Can softened water alleviate eczema?
More and more people in the UK are suffering from eczema - an uncomfortable dry skin condition. It is more common in hard water water areas, and many people with eczema report that a water softener causes a big improvement in their skin condition.
A new study, due to be published later this year, will tell us more about the difference installing a water softener can make to people with eczema.
When you book a free demonstration of soft water, you’ll be able to see the difference for yourself.
Eczema - a growing problem
Eczema is most common among children, but it can be a problem for adults too. The rates of eczema in children are around one in five1, while for adults it is closer to one in twelve. Patches of red, dry, itchy skin are the main symptom of the condition, which can cause considerable discomfort and distress.
Hard water households are more prone to eczema
A University of Nottingham study carried out in 19982 looked at more than 7,500 children, and found that eczema is 50% more common in primary school children living in hard water areas than in those who lived in areas where the water was soft. Differences in age or social class couldn’t account for this finding.
There are various theories as to why this might be. We know that soft water is less drying to the skin, so it seems likely that this might have a direct effect on a dry skin condition such as eczema.
Another idea is that cleaning products aggravate the condition - and when you have a water softener, you greatly reduce the amount of soap, shampoo and washing powder that you use.
Softened Water Eczema Trial
Harvey Water Softeners are supporting a new research study, commissioned by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme, which aims to investigate whether water softeners help reduce the severity of eczema in children. Professor Hywel Williams and Dr Kim Thomas of the Centre of Evidence Based Dermatology at the University of Nottingham are leading the study, wherein a twin-tank non-electric block salt water softener is installed in the homes of children with moderate to severe eczema from across four hard water regions in England.
Altogether, more than 310 children are involved in the study, the results of which are due to be published before the end of 2010. You can be sure that we’ll be discussing the results on our blog as soon as they’re made public.
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