Are there any benefits of using soft water for eczema?
by Paul
There are a number of over-the-counter ointments available that can ease the ‘symptoms’ of eczema, but is there something more fundamental that can ‘prevent’ it? Let me begin by asking what eczema is. In its most basic form, it’s a skin rash with irritable consequences, and there are two main common types: acute (short lived) or chronic (long lasting). With chronic eczema, the long term effects can produce leathery-like appearances in the skin, leading to prominent marks and scratches. Eczema can be caused by a range of things, including the state and cleanliness of your home and what you eat every day. Dust, humidity and pet hair can all cause dermatitis, as can foods such as dairy products, nuts and seafood. Allergists can experiment to see which materials and foods aggravate eczema conditions and can produce specific requirements to follow in order to reduce the problem. As well as adjustments to diet and living conditions, traditional medicines, such as Chinese herbal remedies, could also act favourably for eczema sufferers. Known as a ‘pentaherb formulation’ of five herbs, there’s some evidence that this can be beneficial for dermatitis. Is there any evidence to suggest that water softeners benefit eczema sufferers? A recent study called the SWET Trial looked at whether water softeners would reduce the severity of eczema conditions. 336 children were involved in the trial, all of whom lived in areas of the UK with considerably high densities of hard water. The study focused on whether or not water softeners would provide a simple remedy for eczema, but unfortunately the trial provided objective evidence that soft water did not in fact improve eczema. If you’re looking for information with regards to eczema, the NHS site is an excellent source of information: nhs eczema |
