Baking soda baths have become a popular, inexpensive way to help people with everything from calming skin irritations to helping with relaxation.
But are these seemingly harmless treatments actually safe? Are there any risks of using baking soda in your bath? Keep on reading to find out the answer…
What Is A Baking Soda Bath?
A baking soda bath is a simple and natural way to care for your skin. It involves adding sodium bicarbonate, more commonly known as baking soda, to your bath water.
To create a baking soda bath, mix one part baking soda with three parts water. This can be done by adding approximately one cup of baking soda to a lukewarm bath.
Baking soda is an alkaline substance, which means it can help neutralize acidity on your skin.
This alkalinity may aid in soothing irritated skin, reducing inflammation, and combating fungal infections. Many people use baking soda baths to treat various skin conditions and promote overall skin health.
To properly enjoy a baking soda bath, add the baking soda to your bath water and ensure it’s fully dissolved.
It’s essential to ensure the water temperature is comfortable and safe for your skin. Once the baking soda is mixed into the water, you can step in and soak for up to 40 minutes.
Spending at least 10 minutes in the bath is key, as it allows the baking soda to effectively penetrate and work on your skin. You can use a washcloth or loofah to gently scrub the treated areas during your soak.
However, it’s important to note that using too much baking soda or soaking for too long can cause side effects.
Overuse of baking soda can potentially damage your skin. It’s best to start with a small amount, such as a tablespoon or teaspoon, and work your way up if needed.
Are There Benefits Of A Baking Soda Bath?
Taking a baking soda bath may help alleviate various skin conditions and promote overall well-being.
Baking soda, also known as bicarbonate of soda, has antifungal properties, which can be beneficial for those dealing with yeast or skin infections.
One of the main benefits of a baking soda bath is its ability to soothe itchy and irritated skin. If you’re experiencing itching, a warm bath with added baking soda can provide relief.
Plus, baking soda may help reduce the discomfort associated with skin issues like eczema and psoriasis.
Baking soda baths are generally safe and may also help with relaxation. A warm soak in a tub can relieve tension, promote perspiration, and increase circulation, which may encourage healing.
Adding baking soda to your bath can enhance these effects and provide a more comfortable experience.
Another potential benefit is that baking soda can be absorbed through the skin and may help neutralize stomach acid, providing relief for those suffering from indigestion and heartburn.
However, it’s essential to always consult with your healthcare provider before using baking soda as a remedy for such conditions.
Which Skin Conditions Can A Baking Soda Bath Help?
A baking soda bath can help with various skin conditions, providing relief and improving your skin’s overall health.
Sodium bicarbonate, the active ingredient in baking soda, has gentle exfoliating properties that help remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, making it suitable for sensitive skin types.
Taking a baking soda bath can soothe itchy skin, particularly if you suffer from eczema or psoriasis.
The bath may also help relieve symptoms of yeast infections and other fungal infections. Baking soda’s antifungal properties make it an excellent home remedy to address skin infections.
For those with irritated skin due to sunburn, insect bites, or rashes, a baking soda bath may offer relief by soothing inflammation and reducing redness.
The bicarbonate of soda helps to balance your skin’s pH levels, promoting its natural healing process.
What To Expect After A Baking Soda Bath
A baking soda bath can be a soothing and beneficial experience, but it’s important to be aware of possible side effects. Here’s what you can expect after taking a baking soda bath.
When you soak in lukewarm water mixed with baking soda, your skin might feel a bit smoother and softer after the bath.
However, some people may experience irritation or a tingling sensation. This can be a side effect of the baking soda interacting with your skin, especially if you have sensitive skin or if you have used a large amount of baking soda.
Baking soda on the skin can help treat certain conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, or fungal infections, but it’s not suitable for everyone.
If you notice irritation, redness, or itching after the bath, you should avoid baking soda baths in the future.
Always be cautious with the amount of baking soda you use. Using a large amount of baking soda can lead to increased irritation and other side effects.
If you have a pre-existing skin condition, baking soda baths may not be recommended. Consult with your doctor before trying a baking soda bath if you have concerns.
What Are Baking Soda Bath Side Effects?
Baking soda baths can provide various benefits, but it is important to be aware of potential side effects.
Although relatively rare, some people might experience negative reactions when using baking soda in their baths. Here are some of the side effects you should be aware of:
Skin Irritation: While baking soda can help soothe irritated skin for some individuals, others might experience the opposite effect.
Baking soda can cause skin irritation, itchiness, or redness. If you notice any of these symptoms after taking a baking soda bath, discontinue its use and consult with a healthcare professional.
Alkaline Imbalance: Baking soda may alter the pH levels of your skin or urine, potentially causing an imbalance.
