There are no official guidelines which dictate the frequency with which patients with atopic dermatitis should bathe. Dr. Singer’s opinion is that patients with eczema should bathe once daily under the following conditions: 1. The cleanser must be a gentle fragrance free soap-less cleanser. Some suggestions include liquid Dove, Cerave, Vanicream cleansing bar, and Cetaphil cleanser. (Soaps such as Dial, Ivory, Irish spring, etc. dry out the skin and should be avoided.) 2. The bath or shower should last no more than 10 minutes. 3. Upon exiting the bath or shower, pat dry lightly, trying to keep some water droplets on the skin. 4. Then immediately moisturize with either a cream or ointment (never a lotion) within three minutes of exiting of bathing/showering. – a regimen referred to as “soak and seal.“ Examples of moisturizers include Vaseline petroleum jelly, Aquafor Healing ointment, Cetaphil moisturizing cream, Cerave cream, Vanicream moisturizer, Aveeno eczema moisturizer, etc. The addition of bleach to the bath water also known as a “bleach bath” has been recently shown to reduce colonization of bacteria on the skin which may flare eczema. Dr. Singer might discuss this treatment option with the patient if he feels this is necessary.