How to Take a Soothing Shower or Bath with Eczema | Tips to Avoid Irritation

The Right Way to Take a Shower or Bath Picture When You're Managing Eczema

Taking a relaxing shower or bath is one of life's simple pleasures. However, when you have eczema, it can turn this enjoyable experience into an itchy nightmare. The National Eczema Association estimates that over 30 million Americans suffer from some form of eczema. For those dealing with this chronic skin condition, something as basic as bathing requires some thoughtful planning.

Eczema often causes the skin to become extremely dry, irritated and inflamed. Long, hot showers or baths can strip the skin of oils and cause flares. On the other hand, completely avoiding washing can allow irritants and bacteria to build up on the skin and make symptoms worse. Finding the right balance is key. With the proper bathing techniques and moisturizing routine, you can cleanse the skin gently while avoiding eczema flares.

How Hot Water Impacts Eczema

Hot water feels great, but it's one of the worst enemies for eczema-prone skin. Water that is too hot can damage the skin's protective barrier and wash away the natural oils that keep it hydrated. This leads to dryness, redness, cracking and increased irritation. Lukewarm or cool water is recommended for bathing when you have eczema. It's less likely to strip your skin of moisture and trigger flares. Stick to temperatures around 80-85° F.

Watch the Length of Showers and Baths

In addition to temperature, the duration of showers and baths matters too. Limit your time in the water to 5-10 minutes max. Any longer can remove too much of your skin's natural oils, even in lukewarm water. For severe eczema, some dermatologists recommend skipping baths altogether and just doing quick rinses or sponge baths to minimize drying effects.

Use Gentle Cleansers

Your cleanser should be fragrance-free and sulfate-free to avoid skin irritation. Many regular body washes contain harsh detergents that can strip and dry sensitive skin. Opt for a gentle, creamy body wash or non-soap cleanser formulated for eczema and sensitive skin types. Avoid products with added perfumes and dyes as these can further exacerbate skin issues.

Water Softening Shower Filters

Hard water that contains minerals like calcium and magnesium can irritate eczema-prone skin. A shower filter is a smart investment as it removes up to 90% of these minerals. This helps prevent skin dryness and itch caused by hard water. Look for a filter that attaches easily to your shower head and doesn't require any tools or complicated installation.

Moisturize Immediately After Bathing

It's crucial to moisturize the skin right after showering or bathing, while it is still damp. This helps trap in moisture before it evaporates. Apply your preferred lotion, cream or ointment liberally over the entire body. Ointments provide the most hydration for very dry skin, while lotions are lighter. You may need to experiment to find the right post-bath moisturizer for your unique needs.

Avoid Hot Tubs and Saunas

It's best to avoid hot tubs, jacuzzis and saunas if you have eczema. The hot water and steam found in these facilities remove natural oils from the skin and promote drying. They also harbor bacteria, viruses, harsh chemicals like chlorine and molds that can irritate the skin. If you want to soak in a tub, do it at home where you can control the temperature and keep the water clean.

Watch Out for Irritating Bath Add-Ins

Bath oils, bubbles, bath bombs, epsom salt and oatmeal bath treatments may sound soothing, but they often contain ingredients that exacerbate eczema. Common irritants include fragrance, essential oils, botanical extracts and harsh preservatives. Your safest bet is skipping these bath add-ins entirely or patch testing a new product on a small area first before putting it all over your body.

Pat Dry and Apply Moisturizer After Bathing

Vigorously rubbing with a towel can damage your skin's moisture barrier. Pat your skin gently to soak up drips after bathing. Immediately apply your medicated moisturizer or prescription topical cream while skin is still damp. This helps seal in hydration. Then wait a few minutes before getting dressed to allow the products to fully absorb.

Shower or Bathe at Night

Bathing at night allows you to remove the dirt, sweat and irritants that accumulated during the day. Your skin stays clean overnight. Plus, an evening bath helps relax both the body and mind before bed. But remember to keep it brief and the water lukewarm. Once out of the bath, apply any prescribed medicated ointments or anti-inflammatory creams. These can soak in while you sleep to heal inflamed skin.