Alkaline imbalances have been associated with complications like infections, rashes, and skin breakdown. If you have a history of pH-related issues, it’s wise to consult your healthcare provider before using baking soda baths.
Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some people might have allergies to baking soda. An allergic reaction can manifest as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling around the throat, face, or mouth.
If you experience any of these symptoms, stop using baking soda baths immediately and seek medical attention.
Overuse Side Effects: Excessive use of baking soda baths can lead to side effects such as dehydration, mineral imbalances, or skin damage.
While taking these baths, ensure you are hydrating and not over-soaking, as that might cause more harm than good.
For certain individuals or specific health conditions, baking soda baths are not recommended.
Pregnant women, children, and those with kidney or heart problems should consult a healthcare professional before using baking soda in their baths.
Is It Safe To Use Baking Soda With Eczema?
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, has been used as a home remedy for various issues, including eczema. You might be wondering if it’s safe to use baking soda for your itchy skin.
The good news is that baking soda may temporarily relieve itching caused by eczema, especially when added to lukewarm water in a bath or applied directly to the skin as a paste.
However, it’s essential to be cautious with using baking soda on your skin, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
While some people find relief from taking baking soda baths to treat itchy skin, others may experience adverse reactions. Baking soda can cause dryness, irritation, or allergic reactions for some individuals.
Before trying baking soda for your eczema, consider the following tips:
- Patch test: Perform a patch test by applying a small amount of baking soda on a healthy area of your skin and leaving it for 24 hours. If you notice any redness, irritation, or discomfort, discontinue the use of baking soda immediately.
- Dilute: When using baking soda on your skin, it’s essential to dilute it with water to create a paste or add it to a bath. Never apply pure baking soda directly to your skin.
- Short duration: Limit your baking soda baths to no longer than 15 minutes, as soaking for too long can cause dryness or irritation.
- Moisturize: After your baking soda bath, gently pat your skin dry and apply a moisturizer immediately to lock in hydration.
Who Should Avoid Baking Soda Detox Baths?
While baking soda baths might offer some benefits, certain individuals should avoid them due to potential side effects.
If you have any of the following conditions or concerns, it’s best to consult a dermatologist before using baking soda in your bath:
- Sensitive skin: You may have a higher risk of experiencing skin irritation or an allergic reaction to baking soda. If you’re prone to eczema, rashes, or have easily irritated skin, it’s better to stay away from baking soda baths.
- Open wounds or broken skin: Baking soda baths can cause discomfort or even harm if you have open wounds, cuts, or sores on your skin. In such cases, it’s better to avoid baking soda baths to prevent further irritation or infection.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, it’s wise to consult your healthcare provider before trying a baking soda bath. While there’s no strong evidence that baking soda baths are harmful during pregnancy, caution should still be exercised.
- High blood pressure or heart conditions: Baking soda contains sodium, which may lead to increased blood pressure after a baking soda bath. If you have a history of high blood pressure or heart-related issues, it’s better to avoid baking soda baths or seek professional advice before attempting one.
- Kidney issues: Since baking soda can affect your body’s electrolyte balance, it’s not recommended for those with kidney problems. Avoiding baking soda baths will help prevent complications for individuals with kidney diseases.
Why Does Baking Soda Baths Give Me A Rash?
Sometimes, taking a bath with baking soda may cause rashes or irritation. This is because baking soda has a pH of 9, which is more alkaline than your skin’s natural pH level.
When you apply baking soda to the skin, it can upset the skin’s natural balance, leading to itchiness, redness, or a rash.
Baking soda’s high alkalinity not only disrupts your skin’s pH balance but can also lead to dryness.
Dry skin is more prone to irritation, especially if you have a skin condition like eczema. Itchy skin caused by dryness can make the rash worse, leading to a cycle of discomfort.
Before taking a baking soda bath, it’s essential to consider your skin type and any existing skin conditions.
If you have sensitive or dry skin, baking soda may make things worse. In this case, it’s recommended to consult a dermatologist before using baking soda for skin treatments.
To minimize the risk of adverse side effects, make sure to follow proper guidelines when taking a baking soda bath.
Use only a quarter cup of baking soda in a full bathtub of warm water and limit the soak to 10-15 minutes.
And remember, you should always patch-test baking soda on a small area of your skin before taking a full bath, so you could always start with a tablespoon of baking soda.
Summary
Baking soda baths have become a popular, inexpensive way to help people with various skin conditions and promote relaxation.
There are many potential benefits of taking a baking soda bath, such as soothing itchy or irritated skin, reducing inflammation, and fighting fungal infections.
As with any remedy, be aware of possible side effects associated with baking soda baths. These include skin irritation, alkaline imbalances, allergic reactions, and overuse side effects.
If you have sensitive or dry skin or existing medical conditions like high blood pressure or kidney issues, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider before using baking soda for treatments.