Ruth Holroyd's Blog, page 10

The best washing powders for eczema skin

If you have eczema or sensitive skin, it’s worth investigating what washing powder is kindest for your skin. Biological washing powders, fragrances and conditioners can all irritate the skin. Non-biological washing powder or liquid is far kinder and proven to be better for eczema skin.

Even if you don’t think you are reacting directly, the more you can simplify the world around your skin, the better; from laundry powder to cleaning products. More on that in a future blog.

It can be more about the cumulative effect of your indoor air quality, and it can be impossible to pin it down to one thing. From plug-in fragrance gadgets to the off-gassing of paint, furniture, furnishings, cleaning product fragrances etc. Start making your home a skin safe place bit by bit.

12 eco and skin friendly Non-Bio washing powders

How do you choose? There are now quite a few non biological and eco washing powders available.

These are the brands I can find from my research, in no particular order. I’ll mark below which I’ve used and would recommend. I’ve not tried all of the below:

BrandHave I used?Ingredients and CommentsPrice 1Fairy Non-BioUsed this for years and works well. Doesn’t irritate my skin.>30% Anionic Surfactants, 5-15% Soap, <5% Non-Ionic Surfactants, Phosphonates, Optical Brighteners, Perfumes. 

One of the best known British brands which is now owned by US company Proctor and Gamble. £19 for 3kg2Bio-D concentrated Non-bio.Got clothes clean and didn’t irritate my skin but was a bit pricy.15-30% Sodium Carbonate, 5-15% Sodium Percarbonate, Less than 5% Sodium Metasilicate Pentahydate, Anionic Surfactants, Soaping agents.

Fragrance free, non-biological Washing Powder is accredited by Allergy UK; its hypoallergenic, concentrated formula is highly effective while gentle on even the most sensitive skin. UK based.£4.35 for a 1kg 3Smol – Check out a Smol free trial here. This is the product I’m using at the moment and I love it!

I get the fragrance free option.Non biological liquid tabs: Mea-C10-13 Alkyl Benzenesulfonate, C12-18 Pareth-7, Mea-Cocoate, Methylpropanediol, Glycerin
Water, Propylene Glycol, Sodium Diethylenetriamine, Pentamethylene Phosphonate, Peg, Ethanolamine,
Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate, Sodium Chloride, Denatonium BenzoateBy cutting out the middleman and delivering direct you can save up to 50% on your normal brand price.

I’m paying £4.50 every 3-4 months.

Check out a Smol free trial here. 4 Surcare NoI have heard good things. They get good reviews. Also approved by the British Allergy Foundation. Approx £13.44 for 1L5Ecover Nonbiological NoThey work well at low temperatures e.g. 30 degrees. They are made only from plant based ingredients so are suitable for vegans. Never tested on animals and the packaging is made of recycled cardboard £11 for 5L6softly Eco Washing Powder Laundry Powder specially formulated for Water Softener Owners and Soft Water Areas 750g bag – 35 WashesNoFormulated for soft water areas and people with water softeners.
Fragrance free.

Made from natural soap and mineral salts, Softly is formulated specifically for use in soft water. With no synthetic fragrance, optical brighteners or other unnecessary additives it’s suitable for people with sensitive skin. A big part of the formula of many conventional laundry powders are ingredients to try to overcome the effects of the water hardness minerals, but because Softly is formulated for soft or softened water (water from an ion-exchange water softener, the type that use salt) these are not needed.£7.16 for a 750g bag. (35 washes)7SoapnutsYes and loved them! Going to start using them again.Just one ingredient! These natural little soapy nuts are not real nuts so are safe for nut allergic people. They are great on bedding, towels and normal washing but I use proper non bio for more soiled, sweaty running gear or clothes that are soaked in emollient. Put them into a sock or linen bag and use as you would use normal washing powder. I’ve used these before and they work well. I used essential lavender oil on a flannel to scent washing.
For soiled clothing use Hemp oil soap to pretreat stains.£6 per bag8EcoGurusNoAll natural and eco friendly washing and cleaning products£15.95 for 2L9EcovibeNoDissolvable plastic free detergent stripsFrom £12.9910Supermarket Own brands I’ve used Tesco and Aldi before and all work well. Make sure you choose non-biologicalMuch cheaper than branded washing powders11MethodNoContain fragrances but are plant based and eco friendly.£6.99 – £912EcoeggYesDesigned to replace laundry detergent and fabric conditioner (70 washes)£6.66 – £9.99Avoid fabric conditioners and fragrance sprays

Fabric conditioners and fragrance sprays for clothing such a Fabreze can also be known irritants if you have sensitive skin and may not even be necessary. You can survive without, and it’s really worth trying to see if it helps to cut them out. If you really like the feel of conditioned and fragranced washing, you could add a flannel with a few drops of your favourite 100% pure essential oils to each wash. If you incorporate this with dryer balls (see below) you’ll still get conditioned, soft and fragrant clothes, without the toxic synthetic chemical fragrances.

Why do we need all these fragrances?