Invest in a Humidifier

Running a humidifier at night helps replenish moisture that may have been lost during bathing. This is especially key in the drier winter months when eczema is prone to flaring. Aim to keep bedroom humidity around 40-50%. Make sure to keep humidifiers clean to avoid mold or bacteria buildup.

Avoid Fragrances in Skin Care Products

When shopping for products like body wash, lotion and cosmetics, always check the ingredient label. Avoid products that contain added perfumes or masks as these can irritate and trigger eczema. Seek out skincare labeled fragrance-free, unscented or for sensitive skin. Essential oils, botanical extracts and natural fragrances can also be problematic so use these ingredients with caution.

Wear Loose, Breathable Fabrics After Bathing

Tight clothing can cause friction that leads to eczema flares. After bathing, slip on loose, soft, breathable fabrics like cotton or bamboo. This allows your skin to breathe and prevents rubbing that can worsen itch and irritation. You may want to skip rough denim and scratchy wool next to sensitive skin as well.

Watch Out for Lingering Shampoo or Soap

Rinsing thoroughly after washing your hair or body is a must. Leftover traces of shampoo, conditioner or soap left on your skin can trigger itching and redness. Do a final rinse with cool water before getting out to make sure these products are fully washed off. Also, make sure to keep shampoo and soap residue off your hands before touching your eczema-prone areas after washing.

Tips for Bathing Babies and Children with Eczema

Bathing requires some special care and consideration when caring for babies and kids with eczema. Their delicate skin is even more vulnerable to dryness and irritation. Here are some tips to make bath time more comfortable:

Keep Baths Brief

Limit your child's bath to just 5-10 minutes. Have toys ready nearby to help make it a quick, pleasant experience. Long exposure to water can dry out a baby or child's sensitive skin. For babies under 6 months old, a few minutes of sponge bathing is ideal.

Watch the Water Temperature

Use lukewarm water around 80-85°F for your child's bath. Check with your wrist to make sure it feels warm, not hot. Their skin is delicate and becomes dehydrated easily in hotter water temperatures. Keeping baths cooler prevents moisture loss.

Avoid Soaps and Bubble Bath

Baby cleansers labeled "soap free" are gentler than regular soaps which can strip and irritate an infant's skin. Avoid adding bubble bath, bath bombs, bath oils or bath salts which often contain harsh ingredients. Plain water is actually fine for gently cleansing their skin.

Pat Dry After Baths

Rubbing with towels can damage a baby or child's sensitive skin. Gently pat and blot their skin dry after bathing instead. Then apply moisturizer or medication creams right away to their damp skin. This helps seal in hydration before it evaporates.

Moisturize All Over

Spread moisturizer over your baby or child's entire body after bathing, even if only a small area is affected by eczema. This helps prevent flares from developing elsewhere. Opt for thicker ointments or creams made just for babies and eczema-prone skin types.

Keep Bathrooms Humidified

Run a humidifier during and after your child's bath to counteract drying. Portable shower or countertop humidifiers help add moisture back into the air. Try to keep bathroom humidity around 40-50% to prevent excessive evaporation from baths.

Avoid Irritants

Keep your child's bath products fragrance-free and avoid irritants like essential oils. Wash their clothing in a gentle, hypoallergenic detergent as well. Residual chemicals left in clothes can trigger skin reactions. Use an extra rinse cycle to remove traces.

Creating an Eczema-Friendly Bathing Routine

With the right approach, you or your child can enjoy bathing without eczema flares. Pay attention to water temperature, length of time and bath products. Use lukewarm water, limit time in the tub, moisturize immediately after and avoid irritating add-ins. Your dermatologist can also provide personalized guidance to help design an optimal bathing routine.

While bathing requires some extra thought, don't avoid it altogether. Proper hygiene helps prevent bacteria overgrowth that leads to infections. With the guidelines above for gentle cleansing, baths and showers don't have to be a dreaded experience. Take the right precautions before, during and after to keep skin comfortable even with eczema.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.