Water & Eczema
Eczema is a chronic condition that appears as an itchy, scaly rash. Some eczema also peels, weeps, or blisters or is accompanied by hay fever or asthma. According to the Mayo Clinic's website, eczema is most likely to affect arms and the area behind knees, and it usually has periods where it subsides. Many sufferers of eczema find it becomes inflamed after contact with water, but medical organizations like the National Eczema Association caution sufferers not to limit their exposure to water.
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Misconceptions
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Eczema is a hypersensitivity reaction, according to The New York Times Health Guide. Many things may trigger or worsen eczema, including water or minerals or chemicals in water. However, water itself does not cause eczema. In fact, the National Eczema Association stresses that skin affected with eczema actually needs water. Water not only adds moisture to itchy skin, but it softens the skin so moisturizers or medications can be absorbed more freely. It also removes any irritants or allergens from the skin, which may cause or worsen eczema.
Considerations
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Those suffering from eczema must attempt to discover what in water triggers eczema inflammation. Although it's not always possible to pin point the problem, some common triggers include rapid changes in temperature (for example, stepping into a hot shower), soap used while bathing, and skin that becomes over-dry due to water exposure.
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Solutions
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Taking cooler showers or baths may improve the symptoms of eczema in some patients---although cold showers and baths should be avoided. In addition, using a moisturizing, perfume free soap like Dove may also make eczema less severe. In addition, the Mayo Clinic recommends applying a perfume-free lotion or cream, like Vaseline, to the skin immediately following exposure to water. If applied while skin is still damp, creams help retain moisture in the skin, making dry, itchy skin less probable. Finally, keep exposure to water as short as possible and do not scrub skin.
Other Theories
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Although it's possible that chlorine in tap water could inflame eczema, a scientific study reported in Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, suggests it may actually be helpful in some cases. Researchers at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, in Chicago, Illinois, found that adding a small amount of bleach (about 1/2 cup to every 40 gallons of water) to a child's bath improved eczema rashes. Researchers theorize the bleach may kill bacteria that worsens the symptoms of eczema.
Expert Insight
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The National Eczema Association website recommends bathing and moisturizing immediately before bed because patients are less likely to irritate or further dry out their skin while they are sleeping. If the patient is lying relatively still, water is more apt to absorb into the skin. The Association also recommends at least one bath or shower every day.
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