level irritation after wearing a colloidal oatmeal patch for 24 hours. Plus, most people experienced sustained moisture for an impressive 2 weeks after wearing the patch (2).
That said, those with a known oat allergy should not use colloidal oatmeal. If you experience unwanted symptoms after using colloidal oatmeal, such as burning, a rash, or stinging, discontinue its use and speak to your healthcare provider.
While colloidal oatmeal is safe for most people, discontinue using it if you develop symptoms like a rash.
Making colloidal oatmeal is easy, quick, and might save you some money.
Simply follow these steps:
To make a bath, sprinkle about 1 cup (237 grams) of the powder into lukewarm water and soak in it for 1015 minutes.
Be sure your bath isnt too hot, as this can cause more dryness or irritation. After bathing, pat or air dry if possible, then apply a fragrance-free moisturizer formulated for sensitive skin.
This bath is suitable for both children and adults who have no topical allergies to oatmeal.
If preparing this bath for a child, make sure the water isnt too hot. A good water temperature for babies and children is around 100F (38C). If preparing the bath for a baby, youll need less oatmeal only about one-third of a cup (43 grams).
Plus, if its their first oatmeal bath, its a good idea to do a patch test first. To do so, simply place a bit of the colloidal-oatmeal-water mixture on a small patch of skin, such as a forearm or back of a hand, then rinse after 15 minutes, watching for signs of allergic reaction like redness.
Oatmeal can make your bathtub slippery, so take extra caution when you or your child step out of the tub.
Making colloidal oatmeal is easy and quick simply blend raw oatmeal into a fine powder. This can be used to make a soothing bath for you or your child.
Colloidal oatmeal has been a salve for itchy, dry, and irritated skin for centuries.
Its made by finely powdering oat grains and added to common beauty products. Whats more, it can easily be made at home and sprinkled into a soothing bath.
Research shows its unique compounds boast both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and protect your skins moisture.
Colloidal oatmeal is safe to use for most people, including children, except those with a known oat allergy.
It has brought relief to many, including people undergoing radiation treatment for cancer, as well as those with aging skin, chickenpox, or dry skin.
View original post here:
What Is Colloidal Oatmeal? Benefits, Uses, and Safety - Healthline
- Eczema: Read About Symptoms and Medications - October 15th, 2014 [October 15th, 2014]
- Dermatitis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - October 15th, 2014 [October 15th, 2014]
- Eczema and Your Skin | Eczema Types, Symptoms, Causes, and ... - October 15th, 2014 [October 15th, 2014]
- Kangen Water Testimony - Eczema, Weight Loss, Headaches - Video - October 15th, 2014 [October 15th, 2014]
- Controlling eczema - Video - October 17th, 2014 [October 17th, 2014]
- Eczema update! - When To Seek Medical Attention - Video - October 18th, 2014 [October 18th, 2014]
- My Makeup Routine For Eczema & Psoriasis - Video - October 18th, 2014 [October 18th, 2014]
- Dyson launches humidifier to combat eczema and psoriasis - October 20th, 2014 [October 20th, 2014]
- Sanofi, Regeneron Begin Phase 3 Study For Eczema Drug Dupilumab - October 20th, 2014 [October 20th, 2014]
- Ayurvedic treatment for Atopic Eczema - Video - October 20th, 2014 [October 20th, 2014]
- How To Treating Eczema at Home? EASY! Find it On This Video - Video - October 20th, 2014 [October 20th, 2014]
- Topical BioMedics Announces "Soothe the Skin They're in," a New Program for Children Who Suffer with Eczema - October 21st, 2014 [October 21st, 2014]
- Vitamin D Might Help Kids With Eczema - October 21st, 2014 [October 21st, 2014]
- Edguard tube cream for acne, eczema, scars and pregnancy blemishes - Video - October 21st, 2014 [October 21st, 2014]
- Cara Veldman #1848200 Eczema Cream - Video - October 21st, 2014 [October 21st, 2014]
- Tampa dermatologists clinical trial for sufferers of eczema ongoing - October 23rd, 2014 [October 23rd, 2014]
- Eczema - A recurrent rash everyone complains about - October 23rd, 2014 [October 23rd, 2014]
- My Essentials for Dry Skin & Eczema - Video - October 23rd, 2014 [October 23rd, 2014]
- Taking a 'Selfie' May Help With Dermatology Care, Study Shows - October 24th, 2014 [October 24th, 2014]
- EP.2 Cures Thermales : Business ou Sant ? - EczemaHelp - Video - October 24th, 2014 [October 24th, 2014]
- EP.1 Cures Thermales : Business ou Sant ? - EczemaHelp - Video - October 24th, 2014 [October 24th, 2014]
- Home remedy for eczema - Beat eczema - Video - October 24th, 2014 [October 24th, 2014]
- Trailer - EczemaHelp - Video - October 24th, 2014 [October 24th, 2014]
- Family First: Calming the symptoms of severe eczema - October 25th, 2014 [October 25th, 2014]
- what causes eczema - Eczema Free Providing ... - October 27th, 2014 [October 27th, 2014]
- Atopic eczema - Treatment - NHS Choices - Your health ... - October 27th, 2014 [October 27th, 2014]
- Atopic dermatitis - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - October 27th, 2014 [October 27th, 2014]
- Atopic eczema - NHS Choices - October 27th, 2014 [October 27th, 2014]
- Eczema Treatment Options : How To Cure Eczema & Home Remedies For Eczema - Video - October 27th, 2014 [October 27th, 2014]
- Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future - October 29th, 2014 [October 29th, 2014]
- How SELFIES can help cure skin conditions - October 30th, 2014 [October 30th, 2014]
- Eczema linked to bone fractures, injuries in new Northwestern study - October 30th, 2014 [October 30th, 2014]
- Adult eczema may be unrecognized risk factor for fracture, other injuries - October 30th, 2014 [October 30th, 2014]
- Mom Tips: Relief for Baby Eczema - Video - October 30th, 2014 [October 30th, 2014]
- BEST BABY ECZEMA PRODUCTS - Video - October 30th, 2014 [October 30th, 2014]
- Eczema Tied to Bone Fracture Risk in Study - October 30th, 2014 [October 30th, 2014]
- Accident prone eczema patients - October 30th, 2014 [October 30th, 2014]
- Eczema girl's agony is over thanks to allergen-busting extra washing machine rinse cycles - November 1st, 2014 [November 1st, 2014]
- Helping Healing Eva's Eczema with Applied Kinesiology - Video - November 1st, 2014 [November 1st, 2014]
- Eczema May Increase Risk of Injury - Video - November 1st, 2014 [November 1st, 2014]
- treatmyeczema - November 2nd, 2014 [November 2nd, 2014]
- My Eczema Care Routine March 2014 | ... ... - November 2nd, 2014 [November 2nd, 2014]
- The Psoriasis Eczema Skin Puzzle #42 - Video - November 3rd, 2014 [November 3rd, 2014]
- Can some patients' bodies become 'addicted' to topical steroids? - November 5th, 2014 [November 5th, 2014]
- How To Treat Eczema Naturally Review DO NATURAL REMEDIES REALLY WORK - Video - November 5th, 2014 [November 5th, 2014]
- I Will Beat Anyone I Find Eczema On His/Her Body - Video - November 5th, 2014 [November 5th, 2014]
- Proper amount of bathing and moisturizing your baby may help prevent skin disease - November 8th, 2014 [November 8th, 2014]
- How to get rid of super dry skin psoriasis, eczema and more! - Video - November 12th, 2014 [November 12th, 2014]
- Easy Homemade Remedy For Eczema - Pulse Daily - Video - November 13th, 2014 [November 13th, 2014]
- Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream - Video - November 15th, 2014 [November 15th, 2014]
- aveeno eczema moisturizing cream | Sample Promo - Video - November 16th, 2014 [November 16th, 2014]
- Psoriasis & Eczema : Rain soul by Johnny - Video - November 16th, 2014 [November 16th, 2014]
- aveeno baby eczema therapy moisturising cream | Sample Promo - Video - November 17th, 2014 [November 17th, 2014]
- aveeno baby eczema therapy reviews | Sample Promo - Video - November 18th, 2014 [November 18th, 2014]
- Peanut in household dust linked to peanut allergies, especially for children with eczema - November 19th, 2014 [November 19th, 2014]
- Peanut in household dust linked to peanut allergy in children with eczema during infancy - November 19th, 2014 [November 19th, 2014]
- 10 Tips to Manage Psoriasis and Eczema this Winter - November 19th, 2014 [November 19th, 2014]
- Tampa dermatologist excited over eczema clinical trial results - November 20th, 2014 [November 20th, 2014]
- aveeno baby eczema moisturizing cream | Sample Promo - Video - November 20th, 2014 [November 20th, 2014]
- Why I am sharing my eczema journey and what I deal with everyday living with eczema - Video - November 20th, 2014 [November 20th, 2014]
- Cetaphil Restoraderm Restoring Formulated Eczema - Video - November 20th, 2014 [November 20th, 2014]
- Cetaphil Restoraderm Restoring Moisturizer 10 Fluid - Video - November 20th, 2014 [November 20th, 2014]
- Childhood Eczema Cure With Kangen Water - Testimonial - Video - November 22nd, 2014 [November 22nd, 2014]
- Natural Remedies for Eczema - The Best Eczema Treatment - Video - November 23rd, 2014 [November 23rd, 2014]
- Eczema in Kids - Read More About It - Video - November 23rd, 2014 [November 23rd, 2014]
- Hypoallergenic labels may not be accurate - November 23rd, 2014 [November 23rd, 2014]
- Danielle Sheehan's life transformed after Botox eradicates her eczema - November 25th, 2014 [November 25th, 2014]
- Eczema's effects can be bone-deep - November 25th, 2014 [November 25th, 2014]
- New recommendations for treating kids with eczema - November 25th, 2014 [November 25th, 2014]
- Eczema cases rising among U.S. children - November 25th, 2014 [November 25th, 2014]
- Eczema Cases Rising Among U.S. Children: Report - November 25th, 2014 [November 25th, 2014]
- New guidelines released for treating kids with eczema - Video - November 25th, 2014 [November 25th, 2014]
- TCM Recipe Natural Herbal Eczema Cream Review - Video - November 25th, 2014 [November 25th, 2014]
- New product to heal eczema to use topically and progress pictures - Video - November 25th, 2014 [November 25th, 2014]
- 15 Proven Natural Cures for Eczema - Baby dermatitis: how ... - November 26th, 2014 [November 26th, 2014]
- Aveeno Moisturizing Bar - Aveeno Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream - Video - November 26th, 2014 [November 26th, 2014]
- How to psychologically & physically confront eczema in you. - Video - November 26th, 2014 [November 26th, 2014]
- Woman, 21, left looking sunburnt by severe eczema finally has the perfect complexion - thanks to a 'magical' cream - November 27th, 2014 [November 27th, 2014]
- Aveeno Baby Sunscreen - Aveeno Baby Coupons - Aveeno Baby Eczema - Video - November 27th, 2014 [November 27th, 2014]
- How I cured my eczema in just over 10 days and you can to. My personal review - Video - November 28th, 2014 [November 28th, 2014]