Study Reveals Bathing Frequency Has No Impact on Eczema Symptoms

A recent study has demonstrated that the frequency of bathing does not affect the symptoms of eczema. Published in the British Journal of Dermatology, the findings offer significant reassurance for individuals living with this condition, granting them the flexibility to choose their bathing routine without fear of worsening their symptoms.

The “Eczema Bathing Study” was developed collaboratively by individuals affected by eczema and researchers from the University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. It investigated the effects of different bathing frequencies on eczema symptoms, comparing daily bathing—defined as taking a bath or shower six or more times a week—with weekly bathing, which consisted of one or two baths or showers each week.

In total, 438 participants, including both adults and children from across the UK, were randomly assigned to one of the two bathing groups. This randomization ensured that the groups were comparable. Throughout the study, participants continued their usual treatment regimens and logged their eczema symptoms on a weekly basis for a duration of four weeks.

The results revealed no significant differences in the severity of eczema symptoms between those who bathed daily and those who bathed weekly. As Lucy Bradshaw, Lead Author and Senior Medical Statistician at the Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit, noted, “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 these 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.”

Significance of the Research

The Eczema Bathing Study marks the first completed research initiative under the broader Rapid Eczema Trials project, which commenced in 2022. This five-year project aims to address critical questions regarding eczema management. Within this framework, the Rapid Eczema Trials citizen science project has established an Eczema Citizen Science Community, inviting individuals from across the UK to participate in designing and conducting various online research studies. The next study will focus on the optimal duration for using steroid creams to manage eczema flare-ups effectively.

Matthew Ridd, Co-applicant and Professor of Primary Health Care at the University of Bristol, highlighted the relevance of the study to everyday life: “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 the NIHR Infrastructure and Director of NIHR Program Grants for Applied Research, remarked on the study’s impact: “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.”

The research concludes that bathing frequency does not influence eczema symptoms, empowering individuals to make choices that best suit their personal preferences. This study paves the way for further research on managing eczema and enhancing the quality of life for those affected by the condition.

For more details, refer to the article titled “Weekly versus daily bathing for people with eczema: results of the Eczema Bathing online randomised controlled trial,” published in the British Journal of Dermatology (2025). DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljaf417.