Eczema Bathing Study
Your child is in the Weekly Bathing group…
bath or shower 1 or 2 times per week.
Your child is in the group that will have a bath or shower 1 or 2 times per week (at most) for the next 4 weeks. A bath or shower includes any way of washing that soaks the body in water.
It is important to stick to having a bath or shower no more than 1 or 2 times per week.
You don’t need to change anything else about the way you wash your child or manage their eczema.
This does not affect your child’s usual eczema care. You can consult their GP, pharmacist or other care provider as usual. If possible, do not start any new eczema treatments for the next 4 weeks.
You will fill in questionnaires every week. These are important to help understand how your child is getting on. If your child can’t complete the questions on their own, please fill in the answers together if possible.
Frequently asked questions
Does it matter whether my child has a bath or a shower?
No, your child can have a bath or a shower – whichever they prefer – as long as it’s only 1 or 2 baths/showers per week. They don’t need to do the same each time.
Can my child still wash their hands and face every day?
Yes, they can wash their hands and face as often as they need to.
Can my child still use their eczema treatments?
Yes, they can use their eczema treatments as often as they need to. If possible, they should not start any new eczema treatments during the study.
Can my child still wash their hair or body without taking a bath or shower?
Yes, they can wash their hair or body on ‘non-bath/shower’ days if they need to. Some people wash their body at a sink for example by using a flannel, or wash their hair by leaning over a bath, sink or shower. The important thing is to not soak your child’s skin in water.
Does it matter what products my child uses in the bath or shower or after their bath or shower?
No. Try as much as possible to stick to what they would usually use.
Can my child have a shower or bath after playing sport or going swimming?
Your child should only bath/shower 1 or 2 times per week, so it is a good idea to time this for after they play sport or go swimming. If your child exercises more often they can try washing in the sink if needed.
Does it matter how long my child takes in the bath or shower?
No. Try as much as possible to stick to how long they would usually take.
Can my child choose to have no baths or no showers at all?
Yes, it is fine to wash without baths or showers if they prefer.
Common Concerns
What if my child’s eczema gets worse or flares up during the study?
Eczema will naturally change over time. You can keep treating the eczema the way you normally would during a flare up. If you have any concerns, speak to your GP, pharmacist or dermatologist as you usually would.
Will people think my child is unhygienic, or will they smell?
If this is a new routine for your child, you might be feeling worried about them staying clean. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to stay clean without using the bath or shower. Other people are unlikely to notice. Lots of people don’t give their children a bath or shower every day. They can try washing in the sink with a flannel. The important thing is to not soak your child’s skin in water.
What if my child gets particularly dirty and I feel they need to go in the shower or bath?
Try and plan their baths or showers when they are likely to get dirty. If this is not possible, try washing in the sink. You might find that is enough.
What if my child is staying away from home?
Try to stick to their routine as best you can.
What if my child ends up having more baths or showers than 1 or 2 times per week? Do we need to leave the study?
No, it is very important that your child stays in the study and you fill in the questionnaires you are sent. This is helpful even if your child doesn’t manage to stick to 1 or 2 baths or showers per week. Just let us know in your answers, so we know if they have been able to stick to having a bath or shower 1 or 2 times per week.
What if I am worried about extra costs from taking part in the study?
We have support available to help cover costs if needed.