Reduced Infant Bathing Linked to Lower Eczema Rates in Early Trial

A new feasibility trial indicates that bathing infants less often may lower their risk of developing eczema early in life.

The study randomized 105 pregnant women. One group was advised to bathe their infants no more than once a week for the first six months, using plain water. The other group followed routine care.

At six months, 15.8% of infants in the reduced bathing group showed visible eczema, compared to 29.2% in the control group. The intervention was well-received, with high adherence rates.

Researchers caution this was a small-scale study not powered for definitive conclusions. However, it demonstrates that larger trials on early skincare practices are feasible. A major, multi-center study is now needed to confirm if this simple intervention can reduce eczema at a population level.