For Adults and Children With Moderate to Severe Eczema, Frequency of Bathing Has No Impact on Symptoms

In children and adults with eczema, is bathing daily or weekly better?

Patients with eczema can bathe daily if they prefer and can be reassured that the frequency of bathing has no impact on eczema symptoms. (Level of Evidence = 1b)

The researchers identified patients 1 year or older with eczema in a range of severities. Of the 438 randomized participants, 25% were children, 52% were 16 to 55 years of age, and 23% were older than 55 years; only 12% of participants were non-White. The primary outcome was the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure score; 81% of participants had a score between 8 and 24, signifying moderate to severe eczema. Patients were randomized to bathing one or two times per week (weekly group) or six or more times per week (daily group) for 4 weeks. Of the participants who were randomized, 388 (89%) submitted at least one of the weekly symptom questionnaires. Adherence to the allocated bathing frequency was good, approximately 80% to 90% each week and 73% over 4 weeks. The primary outcome was the Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure score (28-point scale), which did not differ between groups on a weekly basis or overall (−0.4 points; 95% CI, −1.3 to 0.4). There were also no differences between groups for secondary outcomes, such as itch intensity, eczema control, or quality of life.

Study design: Randomized controlled trial (nonblinded)

Funding source: Government and foundation

Allocation: Concealed

Setting: Outpatient (any)

Reference: Bradshaw L, Howells LM, Muller I, et al. Weekly versus daily bathing for people with eczema: results of the eczema bathing online randomised controlled trial. Br J Dermatol. 2026;194(3):450-460.

Editor’s Note: Dr. Ebell is cofounder and editor-in-chief of Essential Evidence Plus.