Showering

State Health Officials recommend a lukewarm shower once every 4 days (with normal activity).  My pediatrician also recommends the same.  Many pediatricians say we **do not** need to use any cleansers on our children's skin other than water (unless they been playing in sandboxes and such).  In between those days, a wet wash cloth can be used to cleanse under the arms and the bottom as needed with something gentle like Cetaphil.  I just use plain water or plain yogurt.  Here's a very interesting article on the pH of different soaps and their effects on the skin.

Preservation of your natural oils is key in eczema management.  This single aspect of care will go far in helping people with eczema.   Continued use of hot soapy water every day from head to toe destroys the hydrolipid film and acid mantle.  Without them, the skin is going to have a tough time staying healthy.  Remember, though, that if there's an underlying bacterial infection, that needs to be addressed.  Probiotics are helpful.

Now that I'm better, I can shower pretty much as I want to; but, it was hard showering when I was sick with eczema, because even the water burned my skin.  

See, also, The Bath Web Page.