How to Use Colloidal Oatmeal

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Last Updated: May 12, 2025 References

You’ve probably heard of the classic oatmeal bath to help soothe the itchy skin of chickenpox or something like that, right? The truth is, oatmeal has been used to help treat skin irritation for hundreds of years! It’s because of the special properties of colloidal oatmeal, which is finely ground oats. There are also a few different ways you can use colloidal oatmeal—it’s not just limited to a good soak in the tub.

Question 1 of 6:

Does oatmeal heal skin?

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Oatmeal has been used for centuries to relieve skin irritation. Today, colloidal oatmeal is available in different forms and dosages in products such as shampoos, shaving gels, and moisturizing creams. Colloidal oatmeal is full of chemicals that protect and heal skin as well as contain anti-inflammatory properties.^{[1]
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Question 2 of 6:

Can you make colloidal oatmeal at home?

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Place about 1 cup (90 grams) of raw, unflavored oats in a blender or food processor and grind them down until they reach a fine, powdered texture. Pour the ground oats into a warm bath and stir them into the water. Soak in the tub for 15-30 minutes to soothe and heal your skin.^{[2]
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Question 3 of 6:

Do you rinse off after an oatmeal bath?

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Soak for a solid 10-15 minutes so your skin absorbs all of the beneficial chemicals from the colloidal oatmeal. If you feel sticky when you’re done, you can rinse off in tepid water to remove the residue from your skin. Then, you can pat or blot yourself dry with a towel, but don’t rub your skin, which can cause irritation.^{[3]
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Question 4 of 6:

What is oatmeal soap good for?

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Oatmeal preparations have been shown to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe itchy skin, treat acne, and even help heal viral infections.^{[4]
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Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

Go to source} Oatmeal soaps can help improve your skin and won’t irritate it like harsher soaps can. You can even make your own oatmeal soap at home!

Question 5 of 6:

Can you be allergic to colloidal oatmeal?

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Because it’s essentially finely ground oats, colloidal oatmeal contains proteins that some people can be allergic to. So, if you have an oat allergy, you can have a reaction if you use products that contain colloidal oatmeal. If you start developing itchy skin or a rash after using colloidal oatmeal, stop using it. You may be allergic to the oat protein.^{[5]
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Question 6 of 6:

Can you use colloidal oatmeal every day?

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Colloidal oatmeal comes in a variety of products like creams, shampoos, and body washes. They’re safe to use every day to help relieve skin irritation and itchiness. However, if you start to have a reaction or you develop a rash, stop using the colloidal oatmeal to see if that’s causing it.^{[6]
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Try out a nice colloidal oatmeal bath to help soothe irritated or itchy skin and see if it helps you out.

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Warnings

If your skin reacts and you develop a rash after using colloidal oatmeal, stop using it. You may be allergic to a protein in the oats.

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