Managing Eczema with a Bathing Routine: Tips and Tricks for a Healthy Skin Barrier
As someone with eczema, you know that managing your condition requires a multi-faceted approach. Skincare and bathing routines are an essential part of your eczema management. In this article, we will discuss why bathing is important for eczema management, how to bathe effectively during an eczema flare (or to help avoid one), what you should do after taking a bath, and how often you should bathe if you have eczema.
Why is Bathing Important for Eczema Management?
Bathing is critical in eczema management because it can help you care for your skin and your skin barrier. When your skin barrier is inflamed or dry, it becomes vulnerable to bacteria, allergens, and other irritants. A regular bathing routine can help strengthen your skin barrier and assist you in retaining moisture. Additionally, wet skin can better absorb medication and increase its effectiveness.
There are several different remedies you can apply to your bathing routine, including oatmeal and bleach baths. However, maintaining a regular and consistent routine is key.
How to Bathe during an Eczema Flare (or to Help Avoid One)
Choosing the right temperature for your bath is essential. Hot water can be incredibly drying for your skin, so lukewarm water is the best option. It is also important to avoid vigorously scrubbing your skin with a loofah and using a mild cleanser. Fragrances are the most common irritants and allergens found in bath products, so avoid using them, even if the product is labeled for babies.
During an eczema flare, you may increase the frequency of your baths or choose other types of products that soothe your skin. For example, you may opt to bathe in mild bath oils without fragrances or add baking soda or colloidal oatmeal to your bath. You may also try bleach baths, which can be incredibly effective. However, bleach baths require caution and consultation with a dermatologist before trying.
Soak and seal is another great option for maintaining healthy skin during an eczema flare. During the bath, soak your skin in lukewarm water for five to 10 minutes. After your bath, be sure to moisturize within two to four minutes. Moisturizing immediately afterwards is often an overlooked step in eczema management, but it can be incredibly helpful in preventing skin from becoming overly dry.
What Should You Do After a Bath?
After taking a bath, be sure to moisturize your skin immediately. Moisturizing within two to four minutes after a bath is the best way to ensure that your skin does not dry out. Thick ointments or creams are the most hydrating moisturizers to consider, and products free of fragrances and other common allergens can help prevent flare-ups. Alternative remedies like sunflower oil can also be helpful. Apply your moisturizer of choice timely.
How Often Should You Bathe if You Have Eczema?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Daily bathing has not been shown to worsen or improve eczema. Instead, how frequency of bathing affects your skin is unique to your body, and you should approach the question of how often to bathe with the advice of a dermatologist.
In conclusion, regular and consistent bathing and moisturizing routines are essential to managing eczema. Choose lukewarm water with a mild cleanser and without fragrances, consider adding gentle skin soothers like oatmeal or baking soda, and moisturize immediately after bathing. Consult a dermatologist about remedies like bleach baths and how often to bathe. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining a healthy skin barrier even during eczema flares.
