The effect of water hardness on atopic eczema, skin barrier function: A systematic review, meta-analysis.

Background: Hard domestic water has been reported to worsen atopic eczema (AE) and may contribute to its development in early life.

Objective: To review the literature on the relationship between the effect of water hardness (high calcium carbonate; CaCO ) on (a) the risk of developing AE, (b) the treatment of existing AE and (c) skin barrier function in human and animal studies.

Design , Data Sources And Eligibility Criteria: We systematically searched databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, GREAT and Web of Science) from inception until 30/6/2020.

Protocol for an outcome assessor-blinded pilot randomised controlled trial of an ion-exchange water softener for the prevention of atopic eczema in neonates, with an embedded mechanistic study: the Softened Water for Eczema Prevention (SOFTER) trial.

Introduction: Atopic eczema affects 20% of UK children, and environmental factors are important in its aetiology. Several observational studies suggest an increased risk of atopic eczema in children living in hard water areas. The Softened Water for Eczema Prevention pilot trial tests the feasibility of installing domestic ion-exchange water softeners around the time of birth to reduce the risk of atopic eczema in children with a family history of atopy.