Is a Bath or Shower Better for Eczema Control?

If young, a bath is probably better. Most of us dermatologists recommend tepid, lukewarm water be it shower or bath. Some, including myself, recommend a short bath or shower. This is controversial in that some recommend a longer bath or shower and others only once a week. If bathing, use a good bath oil like Neutrogena bath oil. It has sesame seed oil which is very smooth and nice smelling. (BTW, I've never seen a sesame from which the seeds come from, have you?). I tell my patients to put... more

If you have eczema, whether you take a bath or shower is not so important. It is, however, important that after bathing or showering, you apply a good moisturizer. Cleansers are far better than soap in order to hydrate the skin and avoid ingredients that are also irritants. Over-the-counter products such as Aveeno Advanced Care is an example of a good moisturizer for eczema-prone skin. For bathing, clear bath oils with minimal fragrances such as Johnson & Johnson's baby oil or... more