December 10, 2025

Study Debunks a Big Myth for Eczema and Bathing

6 minutes

A University of Nottingham study with 438 participants found that daily and weekly bathing were equally effective in managing eczema symptoms, quality of life, and treatment needs over four weeks
The research reveals bathing frequency matters less than post-bath skincare. Both groups improved similarly when following up with moisturizers, giving patients flexibility to choose routines that suit their lifestyles without worsening symptoms
Weekly bathers used topical steroid creams slightly less frequently than daily bathers, suggesting less frequent bathing may reduce medication dependency while maintaining skin stability when combined with proper moisturizing habits
For optimal eczema management, use lukewarm water with gentle, fragrance-free cleansers, pat skin dry, and immediately apply moisturizer while skin remains damp to lock in moisture and strengthen the protective barrier
Natural remedies like baking soda, colloidal oatmeal, and Dead Sea salt added to baths provide anti-inflammatory benefits and can help soothe itching, reduce redness, and improve skin hydration when used appropriately

...more

By Dr. Mercola

4.6

14871,487 ratings

December 10, 2025

6 minutes

A University of Nottingham study with 438 participants found that daily and weekly bathing were equally effective in managing eczema symptoms, quality of life, and treatment needs over four weeks
The research reveals bathing frequency matters less than post-bath skincare. Both groups improved similarly when following up with moisturizers, giving patients flexibility to choose routines that suit their lifestyles without worsening symptoms
Weekly bathers used topical steroid creams slightly less frequently than daily bathers, suggesting less frequent bathing may reduce medication dependency while maintaining skin stability when combined with proper moisturizing habits
For optimal eczema management, use lukewarm water with gentle, fragrance-free cleansers, pat skin dry, and immediately apply moisturizer while skin remains damp to lock in moisture and strengthen the protective barrier
Natural remedies like baking soda, colloidal oatmeal, and Dead Sea salt added to baths provide anti-inflammatory benefits and can help soothe itching, reduce redness, and improve skin hydration when used appropriately

...more