Eczema and hard water, what’s the relationship?

Eczema can be made worse and even caused by hard water?

After a two year study, Scientists at the University of Sheffield and King’s College London have found that hard water damages the skin, raising the risk of infection and potentially contributing to the development of eczema.

Minerals in hard water were shown to make skin more sensitive to irritation, but when researchers used a twin-tank water softener in their study they found that softened water could reduce these negative effects. It could even lower the risk of eczema developing in the first place. For people living with chronic skin conditions this research could be a game changer.

Eczema can be made worse and even caused by hard water?

With hard water you have to use more product to get a good lather, which can aggravate and irritate the skin. As well as being abrasive, hard water doesn’t necessarily wash all the residue off. This residue can be left on the skin which can worsen dry skin conditions.

The NHS website lists “water – especially hard, chalky water or heavy chlorinated water” as a common irritant of contact dermatitis.

A Minimax Water Softener will soften your water and alleviate the effect hard water has on the skin. The water is softened through the mains water supply, meaning your whole home is supplied with softened water. Products will lather better, so you will use fewer products and there will be no residue left on the skin. From your sink to shower, the water you use will be kinder to sensitive skin.

Find your local dealer to see more about what a water softener can do for you.

Eczema is a complicated condition with signs and symptoms that are different for everyone. A water softener may unfortunately not be the answer in some cases.