Borates and Exzema

[GreatCanadian]

Hi all,
This past summer was my first season with borates. One of the things I noticed was that my 4-year old daughters exzema practically totally cleared up. When the season was over in September, the dry itchy scaly skin returned. We took her out of fall swimming lessons at the local pool because the water is terrible for her skin. So I figured perhaps I would try adding borates to her bath water. And yes, it works. It softens her skin and takes away the itching. So I am wondering if there are any negative effects to this. Obviously I can't gauge the parts per million. I just sprinkle some in and turn on the jets. Can this be harmful to my daughter. Thanks in advance for any info you may offer.

GC

 

[Bama Rambler]

If they get high enough and she stays in the water long enough it could expose her to above recommended levels. However you CAN use the Pool Calc to figure how much to add to the tub. In 30 gals of water ~2 oz of borax will raise the borates to about 50 ppm.

 

[chem geek]

This paper shows that there is some benefit from boric acid, mostly in preventing itching, and that Shuangfujin (SFJ) was the most effective.

 

[UnderWaterVanya]

This paper shows that there is some benefit from boric acid, mostly in preventing itching, and that Shuangfujin (SFJ) was the most effective.

What is SFJ?

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[chem geek]

SFJ is the abbreviation for Shuangfujin which is a Chinese herbal medicine.

 

[UnderWaterVanya]

SFJ is the abbreviation for Shuangfujin which is a Chinese herbal medicine.

Any idea what it is? I thought I read that it was at least partly a bacteria?

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[chem geek]

According to this link, Shuang-Fu-Jin is a combination of herbs: portulacae, radix sanguisorbae, radix sophorae flavescentis and cortex phellodendri (see also this link) with the first three apparently being the most active anti-inflammatory ingredients. As far as I can tell, it does not contain bacteria.

 

[UnderWaterVanya]

According to this link, Shuang-Fu-Jin is a combination of herbs: portulacae, radix sanguisorbae, radix sophorae flavescentis and cortex phellodendri (see also this link) with the first three apparently being the most active anti-inflammatory ingredients. As far as I can tell, it does not contain bacteria.

Thanks... I am too worn out to look for the reference I saw but I would guess I misread it or it was misleading.

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[Swampwoman]

GreatCanadian, I'm glad it's effective for her. Boric acid is a component of bath bombs, just so you know, so if you use a little moderation, I'm certain you'll be fine.

And thanks again for the great science, ChemGeek, I'll go take a read!

 

[GreatCanadian]

Thanks guys and gals for the input. You've put my mind at ease. I will read that paper Chem Geek. Merry Christmas everyone. Or Happy Holidays. Whichever you prefer!!