Study tests water softeners for eczema

Wednesday February 18th, 2009

A new study has been launched to discover whether using water softeners can relieve children's eczema.

Nurses are involved in running the study in eight hard water areas: Boston, Cambridge, the Isle of Wight, Leicester, Lincoln, London, Nottingham and Portsmouth, according to the Nursing Standard.

Study leaders at Nottingham University, UK, plan to recruit a total of 310 children in these areas to test anecdotal evidence that water softeners reduce the symptoms of eczema. It has also been reported that children's eczema improves when on holiday in soft water areas.

Study participants are aged six months to 16 years and have moderate to severe eczema. Nurses will examine each child after four, 12 and 16 weeks to assess their skin condition and quality of life.

Researcher Dr Tara Dean from Portsmouth University, UK, said: "There is anecdotal evidence that individuals with eczema who already have a water softener see a reduction in their symptoms. A proper clinical trial will help prove if this is the case. If water softeners are found to improve the symptoms of eczema it will be a breakthrough for patients and doctors.

"For some, it may be as simple as reducing their dependency on pharmacological treatments such as steroids and creams. Softening the water also reduces the amount of detergent needed for washing clothes, which can be a major irritant for people with eczema."

Hard water may also exacerbate eczema through irritation caused by calcium and magnesium salts, and enhanced allergen penetration from skin barrier disruption.

The research is funded by the UK's National Institute for Health Research. It began in May 2007 and will end in August this year.

Tags: Allergies & Asthma | Child Health | Dermatology | Nursing & Midwifery | UK News

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