If someone in your household has eczema — or persistent dry, irritated skin — and you live in Sussex, there's a good chance your water is making it worse. The link between hard water and eczema is well-established in dermatological research, and in a county where water hardness regularly exceeds 300ppm, it's a connection worth taking seriously.
What the research says
The relationship between hard water and skin conditions has been studied extensively. A landmark study by the University of Nottingham found that children living in hard water areas had a significantly higher risk of developing eczema than those in soft water areas — with hard water exposure increasing eczema risk by around 87% in some analyses.
More recent research from King's College London found that hard water damages the skin's natural barrier function — making it more susceptible to irritants, allergens and bacterial colonisation. The calcium and magnesium in hard water interact with soap to form insoluble "soap scum" that deposits on the skin surface, disrupting the protective lipid layer that keeps moisture in and irritants out.
Why hard water is particularly problematic in Sussex
At 300–323ppm, Sussex water is among the hardest in England. This matters for eczema sufferers because the severity of hard water's impact on skin scales with calcium concentration. A family in Brighton (323ppm) is showering in water that deposits significantly more calcium residue on skin than a family in a moderate hardness area (200ppm) — and the cumulative effect is measurable.
The problem is compounded by the fact that hard water reduces soap lathering, leading people to use more product to feel clean. This additional soap residue — itself an irritant — combines with the mineral deposits to create a more hostile environment for already-sensitive skin.
Children and eczema in hard water areas
Children are particularly vulnerable to hard water's skin effects for two reasons. First, their skin barrier is thinner and less resilient than adult skin. Second, they typically spend more time in the bath — prolonged exposure to 300ppm+ water allows more calcium to deposit on the skin surface.
Many parents in Sussex with eczema-affected children report that switching to softened water produces a noticeable improvement within the first few weeks — sometimes described as dramatic. Skin becomes less red, less itchy, and requires less topical treatment. This is consistent with the research findings and with the anecdotal experience of dermatologists who work in hard water areas.
Research note: A 2021 trial published in JAMA found that installing water softeners in the homes of children with eczema produced measurable improvements in skin condition compared to a control group. While not conclusive proof that softeners treat eczema, the results were sufficiently promising to attract significant interest in the dermatology community.
What softened water actually does differently
When hard water is softened through ion exchange, the calcium and magnesium ions are removed. The water that reaches your shower or bath contains no minerals to deposit on skin. Soap lathers freely and rinses completely — leaving no residue. The skin's natural moisture barrier is left undisturbed.
Most people with sensitive or eczema-prone skin notice a difference within the first week of using softened water. The skin feels smoother after bathing, without the tight, dry sensation that follows a hard water shower. Over weeks and months, this sustained reduction in skin barrier disruption allows the skin to recover and strengthen.
Other skin and hair benefits
Beyond eczema, softened water benefits skin and hair more broadly. Hair washed in soft water retains its natural oils more effectively — it feels softer, looks shinier, and requires less conditioner. Dry skin conditions beyond eczema — psoriasis, keratosis pilaris, general winter dryness — are also commonly reported to improve after switching to softened water.
A note on sodium
Softened water contains a small amount of sodium — a concern sometimes raised in relation to skin conditions. The sodium level in softened water from a Sussex supply (around 200mg/l at 300ppm hardness) is well within safe limits for skin contact. It is not a dermatological concern and has no known adverse effect on eczema or other skin conditions.
Medical note: A water softener is not a medical treatment and should not replace prescribed eczema management under a dermatologist's guidance. However, many dermatologists do recommend softened water as a supportive measure for patients with hard-water-aggravated skin conditions, particularly in high-hardness areas like Sussex.
Find out if soft water could help your family
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