Eczema can be a damaging condition not just for a person’s skin but also their mental health. While most sufferers are veterans in recognising their triggers, an everyday activity could be worsening their symptoms even if it has never affected it before – showering or bathing.
This is because of reportedly rising hard water levels in the UK. Hard water contains high calcium and magnesium content which can weaken the skin’s natural barrier, increase dryness and irritation and overall lead to worsening symptoms for eczema sufferers.
An estimated 60% of the UK is believed to be affected by hard water. You can check on this map if you’re in a hard water area. This rise means some traditionally soft water areas are seeing increased levels of these minerals.
So even if water in your area has not triggered your eczema before, your unexplained flare-ups could be down to your showers. Ali Hedley from Epaderm said: “For people with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, hard water can worsen symptoms due to its drying effect and potential to irritate the skin.
“Not only can it exacerbate dryness by making it difficult to rinse off soap completely which can leave a residue on the skin, this residue can clog pores and cause dryness or irritation. This creates an environment where irritation and flare-ups are more likely to occur.”
A report earlier this year also revealed that children growing up in hard water areas are three times more likely to develop eczema according to the BBC. A 2022 Australian study also showed that hard water increase the prevalence of eczema in adults, worsening symptoms, but not the levels of incidence.
The study did not find that hard water directly caused eczema in adults, but researchers highlighted the need for further investigation. Many eczema sufferers may feel in the midst of a flare that nothing can be done except trying to stay clean and clear from triggers.
Now if showers and baths could be the trigger, what else is left? There is still a range of solutions to fix the hard water in your home like water softeners or water softening shower heads.
Although it is important to note a water filter and water softener are two very different products. Emollients creams and shower gels such as Epaderm can also work to protect the skin and fight against the damage caused by hard water.
Eczema sufferers in hard water areas could benefit by also using lukewarm water and more gentle products while washing. Limiting shower time and patting their skin dry instead of rubbing it could also help cut down the irritation that bath time may bring.
Despite the issues, hard water is not all bad though, as very soft water can actually be corrosive to pipework. Water companies are also recommended to keep a certain level of calcium carbonate in their water as having more magnesium and calcium in your diet can be beneficial for cardiovascular health.