Is hot water bad for eczema?

I have struggled with eczema on my hands for years, and bathing with hot water always made my skin extremely red and itchy. Once I switched to lukewarm water and applied moisturizer immediately, the flares reduced significantly. That is just my experience though.

Don't use hot water on your skin if you have eczema, it will only make the itching worse. Switch to comfortable lukewarm water for your baths, and make sure to moisturize well. Let me know if the skin looks very red or infected, and we can show it to a doctor.

I took a hot shower yesterday and my eczema patches became so painful and started burning. Does this happen to everyone else too, or is my skin condition getting worse? I am really worried about this sudden flare-up.

Yes, hot water is definitely bad for eczema. It washes away the protective lipid barrier of your skin, leaving it dry and prone to severe itching and infection. Always use lukewarm water, pat dry with a soft towel, and apply a thick emollient within three minutes.

I have seen friends struggle with eczema and hot water definitely seemed to trigger their itching. Everyone's skin barrier is different, so it is best to be cautious. You should consult a dermatologist to get a proper treatment cream for your skin.