LONDON—A recent study challenges the common concern among eczema patients that frequent bathing or showering could worsen their symptoms. The research, conducted in the UK, found no significant difference in eczema severity between individuals who bathed daily and those who did so only once or twice a week.
The findings provide clarity and freedom for those living with the skin condition, suggesting they can choose their bathing frequency based on personal preference rather than fear of flare-ups.
Published in the British Journal of Dermatology, the study is the first result from the five-year "Rapid Eczema Trial" led by the University of Nottingham, in collaboration with the Universities of Southampton, Bristol, Birmingham City, and Imperial College London.
Methodology: The research team recruited 438 eczema patients, including children, from across the UK. They were divided into two groups:
High Frequency: Bathed or showered six or more times per week.
Low Frequency: Bathed or showered one to two times per week.
For four weeks, participants continued their existing eczema treatments and kept weekly records of their skin condition based on their assigned bathing frequency.
Key Results: Upon analysis, the study concluded there was no meaningful difference in eczema symptoms between the two groups after the four-week trial period. The frequency of bathing or showering, whether daily or weekly, did not impact the severity of the participants' eczema.
The researchers view this as highly positive news for the eczema community.
Lucy Bradshaw, lead statistician in the Clinical Trials Unit at the University of Nottingham Medical School and first author of the paper, stated, "This research is fantastic news for people with eczema. They can now freely choose the bathing frequency that suits them best. Importantly, this study begins to answer real-life questions that have been insufficiently addressed by previous research."
Professor Matthew Ridd, a co-author from the University of Bristol Medical School, commented on the significance of the finding: "How often to bathe or shower is a very simple but important question. Many eczema patients ask their doctors about it. Thanks to this study, we can now provide them with a clear, evidence-based answer."
The study addresses a long-standing point of uncertainty, offering a scientific basis to dispel the worry that daily hygiene practices might aggravate the condition.
The full research paper is available at: https://dx.doi.org/10.1093/bjd/ljaf417.
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