Baking Soda Bath: 10 Benefits And Risks - Medical News Today

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What are the benefits of a baking soda bath and how to do it

Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Jon Johnson — Updated on May 2, 2025

What is it?
Benefits
Detox baths
How to use
Risks
Other detox baths
Other baking soda uses
Summary

Baking soda is a household staple with many different uses. Adding a quarter cup of baking soda to a lukewarm bath and soaking for up to 40 minutes may relieve itching, irritation, or infections or just provide a detox.

Adding baking soda — also known as sodium bicarbonate — to a bath may help with a range of conditions, such as:

eczema
psoriasis
yeast infections and other fungal infections
diaper rash
urinary tract infections (UTIs)
damaged skin due to surgery, hemorrhoids, and other factors

This article examines the benefits of a baking soda bath and how taking one may help, as well as other types of detox baths and their uses.

What is a baking soda bath?

person soaking feet in baking soda — Design by Medical News Today; photograph ThamKC/Getty Images

Baking soda is a mixture of sodium ions and bicarbonate ions. It dissolves fully in water, and people may add it to oral hygiene and cleaning products as it may help remove bacteria, odors, and acidity.

These properties may also be helpful for the skin, including certain skin conditions.

Even without adding baking soda to the water, soaking in a warm bath may have valuable therapeutic properties by warming a person’s muscles, helping them relax, and promoting sweating.

10 benefits of a baking soda bath

A baking soda bath may be beneficial for many conditions, including:

1. Yeast infections

Some symptoms of yeast infections, such as itching and swelling, can make it difficult for people to go about their daily activities. A baking soda bath may relieve symptoms and help people recover faster.

A 2021 study found that baking soda gels helped stop the growth of Candida cells, the fungal cells responsible for yeast infections.

2. Fungal skin and nail infections

Some research in a 2024 review suggests that baking soda may be useful as an antifungal agent against many fungal strains that commonly affect skin and nails.

People with the nail fungus onychomycosis, which causes thick, discolored, or crumbly nails, may find relief from soaking their hands or feet in a baking soda bath.

However, it is advisable for anyone with a fungal infection to first ask a doctor if a baking soda bath can benefit them.

3. Eczema

Eczema causes dry, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin to develop on the body during flare-ups. These areas may be so itchy that a person scratches and breaks the skin, leaving it prone to infection and worsening symptoms.

Baking soda may help prevent eczema flare-ups or reduce symptoms in some people. The National Eczema Association suggests adding a quarter cup of baking soda to a warm bath to soothe itchy skin.

It is important to pat the skin dry and moisturize immediately after the bath.

4. Psoriasis

A 2023 article suggests that baking soda baths may offer benefits for people with psoriasis. However, a 2019 study found that topical baking soda did not improve skin hydration or itching in people with psoriasis.

If people with psoriasis wish to try a baking soda bath, they can speak with a healthcare professional about the best quantity and frequency.

5. Poison ivy, poison oak, or sumac

Baking soda may promote the healing of rashes caused by poisonous plants by soothing inflamed skin and reducing irritation and itching.

Taking a bath after touching toxic plants is a good idea. Bathing can wash off the oils that cause a rash, reducing the amount the skin absorbs. It may also help prevent these oils from spreading to other areas of the body or transferring to another person.

6. UTI

A UTI causes pain and burning while urinating due to extra acidity in the urinary tract.

Although a baking soda bath will not change the acidity of the urine, it may reduce pain and discomfort alongside doctor-prescribed antibiotics.

Research from 2018 suggests that taking baking soda by mouth may also help improve pH levels and symptoms in people with UTIs. However, it is a good idea to speak with a doctor before trying this.

»Learn more:Can baking soda treat a UTI?

7. Diaper rash

Diapers are damp and warm, making them the perfect place for pathogens to multiply. This can result in a rash on the skin called a diaper rash. Constant friction from the diaper can also irritate the skin.

A baking soda bath may help remove the pathogens that cause irritation and soothe sensitive skin.

For babies and small children, it is essential only to use a minimal amount of baking soda, as the skin can absorb dissolved baking soda. People can speak with a healthcare professional to determine the right amount.

For severe diaper rash, a person can add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to a warm bath and soak the affected area for 10 minutes twice daily. After soaking, they should apply a topical anti-yeast ointment. A doctor can recommend a suitable preparation.

»Learn more:Adult diaper rash

8. Chickenpox

Itching and irritation due to chickenpox can feel extremely uncomfortable, especially for children.

A baking soda bath may provide relief. Soaking in lukewarm water with 2 ounces of baking soda may relieve itching, according to the Seattle Children’s Hospital.

»Learn more:Home remedies for chickenpox

9. Vulva irritation

Some people may experience irritation and itching around the vulva.

To relieve burning and itching, a person can add 4 to 5 tablespoons of baking soda to a lukewarm bath and soak for 10 minutes up to three times a day. For a sitz bath, they should use 1 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda.

10. Hemorrhoids and other causes of pain and discomfort

A baking soda bath may help relieve irritation and pain from ulcerated, cracked, raw, or blistered skin around the anal or vaginal area or the scrotum.

This can be due to:

hemorrhoids
surgery
childbirth
an injury
diarrhea
chemotherapy or radiation therapy

People can add 0.5 to 1 tablespoon of baking soda to lukewarm water in a sitz bath and soak for 10 to 15 minutes. Alternatively, they can add 1 to 2 teaspoons of salt to the water.

