Eczema and Bathing

Eczema and Bathing

 Setting up a good skin care routine that includes daily bathing and moisturizing is very important for managing eczema symptoms and preventing flares.

Why is bathing so effective?

When your skin is dry, it’s not because it doesn’t contain enough oil. It’s because your skin isn’t doing a very good job of retaining its moisture (water). Wind, low humidity, cold temperatures, harsh soaps and too much washing without the use of a moisturizer can lead to dry skin, which can irritate your eczema and even make it worse. The most effective way to treat dry skin is to give it the moisture it needs. Proper bathing and moisturizing are important for this reason — especially if you have eczema. The best way to replace moisture in the skin is to soak in a bath or take a shower and then moisturize immediately afterward. Some things to remember when bathing:

• Take at least one bath or shower a day
  
• Bathe or shower in lukewarm (not hot) water for 10 to 15 minutes
  
• Avoid scrubbing your skin with a washcloth or loofah
  
• Use a gentle cleanser (not soap)
  
• During severe flare-ups, limit the use of cleansers to further avoid irritation

Some things to remember when moisturizing:

• Use a high-oil content moisturizer twice a day to improve hydration and protect the skin barrier
  
• Moisturize hands every time you wash them or they come into contact with water
  
• Schedule your bathing and moisturizing routine at night, just before bed. This can help your skin better retain its moisture
  
• If you have hand eczema, soak your hands in water, then follow with an application of your prescription medication (if you use one) and moisturizer. Wear cotton gloves over your hands while you sleep to help “lock in” the moisturizer

Is a bath or shower better for my eczema?

Water is an effective way to put moisture back into the skin, but only if you use lukewarm (not hot) water, avoid scrubbing and apply a moisturizer within three minutes after bathing or showering. As long as you follow these rules, both bathing and showering are equally effective in keeping the skin barrier healthy and flexible, so that it can better lock in moisture and keep irritants out. However, too much contact with water or improper bathing can actually cause irritation. Especially if you repeatedly get your skin wet without moisturizing it immediately afterward. This causes your skin to lose its moisture content and become dry and irritated.

What kinds of products should I use when bathing?

You should always look for skin products that are unscented, fragrance-free and dye-free (such as TruKid Eczema Bubble Podz)  so that you don’t further irritate your skin. Try to avoid waterless, antibacterial cleansers, which often contain ingredients like alcohol and solvents that are very hard on your skin (especially during flare-ups). Remember not to scrub your skin while cleansing and to gently pat your skin dry when you’re done. As always, moisturize your skin immediately afterward. See the full list of NEA-accepted, scientifically reviewed cleansers and moisturizers

Are there special types of baths that are better for treating my eczema?

Soaking in a tub of lukewarm (not hot) water can help your skin better absorb moisture, but bathing is also very relaxing and can help ease stress. Just remember not to soak longer than 10 to 15 minutes and avoid scrubbing your skin with a washcloth or loofah. Some specific bath treatments you might try:

BLEACH BATHS

A mild bleach and water solution is thought to decrease inflammation and bacteria on the skin, which can lead to skin infections. Use a half-cup of household bleach for a full tub of water, one-quarter cup for a half tub. Soak up to 10 minutes, then rinse off. Best when done two to three times per week.

BATH OIL BATHS

Using gentle oils in your bath water can help keep you moisturized. Be sure to use oils that do not contain fragrances or bubble bath solutions that could further irritate your skin. Be careful — oils can make the tub very slippery.

SALT BATHS

If you’re experiencing a severe flare-up, bathing may cause your skin to sting. Adding one cup of table salt to your bath water can help ease this symptom.

BAKING SODA BATHS

Adding a quarter-cup of baking soda to your bath or applying it to the skin directly in the form of a paste, is a common treatment used to help relieve itching.

OATMEAL BATHS

Adding colloidal oatmeal to your bath or applying it to the skin directly in the form of a paste, is also a common treatment used to help relieve itching. Or you can try an oatmeal product that received the NEA Seal of Acceptance. And of course, TruKid Eczema Bubble Podz, which are perfect for eczema-prone skin. TruKid Eczema Bubble Podz also has received the NEA Seal of Acceptance now in the Eczema product database. Another great product for sensitive skin is TruKid Eczema Soothing Face and Body Wash. It moisturizes your skin while soothing eczema flareups. The perfect body wash after a long days work. After the shower or bath, apply TruKid’s Easy Eczema Cream that  safely soothes kids’ sensitive and eczema prone skin. Our natural blend of aloe, allantoin, jojoba, and shea and cocoa butters offer gentle nourishing comfort. Calms and hydrates irritated, cracked skin and supports skin‘s moisturizing barrier to ease skin discomforts. This rich, unscented cream is ideal for most skin types and great for the whole family. Blog provided by: National Eczema Association, 415-499-3474