Does hot water make eczema worse?

Question

My daughter has eczema, and sometimes her skin looks worse after a bath. We've been careful with soaps, but I'm wondering if the water temperature, specifically hot water, could be irritating her skin.

Shreya Ghoshal · Accepted Answer

I am always terrified of making my skin patches worse, and hot water is a big trigger. It strips away the natural skin barrier, leaving it totally defenseless. Make sure you apply a thick moisturizer immediately after bathing while your skin is still damp.

Aryan Malhotra · Answer

Bro, yes, absolutely. I took a hot bath once during an eczema flare-up and my skin felt like it was literally on fire afterward. Do yourself a favor and stick to cool or lukewarm water unless you want to scratch your skin off.

Priya Patel · Answer

Oh, hot water is definitely a big no-no for eczema! It takes away all the moisture and makes the dry patches so angry. Stay cool and keep that skin well-hydrated with a gentle lotion!

Rahul Deshpande · Answer

I just got over a severe patch on my legs last month. The absolute first thing my doctor told me was to stop hot baths completely. Once I shifted to lukewarm water and prescribed ointments, my skin finally healed up.

Kunal Kamra · Answer

If you enjoy scratching yourself like a bear against a tree at 2 AM, then by all means, use hot water. Otherwise, stay far away from it. It makes the eczema itch go on absolute overdrive.

Varun Nair · Answer

Speaking from experience, hot showers are the enemy of eczema. It feels good for a second while the hot water hits the itch, but twenty minutes later, you will be suffering. Switch to quick, lukewarm showers and it will get much better.

Riya Sen · Answer

I have eczema on my hands, and washing dishes with hot water makes it flare up instantly. It gets so red and itchy. Now I always use cold water or wear protective gloves to keep my skin safe.

Does hot water make eczema worse?

7 answers

Consult a dermatologist

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