Milton baths for skin conditions

Taking a Milton^® bath can help with skin conditions like eczema. This treatment is also known as a dilute bleach bath or an antiseptic bath.

Milton baths are made from mixing Milton sterilising fluid with bath water. This creates water that’s similar to a chlorinated swimming pool.

Milton sterilising fluid

You can buy Milton sterilising fluid from most pharmacies and supermarkets. It’s a type of diluted bleach that contains sodium hypochlorite.

We recommend Milton sterilising fluid over other bleach products because it does not contain colour dyes or perfumes. This means it’s less likely to cause stinging or irritation. It comes at a standard strength of 2%.

Milton sterilising fluid was not originally made for baths, but healthcare professionals recommend it to help with skin conditions.

Benefits of a Milton bath

Staphylococcus aureus (staph) is a type of bacteria that’s found on most people’s skin in small amounts. If there’s too much staph on your skin, your skin condition can get worse.

Taking a Milton bath reduces the amount of staph on your skin so your symptoms get better.

Taking a Milton bath

We usually recommend taking a Milton bath twice a week. Your doctor or nurse will tell you how often you should take one.

Important

Check the expiry date on the bottle before using Milton sterilising fluid. Do not use it if the expiry date has passed.

Do not take a Milton bath if you have any open wounds on your skin. This can cause stinging or burning.

How much Milton sterilising fluid to use

To fill up half of a standard bath, use:

125ml of Milton sterilising fluid
60L of lukewarm water

If you have a smaller bath, use:

62ml of Milton sterilising fluid
30L of lukewarm water

To fill a large bowl or bucket for a hand or foot soak, use:

15ml of Milton sterilising fluid
7.5L of water

How to take a Milton bath

Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands from the undiluted Milton sterilising fluid.
Put the Milton sterilising fluid into an empty bath.
Add lukewarm water to the bath. Make sure it’s a comfortable temperature. Mix well.
If you’re soaking your whole body, go under the water up to your neck. If you’re soaking your hands or feet, place only your hands or feet into the bowl. Soak in it for 10 minutes.
Drain the bath or pour the bowl of water away.
Rinse your skin with plain warm water to prevent dryness and irritation.
Rinse and clean the bath or bowl.
Gently pat your skin dry with a towel.
Immediately apply any creams or medicines you’ve been prescribed.

Don't

do not use Milton sterilising fluid directly on your skin without mixing it with water – rinse off immediately with water if this happens
do not use very hot water – this can make you cough and irritate your airways because you’re more likely to breathe in bleach from the steam
do not splash the Milton bath water onto your face or head to avoid irritating your eyes
do not rub your skin with a towel – gently pat yourself dry instead
do not put Milton sterilising fluid on your clothing or towels as it can bleach the fabric

Wait at least 2 days before taking another Milton bath to reduce the risk of irritation.

If you forget to take a Milton bath, you can take one the next day. Avoid taking it more than your doctor or nurse has advised.

Storing Milton sterilising fluid safely

Store Milton sterilising fluid in a cool, dry place.

It’s important that you keep it separate from other medicines so you do not swallow it accidentally. Keep it out of reach and sight of children.

Contact a GP or call NHS 111 if you think you or someone else has swallowed any of the fluid.

Side effects

Most people do not have any side effects from taking Milton baths.

If you feel any discomfort on your skin while taking a Milton bath, empty the bath and immediately rinse off with warm water. Apply your usual creams and medicines afterwards.

If you get any irritation or side effects, stop taking Milton baths and speak to your healthcare team or a GP.

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