Does hard water make your eczema harder to manage?

ESC is often asked about the potential link between hard water and eczema, with many wondering if a water softener could alleviate eczema symptoms. In our recent Life with Eczema webinar series, we turned to Ottawa-based dermatologist Dr. Mark Kirchhof to share his thoughts on this hot topic.

“There’s been some research showing that hard water does dry out the skin to a higher degree,” says Dr. Kirchhof. One study found that hard water could contribute to the development of eczema by damaging the skin’s protective barrier, making it more susceptible to external threats like bacteria or irritants such as soap or detergent. The alkalinity of hard water can disturb the skin’s natural pH, compromising its function as a protective physical barrier and increasing vulnerability to infection.

“Based on the evidence, hard water does seem to dry out the skin more, which can exacerbate atopic dermatitis, so water softening might be worthwhile for some patients,” adds Dr. Kirchhof. However, hard water does not cause eczema, and a water softener may not be the miracle cure people seek. There are also studies showing that softening hard water had minimal impact on patient’s dermatitis. Dr. Kirchhof reminded us that more research is needed and every patient might have unique and personal triggers for their eczema.

Reference:

The Hard Truth About Eczema: It’s Something in The Water. The University of Sheffield Press Release, 21 September 2017. https://www.kcl.ac.uk/archive/news/kings/newsrecords/2017/09-september/the-hard-truth-about-eczema-it’s-something-in-the-water

The Eczema Society of Canada thanks Dr. Mark Kirchhof, MD, PhD, FRCPC, FAAD, for his volunteer contribution to this educational content.

Disclaimer: Information provided in this resource does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be used as a diagnostic tool. The information is up-to-date at time of publication. All medications, interventions, and treatment plans have risks and benefits, and it is important that individuals discuss their or their child’s specific health care needs with a qualified health care professional.

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