Frequent baths Won’t Worsen Eczema,Study Finds
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People with eczema have long wondered whether frequent baths or showers can irritate their already sensitive skin. But new research suggests that people with eczema can bathe as often as they want.
“You have freedom to choose how frequently enough you bathe – daily or weekly – without worrying that one option will make your eczema worse,” says Tanya Evans,MD,a dermatologist who wasn’t involved in the new study. dr. Evans serves as the medical director of the Skin cancer Program at Saddleback medical Center in Laguna Hills, California.
Eczema is a catchall term for a number of chronic conditions (the most common being atopic dermatitis) that can make skin inflamed, discolored, dry, and itchy. While eczema mostly impacts children, adults can have it, too.
Here’s what the study discovered, plus what it means for people living with eczema.
Study Focused on Feedback From patients
Researchers from the University of Nottingham and its affiliated hospital created the “Eczema Bathing Study” with meaningful input from people living with eczema.
The scientists randomly split more than 400 volunteers with eczema into two groups: One that bathed daily, and one that bathed weekly. daily bathing meant having a bath or shower six or more times a week, while weekly bathers had a bath or shower onc or twice a week.
After four weeks,the researchers found no difference in eczema symptoms between the two groups.
Messaging About Bathing and Eczema Has Been Mixed
There is some confusing messaging floating around about bathing when you have eczema,but dermatologists say the latest research is supported by other studies.
One randomized study published in 2018 in the Journal of Allergy and clinical immunology found that daily bathing, when combined with a moisturizer, improved skin hydration and reduced eczema severity in children. [3]
“The key is to moisturize immediately after bathing,” Dr. Evans says. “That helps lock in hydration and protect the skin barrier.”
What This Means for people With Eczema
The new research and previous studies suggest that people with eczema shouldn’t feel restricted in how often they bathe or shower.
“Bathing can be soothing and can help remove irritants from the skin,” dr. Evans says. “It’s not about avoiding water; it’s about how you care for your skin before and after.”
Here are some tips for bathing with eczema:
- Keep it lukewarm: Hot water can dry out skin.
- Limit bath time: Keep baths or showers short, around 10-15 minutes.
- Use gentle cleansers: Avoid harsh soaps and detergents.
- Moisturize immediately: Apply a thick moisturizer within three minutes of getting out of the bath or shower.
Sources:
Everyday Health – Eczema Guide
Everyday Health – Atopic Dermatitis Guide