Bathing
Bathing and showering can be done many different ways, it just depends what's most comfortable and what works best for you. If there are any infections going on that should be taken into consideration also.
Bathing
Bathing can be a good way to cleanse wounds because you can add different things to the bath water. Sometimes I do bathe occasionally, although I shower first to rinse off scabs etc. then I fill up the bath. You can do the same with the bath, just let the bath water drain and fill up with fresh water. First I'll start with some things people use in their baths to help with infections.
Aveeno Oatmeal bath - Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Bath with natural colloidal oatmeal is a natural cleanser and helps with dry itchy skin. I use this often.
Domeboro - Domeboro astringent solution helps dry out oozing, infected wounds. If you don't want to dry out all of your wounds you can make a compress only for certain wounds.
Bleach - Use one capful for a normal size tub.
Chlorine - Hot Tubs/Spas are wonderful also and used often because of the helpful effects of chlorine.
Vinegar - I am not sure of the suggested amount to add to a bath so please consult a physician first.
Special Bleach and Vinegar Combination - Click here for information on this. I have never tried this myself and you should be very careful with this method, however I've heard it works wonderfully for infections.
Showering
I actually prefer to shower but it may be too painful for many to have the water hitting open sores. My worst place is my back so I let the bathroom get a little bit steamy which slowly gets my back wet. This reduces the pain and shock as opposed to getting in a tub because the water can sting open wounds terribly. Some things that are helpful when showering are:
Shower chairs - There are different kinds of shower chairs, some with backs, some without, some are padded, some are not etc. They are useful so you don't have to worry about having to stand up the whole time. They're easy to clean. You can put a soft towel on it for extra padding also.
Adjustable shower head - This is a nice thing to have because it allows you to adjust the pressure of the water and how much you want to come out. Some even have a setting that mists you. They can be expensive depending on the one you choose but worth it in my opinion. I have one that also has an adjustable neck so I can bring it down lower to my height, since I am short. That way I can adjust the settings myself. And the water is closer to you if you're sitting on a shower chair.
Loofah - I find this easier to use than a bar of soap or constantly squeezing out liquid soap. You can just lather it up and gently wash areas or just squeeze soapy water over sores.
Preparing for a bath/shower
It's easiest in most cases to set out all of the bandages, ointments etc. that you will be using before you bathe so it is ready for you when you get out. If you have long hair it's best to put it up to avoid it sticking to wounds. I also find a shower cap works well to keep you from getting quite as cold when getting out of the tub because your hair doesn't get soaked. Also WASH YOUR HANDS. Washing hands before and after touching wounds will help keep down infection. This goes for the EB person themselves and anybody helping with dressing changes.
Bathing - If you're bathing, prepare bath with any solutions if necessary. You may want to put a soft towel on the bottom of the tub to sit on. A loofah also comes in handy for gently washing healed areas and you can also use it to squeeze water over sores to rinse.
Removing bandages - Some prefer to remove all bandages before getting in the tub, while some prefer to soak first to allow their bandages to be removed easier. Some also bathe with bandages on and remove them and re-bandage one at a time afterwards to avoid any trauma to the skin. I prefer to remove them all before getting in the tub to prevent spread of infection, however if any clothing or bandages are sticking it is best to soak them off.
Blister Popping - It is definitely important to cut and drain any blisters, however I prefer to wait until after my shower/bath in most cases because the blister fills up with water while bathing and that can make it larger and cause pain. If I see any blisters during the day I do pop them right away so they don't grow larger, just not right before showers.
Soaps - Soaps aren't necessary, however you can use mild, non-drying soaps such as Dove. I prefer Softsoap Naturals - Ultra Moisturizing - Milk and Honey body wash.
Washing Hair - I prefer to wash my hair separately, on a non-bath/shower day because of the wounds on my back and neck. It is too uncomfortable to wash my hair while un-bandaged. I find it's easier to stand outside the tub, turn the shower on and lean just my head in to wash. I don't have a favorite shampoo but my hair does tend to get dry so I only wash it a couple times a week and use plenty of conditioner. I also use a spray in conditioner called Infusium. It helps with tangles also.
When Your Finished
Getting in and out - It is important to have hand rails or something or someone for support to grab onto when getting in and out of the tub. Non-slip rugs and mats are important also.
Drying off - Remember to pat dry, do not rub. The bigger and softer the towel the better. Make sure the towel you are using is free of hair and tiny fuzz balls etc. because they can get stuck in wounds. You can also use a hair dryer or small electric heater to help dry off. I have an electric heater I keep on during bandages because I get so cold.
Attention: The information on this page is not meant to take the place of a qualified physician.
This page was last updated on: October 28, 2007
Feel free to contact me with any comments or questions about my site or EB.
Don't forget to sign my guestbook!
