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by layoutIfNeeded 2543 days ago
I had severely dry skin and eczema to the point where my bedsheets were often covered with bloody spots because I was constantly scratching while asleep...

What worked for me eventually was not bathing/showering regularly. I started showering at most 1-3 times a week but only with water, no soap, except on the pubic areas for hygienic reasons. Might sound disgusting, but it turns out that daily showering, especially with detergents, can harm your skin by upsetting its microbiome.

I still have drier skin than other people, especially in winter, but my eczema have pretty much disappeared.

However, if my eczema would return, I would definitely try out bleach washes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium_hypochlorite_washes

The studies endorsing dilute bleach baths came out well after my eczema resolved, so I have no first-hand experience with it, but it sounds cheaper and safer than corticosteroids.

2 comments

N=1, very mild symptoms etc, but I rinse with diluted apple cider vinegar after shampoo and sometimes soap since the skin is naturally acidic. The slight scalp itch goes away.
I agree, skipping soap helps a lot. And when I do use it, I use liquid soap rather than bar soap. No idea why that is better.