Can Changing Your Child’s Bathing Routine Help Their Atopic Dermatitis?

When your child has atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema, bath time can be tricky. It's not just about getting them clean, you also have to keep their skin health in mind, according to Nada Mallick, MD, a pediatric critical care specialist at Children's National Hospital in Washington, DC. "There is an optimal bathing routine for children with atopic dermatitis," she says. "This often involves some strategies that may differ from a bathing routine for child who is not dealing with eczema."

Shorten Bath Time

Even though baths can also be play time for many children, a long session in the water isn't recommended for kids with this issue, according to Mallick.

Keep Water Lukewarm

Another potential risk to the skin barrier is exposure to hot water, in both baths and showers. That can strip the skin's natural oils — often resulting in dryness and itching, says Mallick.

Bathe Frequently

A common misconception is that bathing a child every day might worsen atopic dermatitis. The opposite is true, according to Jessica Hui, MD, a pediatric allergist and immunologist at National Jewish Health in Denver. "During periods of eczema flares or uncontrolled eczema, bathing at least once daily is recommended, in warm water for about 10 minutes," she says. "Sometimes even doing two or three baths a day is done with more severe eczema, both in children and adults."

Moisturize Immediately After Bathing

"A common mistake is to skip this step, when in fact it's what can really help when it comes to improving atopic dermatitis because it improves the skin barrier," she adds.

Use Mild, Fragrance-Free Moisturizers and Cleansers

In some cases, you may not even need cleansers, adds Hui. "If there's no soiling or dirt to wash off, a cleansing agent might be unnecessary, and water will be enough," she says.

Although their baths will be fairly short in duration, it can be helpful to have a routine that makes the process enjoyable for your child, says Hui, especially if a serious flare-up means you have to do more than one bath per day.

"Even something as simple as a fidget toy the child loves and that is used only when you're getting a bath ready can be part of a calming, enjoyable routine," she says.

Depending on the age of your child, it's also helpful to provide some education around skin health and their skin condition, she adds. That can empower children to manage their symptoms as they age and help them transition when it's time to take baths on their own.

• New symptoms
• Worsening symptoms or issues that aren't resolving even with proper bathing and medication
• Significant distress and discomfort
• Disrupted sleep due to symptoms
• Eczema that’s painful to touch
• Infection symptoms like fever, spreading redness, or oozing scabs

"Altering a child's bathing routine can often lead to better hydration of the skin, which is key for seeing improvement," says Hui. "But if you're noticing that symptoms are more frequent, involve more of the skin, or aren't improving, it's best to talk with your healthcare team."

• For children with atopic dermatitis, bathing can be crucial for improving their skin health, and those having a severe flare may need more than one bath per day.
• It's key to keep baths on the shorter side, about 10 minutes, and to use lukewarm water to prevent the skin from getting too dry.
• Locking in moisture after bathing is essential, and you should choose products that are free of fragrances, dyes, and alcohol.