A growing body of evidence suggests that hard water could be causing childhood eczema. This is according to studies conducted in Japan, Spain, and the UK. The most recent of which was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. In this article, you will find usable info and tips to help ease eczema.
Hard water or untreated water contains traces of calcium, iron, and magnesium. The degree to which these minerals are concentrated in the water depends on one’s local water sources and how far the water travels to reach you. Therefore, depending on where you live, your water may be harsher than others closer to their water source. This could be further aggravating your skin problems without you knowing it. So what is the good news? Doctors and experts believe that soft water reduces eczema and psoriasis. For those who suffer from eczema or psoriasis, evaluating your water is an essential step to protecting your skin.
What is eczema?
Eczema is a term that encompasses a variety of conditions where the skin is inflamed or irritated. While it is yet unclear what causes eczema, most medical professionals believe it is due to a hyperactive immune system. Those who have a medical history of allergies and asthma are prone to skin problems, such as eczema. According to the National Eczema Association, over 30 million Americans suffer from eczema issues.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is an autoimmune problem that causes an overabundant build up of skin cells. The average life span of a skin cell is one month, after which the dead skin cells fall off. Those who suffer from psoriasis have skin cells that mature in a few days. Due to this condition, the dead skin cells do not fall off naturally. Instead, a buildup of excess skin occurs. This results in a concentration of extra skin developing in various places on the body, often scale-like in appearance. The American Academy of Dermatology estimates that 7.5 million people in the US have this medical condition.
How does soft water help eczema and psoriasis?
As mentioned before, hard water contains minerals that could irritate those with sensitive skin. This includes those who suffer from eczema and psoriasis. When we filter out these minerals of the hard water using a water softening system, the result is soft water that is less aggravating or irritating. Another reason why soft water is favorable to those with skin conditions is because hard water leaves an excess of residue. This excess left on clothes and household appliances requires more soap and cleaning supplies to remove, which can further aggravate skin conditions. In one study conducted in the UK, those who used soft water reported 91 percent less itchiness. Out of that, 83 percent of those with children stated that water softeners alleviated their child’s eczema.
What are other natural remedies for eczema and psoriasis?
After taking that first step of using filtered water or a water softening system for daily water use, here are some more options. For those who suffer from eczema, thyme oil ensures to alleviate itchiness and pain. If your eczema is wet or oozing types, you can try drying it out with a salt spray. Diet is also an essential aspect of reducing eczema symptoms; it is advisable to include probiotic foods into your diet to help heal your gut. This will also help in healing your skin problems.
For those with psoriasis, understand what could trigger an outbreak for you. Often stress can cause a psoriasis condition to flare up. Alcohol, is also a common offender, and so are certain medications. For those looking for all natural remedies, losing weight can help to reduce an outbreak’s severity. It is also advisable to eat foods that are beneficial for the heart, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in sardines and salmon. Vegetarians can find omega-3 in soybeans, walnuts, and flaxseeds. During an outbreak, we can alleviate scaliness by using a good moisturizing cream immediately after a shower, or by using salves on one’s skin.
Article Submitted by Community Writer.
