Hot water is more likely to make your skin lose water. Rubbing yourself dry with a towel removes important natural oils that help to lock moisture within your skin. If you have eczema, using a washcloth in the tub or shower to scrub your skin is just like scratching it can make your eczema worse. Proper bathing can have a number of benefits. It can hydrate your skin, remove dirt and germs, and help you relax.
Bathing can also help loosen crusts from inflamed skin.
To ensure that your bath or shower is helping and not hurting your skin, follow these simple bathing and moisturizing rules. Always use lukewarm, never hot, water. If possible, do not use soap. Even the mildest soaps can irritate skin. If you do use soap, apply a mild soap with your hands.