Study Debunks a Big Myth for Eczema and Bathing

• Either bathing frequency worked — The researchers measured skin symptoms, itching, and the overall burden of the disease using weekly questionnaires. The results were strikingly consistent — both groups improved equally over time, showing that bathing frequency mattered far less than how you care for the skin afterward.

• The researchers tracked multiple measures to ensure accuracy — They looked at itch intensity, eczema control, and life quality scores. Across every measure, both daily and weekly bathers experienced similar results. Importantly, neither group had a higher rate of flare-ups or side effects, and there were no reports of serious harm from bathing more or less frequently.

• The study also measured how often participants used topical steroid creams — These are the prescription treatments many people apply to control redness and itching during flare-ups. The weekly bathing group reported slightly fewer days of steroid use than the daily group, suggesting that bathing less often can reduce reliance on medicated creams.

However, this doesn’t mean bathing less “cures” eczema. It simply indicates that once-daily or weekly routines both support skin stability when paired with moisturizer use.

• The research is worth noting for its patient-centered design — This study was part of a broader “citizen science” approach, meaning real patients helped shape the trial questions and methods. The researchers wanted the results to apply to everyday life, not just controlled laboratory conditions. As noted by one of the researchers:⁶

“The findings of our study are great news for people living with eczema. It means they can choose a frequency of bathing that suits them. It was fantastic to work so closely with people living with eczema to co design this study. Together, we’re starting to answer questions about living with eczema that haven’t had enough attention in research until now.”

• Bathing supports the skin microbiome — Did you know that aside from your gut, your skin is also home to a special kind of microbiome that acts as a protective layer? No matter the bathing frequency you choose, it has a positive effect on your skin microbiome. Andrew Proctor, chief executive of the National Eczema Society, commented on the featured study:⁷

“The other thing about eczema and the skin is that the microbiome plays quite an important role in eczema. And by bathing regularly, it does influence the microbiome and the balance of different bacteria on the skin.”

• Limitations of the research — The researchers noted that the participants were generally healthy with the exception of being diagnosed with eczema. This means that throughout the course of the four-week analysis, very severe flare-ups and any coexisting infections weren’t recorded. Thus, personalizing your bathing routine is still recommended to fit your current situation to reduce contraindications.

• Practical takeaways for parents managing a child’s eczema — Many families struggle with the daily bathing debate, often facing conflicting advice from doctors and online sources. Some are told that daily baths hydrate the skin; others are warned they strip natural oils and worsen dryness.

The new evidence shows that both daily and weekly schedules work equally well if you follow up with moisturizers. This helps reduce family stress, saves time, and supports consistency — something every parent will value greatly.

• Relief for adults juggling busy schedules — For adults, your bathing routine doesn’t need to feel like a chore or another medical prescription you have to religiously follow. The results give you permission to personalize your care without worry. The new-found freedom will also help you reduce stress levels. As noted in a 2023 study, stress contributes to eczema flareups:⁸

“Psychological stress is an important factor to consider in the management of patients with AD (atopic dermatitis). In particular, chronic stress tends to worsen AD. The type of stress can possibly also affect the quality of the pruritus experienced by the patients. Unforeseen events and decision making were frequently mentioned as important triggers. Furthermore, physical exercise was reported to provide beneficial effects.”

• The psychological benefit of the study — Tan Nguyen, advanced pharmacist in dermatology and biologics at University Hospitals of Derby and Burton Foundation Trust, commented on the mental impact of eczema, and went on to praise the findings of the featured study:⁹

“For many people living with eczema, the condition isn’t just physical. It also carries an emotional burden. Patients often feel anxious about whether everyday habits, like bathing might worsen their eczema. This anxiety is compounded by conflicting advice from different sources on how often they should bathe.

The findings from this study are reassuring, as they suggest that the frequency of bathing doesn’t negatively impact eczema symptoms. This removes unnecessary restrictions and gives patients more flexibility to fit their routine. This can aid in reducing stress and support overall wellbeing.”

• Frequency — The National Eczema Association recommends showering once a day using the following guidelines:¹¹

• The question regarding moisturizing — A crucial aspect of eczema management is moisturizing your skin after bathing or showering, as this helps prevent eczema symptoms. Specifically, the goal is to help relieve dryness and itching. More importantly, it helps repair the skin barrier to keep out allergens and other pollutants. So, remember to moisturize whenever you expose your skin to water:¹²

• The ideal moisturizer to use — When it comes to choosing which moisturizing product to buy, avoid scented ones as they typically contain chemicals that irritate your skin. Stick to bland, scent-free varieties with natural ingredients. Moreover, apply them while your skin is still damp to maximize benefits.¹³

• Baking soda — Mix a quarter-cup of baking soda into your bath. Follow these steps:¹⁵

Why baking soda? This common household product contains sodium and bicarbonate ions, which fully dissolve in water. These contain mild anti-inflammatory and pH-balancing properties to help manage symptoms. However, the National Eczema Association doesn’t recommend excess use, as it may eventually disrupt the skin microbiome that can result in dryness and irritation. It would be wise to limit its use.¹⁶

• Colloidal oatmeal — This refers to oatmeal that has been finely grounded, then boiled. According to Dr. Gowri Kabbur, “boiling the oats extracts the colloidal material, which contains starches and other beneficial molecules.”¹⁷

So, how do you use it within the context of eczema management? The National Eczema Association noted that pouring 1 cup into a bath will help soothe symptoms thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.¹⁸

Trials support the use of colloidal oatmeal. In one study, researchers noted that it contains avenanthramides, which help reduce itching and overall inflammation.¹⁹ In another study, it has been shown to help improve pH levels, as well as skin barrier function and hydration within 14 days of use.²⁰

• Dead Sea salt — If colloidal oatmeal isn’t available, you can pour 1 to 2 cups of Dead Sea salt in your bath instead. It also has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial benefits, thanks to being predominantly made from magnesium salts.²¹ As noted in one study:²²

“Bathing in the Dead Sea salt solution significantly improved skin barrier function compared with the tap water-treated control forearm in the subgroup with elevated basal TEWL. Skin hydration was enhanced on the forearm treated with the Dead Sea salt in each group, which means the treatment moisturized the skin.

Skin roughness and redness of the skin as a marker for inflammation were significantly reduced after bathing in the salt solution. This demonstrates that bathing in the salt solution was well tolerated, improved skin barrier function, enhanced stratum corneum hydration, and reduced skin roughness and inflammation.”