A recent study has confirmed that the frequency of bathing does not affect eczema symptoms, offering significant relief to those living with the condition. The research, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, indicates that individuals with eczema can choose to bathe daily or weekly without concern for worsening their symptoms.
The study, known as the “Eczema Bathing Study,” involved 438 participants across the United Kingdom, including both adults and children. It was conducted in collaboration between individuals with eczema and researchers from the University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Participants were randomly assigned to either a daily bathing group or a weekly bathing group, allowing for a balanced comparison of results.
Throughout the four-week study, participants continued their usual eczema treatments and recorded their symptoms weekly. Ultimately, the findings revealed no significant difference in symptoms between those who bathed daily and those who bathed weekly.
Lucy Bradshaw, the study’s lead author and Senior Medical Statistician at the Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit, expressed the positive implications of the results: “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.”
Amanda Roberts, a co-chief investigator and eczema patient, echoed this sentiment, stating, “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.”
Insight into Eczema Management
This research is the first completed study in a broader initiative called the Rapid Eczema Trials, launched in 2022. This five-year project aims to address critical questions regarding the management of eczema, guided by input from those affected by the condition. The project has established an Eczema Citizen Science Community, encouraging participation from individuals across the UK to design and conduct online research studies.
The next phase of this research will investigate the appropriate duration for using steroid creams to treat eczema flare-ups, aiming for better control of the condition.
Matthew Ridd, a General Practitioner and Co-applicant in the project, highlighted the significance of the study’s findings: “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.”
Professor Marian Knight, Scientific Director for NIHR Infrastructure, praised the approach taken in this study, emphasizing the importance of patient collaboration. “This study shows the value of the NIHR’s approach to putting patients and the public at the heart of everything we do,” she noted. “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.”
As the study provides clarity on bathing practices, it opens the door for further exploration into other aspects of eczema management, ultimately improving the quality of life for those affected by this condition.
