Thing is, it's so hard to say. I actually do better with 2 bath/showers a day during a flare; the water seems to soothe my skin more. I've tried it the other way - not showering and it really didn't help me. I think every person's eczema is different, so you have to do what makes you feel good and soothes your skin - experiment. Good luck with everything!

Here's a bunch of my tips:

It depends upon the type of skin cleansers you use and the temperature of the water and the sensitivity of your skin, and possibly other things such as the mineral hardness of the water and how well the water has been purified by the plant. Also the levels of chlorine and other stuff in the water has an effect too.

Personally, I have found that antibacterial soaps are too harsh and many medical people say that they are not really effective these days any longer because the bacteria becomes resistant to it.

Also, I find that mainstream brands of hypoallergenic soaps and skincares are actually still full of bad chemicals such as perfumes and other stuff. Hypoallergenic is a good idea, it's just that in practice it's not always as good as it should be.

I have found that organic natural dishsoap (yes! it's true!) works well on my skin as long as I don't use too much (since it has a bit of mild salt in it. Salt is not entirely bad; it has an antibacterial effect). The kinds of mild dishsoaps that I like to use on face and body are these:

http://www.planetinc.com/products.htm (Planet brand)
http://www.ecos.com/Dishmate_Pear.html (Earth Friendly Products brand)

Also, I started taking Super B-Complex vitamins, Biotin, Vitamin D, a general Multivitamin, and drinking organic green tea.

It also helps to use a hypoallergenic clothing detergent and avoid fabric softener. I run the clothes washer on hot and longer cycle to kill any germs or get rid of any chemicals.

It also helps to wash your hands after being anyplace public. Especiallly after going to the store and using their ATM or credit card scanner (everyone touches it). In the winter, it's a bit easier because you can wear gloves and people won't think it looks silly if you're just passing through.

Avoid touching your face at all times. If you must touch your face, use a clean paper towel. Wash your face with a clean paper towel after meals. This is especially useful if you've got spicey food on your face or lips.

Washing your face before you go to bed is a good idea so you don't get food on your pillow from your lips and then get that on your face. Brush your teeth too, and rinse your mouth for similar reason. Always change your pillow and pillowcase every so often too. Use soft natural fibre fabrics for your bedding. If it's brand new material, wash it a few times to get rid of the latent chemical residue.

Speaking of bedding and such issues... be sure to go to bed wearing pajamas and don't sleep "in the buff". It is helpful to take a shower before you go to bed and to have clean soft bedding as often as possible. I won't go into the details of why it's important to wear pajamas, but rest assured that it's a sanitary issue. Those of you who know about pinworm might have a clue about this.

A pharamist told me that hot water temporarily reduces itching, but unfortunately it slows healing too. And healing sores do itch. Itching is actually a sign of healing at times.

I have found that one shower every other day works best for my eczema. Also I no longer use soap to wash my clothes. I just wash them all in hot water. It has done wonders for me but everyone's skin is different.

I live in a bording home so I need something to go on with washing 2 times a day would bring it on. I HAVE to use sope to wash cloths. If I don't put it in they will. I might buy my own dye ans sent free degertant stating that gor medical reasond that I need it. As for washing once a day I have to go a doctors route. They need a medical reason to go down to one a day. Yhe reason for the many showers is that we had bedbugs and some found a way in my room and they belive that constant washing would keep them away. I think thar marlarky but I can't prove it. So hence the extra showers.

As you are all saying everyone is different. But, my dr. told me to shower as little and as quickly as possible. And she told me not to use hot water, because it is too drying.My eczema is on my scalp, so the water is constantly hitting in the the shower and that's not really a good thing. She suggested I use a unscented body wash - bar soap is too harsh. I've used Dove body wash that I really like and also several types of organic body wash (scented, but I can't help liking girly smells). I also use Pureology shampoo. It is a vegan shampoo without any sulfites.

I've starting using a lot of vegan and organic products (body wash, face wash, lotion, makeup) in my daily routine in hopes of getting rid of this. All Urban Decay makeup is vegan, and good for your skin. I am also trying to eat mainly organic foods. I am thinking a possible food allergy is causing my eczema to be so bad. I never had it when I was younger. It only started a year or 2 ago. I can't afford to change my diet completely, but I feel like it does help.

I would see if there is anything you can do to get it down to one shower a day. I always take one a day even though my doctor told me to take less. If I go 2 days my hair gets oily and my scalp becomes really itchy. But, if I shower too often I am itchy because It is too dry. Its a vicious cycle. I definately think 2x a day is too much. You should also look into organic products to help reduce flare ups.