Study Finds Bathing Frequency Has No Impact on Eczema Symptoms

A recent study has determined that individuals with eczema can bathe either daily or weekly without affecting their symptoms. Published in the British Journal of Dermatology, these findings offer significant relief to those managing the skin condition, allowing them to decide their bathing frequency without concern for exacerbating their symptoms.

The study, referred to as the “Eczema Bathing Study,” was developed with input from individuals living with eczema in collaboration with researchers from the University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. A total of 438 participants from across the UK, including both adults and children, were randomly assigned to either a daily bathing group or a weekly bathing group. Participants continued their regular treatments while tracking their eczema symptoms over a period of four weeks.

Results indicated no significant differences in symptoms between the two bathing frequencies. Lucy Bradshaw, Lead Author and Senior Medical Statistician at Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit, expressed enthusiasm about the implications of the study. She stated, “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.”

Co-Chief Investigator Amanda Roberts, who is also an eczema patient and caregiver, emphasized the importance of the findings. “There are so many things in everyday life which have the potential to affect eczema. It is good to know frequency of bathing or showering is not one of them. One less thing to worry about,” she remarked.

This research marks the first completion of a broader initiative called the Rapid Eczema Trials, which commenced in 2022. This five-year project aims to address pressing questions regarding the management of eczema. The initiative has fostered the creation of an Eczema Citizen Science Community, encouraging participation from individuals across the UK to engage in the design and execution of online research studies.

The next phase of the Rapid Eczema Trials will investigate the optimal duration for using steroid creams to manage flare-ups effectively. Matthew Ridd, Co-applicant and Professor of Primary Health Care at the University of Bristol, highlighted the significance of addressing practical questions about eczema treatment. “How often to have a bath or shower is such a simple but important issue that people with eczema often ask health care professionals for advice on,” he noted.

Moreover, Professor Marian Knight, Scientific Director for NIHR Infrastructure and Director of NIHR Program Grants for Applied Research, praised the study for integrating patient perspectives into research. She stated, “This study shows the value of the NIHR’s approach to putting patients and the public at the heart of everything we do. By working with people who live with eczema, the research team has been able to answer a question that has affected people’s quality of life for years.”

In summary, the findings from the Eczema Bathing Study provide crucial insights for individuals with eczema, granting them the freedom to choose their bathing habits without concern for symptom worsening. This research not only addresses a common question regarding eczema management but also signifies a step forward in patient-centered research.

For further information, refer to the article “Weekly versus daily bathing for people with eczema: results of the Eczema Bathing online randomised controlled trial” published in the British Journal of Dermatology.