Having a relaxing bath can be a soothing way to practice good skin care. For people with eczema, perfecting your bath techniques provides even more benefits. Here are the top tips to help manage your eczema symptoms in the bath.

What to Know About Bathing & Eczema 

1. Choose a Bath Over a Shower

While both showers and baths help you get clean, you can add ingredients to a bath that are harder to incorporate into a shower. Salt, bath oils, or oatmeal are all ingredients you can add to your tub to ease itching and dryness. Be sure to avoid fragrant soaps and scrubs, as these can aggravate eczema and cause flare-ups. Instead, opt for all-natural unscented cleansers without preservatives. 

2. Watch the Temperature 

Hot water may sound tempting, but high temperature can actually contribute to the itchiness and dryness caused by eczema. You should keep the water a bit cooler than you would normally prefer and soak for no more than 15 minutes to prevent skin irritation.

3. Be Gentle When Washing and Drying

Scrubbing or exfoliating can cause flare-ups or lead to more pain and itching with eczema. Ditch washcloths, sponges, and loofahs and use your hands to apply cleansers. After bathing, be sure to pat yourself dry, as rubbing can also cause irritation. 

4. Apply a Moisturizer 

You should moisturize within the first few minutes after bathing. If you wait too long, it may contribute to dryness and aggravate your skin. Apply a moisturizer with a high oil content after any medicated creams to help your skin retain the moisture gained from soaking in the bath. 

To learn more about treating and managing your eczema flare-ups, visit Central Carolina Dermatology Clinic. With three locations in High Point, Kernersville, and Lexington, NC, there’s always a location close by. Their experienced dermatologists have served the community for over 60 years, so you’re sure to feel comfortable with their care. They also provide an array of other skin care treatments, including mole removal and skin cancer treatment. To make an appointment, call Call (336) 887-3195 or visit their website.