Water softener/eczema

[TheStuffalo]

Does anyone get a water softener to help with eczema? If so, have you noticed a difference?

We live in a hard water area and our 5 year old has eczema behind his knees and in the crook of his arms and he scratches himself a lot at night. I've seen some info that a water softener might help with eczema. Would be grateful if anyone can share their experience before I commit to £2.3k for a water softener from Harvey's.

I don't think hard water helps at all, so keep washing to a minimum.

There are so many creams and washes available that some of it is just finding the right things. While I am old, I found the Bioderma Atoderm range good (still use the shower oil) and Balneum Plus ended up being my preferred lotion as it contains an ingredient that relieves the itching.

Topicrem was invented by a French dermatologist for his son, and that was pleasant enough. My DS uses Dermol on the recommendation of a student friend, but it's not easy to find in the UK.

I hope this helps. Beware of pharmacists who want to give you the very greasy liquid paraffin-based creams: my skin reacted badly and I had massive staph A infections.