Detox baths

Even without an underlying condition to treat, a baking soda bath may be a helpful way to promote overall well-being.

To do this, people can add the following to a bath:

one-third of a cup of baking soda
one-third of a cup of sea salt
one-third of a cup of Epsom salt

Adding medicinal herbs or essential oils, such as eucalyptus or lavender, can also help the body sweat and relax.

»Learn more:What is an Epsom salt detox?

How to use a baking soda bath

To make a baking soda bath, a person can add between a quarter and 2 cups of baking soda to warm bath water and stir it around to let it dissolve.

Once the baking soda has completely dissolved, a person can soak in the tub for up to 40 minutes. After the bath, they should pat the skin dry with a towel and use a natural oil or lotion to moisturize the skin.

Other tips for before and after the bath include:

creating a relaxing environment by using candlelight or soft music
using a dry scrub, loofah, or body brush before the bath to help shed dead skin cells
using lukewarm-to-warm water if hot water dries out the skin
using mild soap and warm water to rinse away any toxins left on the skin
wearing clean clothes after a bath to avoid additional environmental toxins

Risks and considerations

Baking soda baths are typically safe, but consuming too much baking soda can raise levels of both sodium and bicarbonate.

Baking soda changes the pH of body fluids. In large amounts, it can lead to:

excessive stomach gas
nausea and vomiting
seizures
dehydration
kidney failure
breathing difficulty

If a child swallows baking soda, people should contact the emergency services or their local poison control center for immediate assistance.

The skin can also absorb dissolved baking soda, including during a baking soda bath.

Who should avoid baking soda baths?

A healthcare professional may suggest that people avoid baking soda baths if they:

have high blood pressure
have serious infections or open wounds
are prone to fainting
have diabetes
are pregnant or nursing
have an allergy to baking soda
are currently drinking alcohol or taking medications such as benzodiazepines, which depress the nervous system

Some people may have a skin reaction to baking soda. Before taking a baking soda bath, it is best to test the effects on a small patch of skin.

»Learn more:Dangers of drinking baking soda

Other types of baths

People can use many other natural ingredients in a bath, including:

sea salt
Epsom salt
apple cider vinegar
hydrogen peroxide
clay

People can speak with a healthcare professional before adding these ingredients to baths if it is for specific health purposes.

Other uses for baking soda

As well as in a bath, people may also use baking soda for:

teeth whitening
skin exfoliation
deodorant
foot soaks
dry scalp relief

Summary

As with any home remedy, it is important for a person to talk with a doctor before using baking soda baths to treat an underlying health condition.

Doctors may want to monitor how the skin reacts. They may also be able to offer safety tips or recommend some alternative treatments to try. Anyone with symptoms that persist or worsen should seek medical advice.

Dermatology
Urinary Tract Infection
Atopic Dermatitis / Eczema
Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Bathing and eczema. (2025).https://nationaleczema.org/treatments/bathing/
Chakraborty A. (2023). Bathing practices in dermatology: Uses and implications for patient management.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10506818/
Chickenpox. (2025).https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/chickenpox/
Diaper rash. (2025).https://www.seattlechildrens.org/conditions/a-z/diaper-rash/
Dugué C, et al. (2024). Baking soda and the skin: A review of baking soda in dermatology. https://www.jintegrativederm.org/article/122501-baking-soda-and-the-skin-a-review-of-baking-soda-in-dermatology
Having a sitz bath at home. (2022).https://www.uhn.ca/PatientsFamilies/Health_Information/Health_Topics/Pages/brochure.aspx?itemid=94
Letscher-Bru V, et al. (2012). Antifungal activity of sodium bicarbonate against fungal agents causing superficial infections.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11046-012-9583-2
Mazzarello V, et al. (2019). Efficacy of a topical formulation of sodium bicarbonate in mild to moderate stable plaque psoriasis: A randomized, blinded, intrapatient, controlled study.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6704198/
My child got into the baking soda: Risks and treatment. (n.d.).https://www.poison.org/articles/baking-soda
Outsmarting poison ivy and other poisonous plants. (2021).https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/outsmarting-poison-ivy-and-other-poisonous-plants
Sönmez MG, et al. (2017). Effects of urine alkalinization with sodium bicarbonate orally on lower urinary tract symptoms in female patients: A pilot study.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28975365/
Tomás M, et al. (2021). Sodium bicarbonate gels: A new promising strategy for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidosis.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33122009/
Vulvar skin care guidelines. (2023).https://uihc.org/educational-resources/vulvar-skin-care-guidelines

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Medically reviewed by Cynthia Cobb, DNP, APRN, WHNP-BC, FAANP — Written by Jon Johnson — Updated on May 2, 2025

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What is a baking soda bath?

10 benefits of a baking soda bath

1. Yeast infections

2. Fungal skin and nail infections

3. Eczema

4. Psoriasis

5. Poison ivy, poison oak, or sumac

6. UTI

7. Diaper rash

8. Chickenpox

9. Vulva irritation

10. Hemorrhoids and other causes of pain and discomfort

Detox baths

How to use a baking soda bath

Risks and considerations

Who should avoid baking soda baths?

Other types of baths

Other uses for baking soda

Summary

How we reviewed this article:

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