Colloidal oatmeal, also known by its Genus Species name, Avena sativa L., helps smooth and comfort itchy, scratchy, and dry skin. Colloidal oatmeal is not a breakfast oatmeal and shouldn't be eaten. To get the benefits from the oats, you add this all-natural product to your bath where its soothing effects take over when you relax in the tub.
But How Does Colloidal Oatmeal Work?
Colloidal oatmeal is simply oats ground into an extremely fine powder. When added to bathwater, it creates a milky dispersion that prevents the oatmeal from settling rapidly. So the oatmeal stays in the water and doesn't just sink to the bottom of the bath. When you get into the tub, the colloidal oatmeal feels silky, as it coats, moisturizes, softens, and protects your skin. You can make your own colloidal oatmeal if you like. The directions are here.
What Conditions Are Helped By Colloidal Oatmeal?
Colloidal oatmeal works great to help relieve dry, skin patches (Eczema), psoriasis, acne, bug bites, sunburns, and other minor skin irritations. It also helps relieve chicken pox, poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and other itching and scratching rashes. Since colloidal oatmeal has an anti-itch property that helps reduce the “need to itch,” soaking in the bath brings soothing comfort to those infected. When your skin is itchy and irritated, its pH level may be higher. Colloidal Oatmeal helps bring the pH back to normal levels, taming "the need to itch."
How Do I Use Colloidal Oatmeal?
Run your bath with lukewarm water, and while the tub is filling, add a packet (two to three cups) of colloidal oatmeal under the faucet to help disperse the oatmeal. You may have the urge to take a hot bath, but this will only irritate the skin and remove moisture from your body, so a warm bath is preferable. Soak in the bath for ten to fifteen minutes. When you are ready to get out of the bath, BE CAREFUL. The bathtub will be slick from the oatmeal. When drying, don't rub your skin since this can irritate the sore areas. Instead, pat yourself dry with a clean towel.
How Often Can I Take Colloidal Oatmeal Baths?
You can take up to three baths a day, depending on the severity of your condition.
Can I use Colloidal Oatmeal on my dog and cat?
Colloidal Oatmeal works great for pets.
Are There Any Drug Interactions?
Colloidal Oatmeal is safe for everyone, including pregnant women, for SOAKING. Do not ingest. Ask your doctor for further information.