Study Reveals Daily or Weekly Bathing Harms Eczema Symptoms Not

A recent study has determined that bathing frequency—whether daily or weekly—does not affect the symptoms of eczema. The findings, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, provide valuable insights for individuals managing this chronic skin condition, allowing them to bathe according to personal preference without concern for worsening their eczema.

The research, known as the Eczema Bathing Study, was conducted in collaboration with individuals living with eczema, researchers from the University of Nottingham, and the Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. The study involved 438 participants from across the UK, including both adults and children. Participants were randomly assigned to either a daily bathing group, which bathed six or more times a week, or a weekly group, which bathed once or twice a week.

Over the course of four weeks, participants continued their regular eczema treatments and documented their symptoms weekly. The results indicated no significant difference in eczema symptoms between the two groups, reinforcing the notion that bathing frequency does not influence the condition.

Lucy Bradshaw, Lead Author and Senior Medical Statistician at the Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit, expressed her enthusiasm about the findings. “The results are great news for people living with eczema. It means they can choose a frequency of bathing that suits them,” she said. “It was fantastic to work 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.”

Amanda Roberts, an eczema patient and caregiver who served as Co-Chief Investigator, emphasized the significance of the study. “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 noted.

The Eczema Bathing Study marks the first completed research as part of the larger Rapid Eczema Trials project, which commenced in 2022. This initiative aims to address critical questions regarding eczema management. The project has established an Eczema Citizen Science Community that collaborates on various online research studies, inviting participants from across the UK to contribute.

The next phase of the Rapid Eczema Trials will investigate the appropriate duration for using steroid creams to manage flare-ups effectively. Matthew Ridd, GP and Co-applicant at the University of Bristol, noted the importance of addressing everyday concerns for individuals with eczema. “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. The Rapid Eczema Trials project has provided everyone with the best, evidence-based answer to this practical question,” he stated.

Professor Marian Knight, Scientific Director for NIHR Infrastructure, highlighted the study’s impact on patient quality of life. “This study shows the value of the NIHR’s approach to putting patients and the public at the heart of everything we do,” she said. “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. The research shows that how often you bathe does not make a difference to symptoms, giving people the freedom to make the choice that is best for them.”

This research represents a significant advancement in understanding eczema management, allowing patients more flexibility in their bathing routines without fear of exacerbating their condition. More details can be found in the British Journal of Dermatology, under the article titled, “Weekly versus daily bathing for people with eczema: results of the Eczema Bathing online randomised controlled trial.”