Think about why you need your clothes to smell a certain way. We have lost the ability to enjoy our own natural odour. Our bodies and our clothes will not smell bad if they are regularly laundered, so are these products just another way of getting our money? Save your cash and the environment! And consider those with a perfume or fragrance allergy who have trouble breathing every time they are exposed to the fragrances and perfumes worn by others who they just walk past. It can be a really debilitating condition when people seem to think they need to be fragrant all the time. Read Allergic to perfumes, fragrances and chemicals to find out more about this condition.

Dryer balls can also condition and soften fabric

Look out for dryer balls, they’re made from silicon and have bobbly edges. Pop them in with your washing and they help to dry clothes faster, and the nodules also help soften the material. Check out Dents Dryer Balls.

Dry Angles Dryer Balls – Chemical Free fabric softener for eco laundry drying What about when you’re staying away from home?

This can be difficult when staying away from home as you need to check what the bedding is washed in! If you can’t find out what the linen is washed in, consider taking a silk sleeping bag liner and your own safe pillowcase. If you have space and can carry an extra bag, consider taking your own mattress liner, sheets, duvet cover and pillowcase. You can even take your duvet and pillow for a guaranteed restful and allergen free sleep. I take my own SleepAngel anti allergen pillow and pillowcase when I can.

Using soapnuts to wash laundry

These natural nuts work so well and they are not actually nuts; so if you have a nut allergy you needn’t worry. I put a handful, about 5-6 into an old sock, tie the end and pop it in with the washing. It will get your clothes clean and fresh but is probably best saved for towels and everyday clothes. For bed linen that may get stained and sports and activewear I often use washing powder to ensure it gets clean.

They last pretty well and can do about 5-6 washing machine loads at 40 degrees or about 2-3 washes at 60 or higher. You can tell when they’re used up when they no longer give out a soapy substance when wet and squeezed and begin to disintegrate. They are hard and impossible to squeeze when new and soften as they are used.

I get mine from Natural Spa Supplies. They also sell hemp soap that works well on stain removal.

Why I love Smol laundry capsules

I love these little liquid capsules which I’m using at the moment. Smol say that they are the world’s most effective concentrated laundry capsules and dishwasher tablets. They come in the post, have minimal packaging and are cruelty free too.

Smol environmentally friendly laundry tabs

By delivering direct they can save you up to 50% on your normal brand price. They use less chemicals than other brands (with no loss of performance) plus their packs are super compact and plastic-free.

They are currently running a free trial for new customers.

So NO more huge detergent box in the cupboard under the sink. No more lugging the great box home from the shops. No more scraping out the last dregs and spilling powder everywhere.No more plastic bottles! What’s not to like?

Smol capsules dissolve in the water and come in a slim compact box and take up hardly any space in the cupboard.

Check out a Free Trial of Smol here

Are you allergic to biological washing powder? Which washing powder or liquid product do you use? Iid love to hear from you all to find out what works for you. It’s all about reducing my waste, plastic use and impact on the planet whilst also being kind to my skin. And have I missed any amazing products that need to be added to this list?

You may also be interested in reading:7 natural bath treatments for eczemaRhassoul Clay natural shampoo for eczema scalpsBuy a signed copy of The Shape of Skin with a free itchy bookmarkThe post The best washing powders for eczema skin first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

Buy a signed copy of the The Shape of Skin!

and get an itchy bookmark free!

Because it’s National Eczema Week I thought I’d offer signed copies to you lovely readers.

Get your signed copy of The Shape of Skin with a free itchy skin bookmark for just £9, including postage.

Buy a signed copy and get a free bookmark (UK only)

This offer is only available for UK residents. Please email me if you live overseas and I can work out postage.

Click on the ‘Buy Now‘ Button below to order your copy today!

If you would like a signed copy and don’t have Paypal, please email me.

Buy your copy on Amazon today!

The Shape of Skin is available as a Kindle and paperback on Amazon for just £7.50.

Buy it on Amazon Now

Have you already bought my book and read it? Thanks so much to all of you for your support. The reviews and feedback have been amazing. If you’re not sure whether it’s for you, check out just a few of the reviews I’ve had for The Shape of Skin here.

And an incredible review from a dermatologist here!

Please review my book on Amazon or Goodreads

If you loved this poetry book, please consider leaving a review, it really helps me sell more books and also helps others find the book, who might not otherwise discover it. There are so many books out there and it’s really very hard to sell books these days.

Review on Amazon todayReview on Goodreads today

Reviewing in Amazon can be tricky, especially if you were gifted this book as many are, it makes the perfect present for people with eczema and I’ve sold so many to people who want it for a friend of family member. If that’s you, Goodreads is an excellent place to leave your review. I read them all and really, really appreciate each and every one.

Thank you, thank you, thank you in advance.

And finally, if you love reading, here are my ‘Top 7 books for anyone living with eczema or going through topical steroid withdrawal!’

The post Buy a signed copy of the The Shape of Skin! first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

Clothing for eczema and sensitive skin

I’ve been meaning to share my thoughts on this for so long and can’t believe I’ve not blogged about it already. If you have sensitive skin, no doubt you’ll be familiar with getting a rash and irritation from certain clothes!

Not all fabrics are made equal and there are some definite materials to avoid, but also some great sensitive skin alternatives.

What fabrics should I avoid with eczema skin?

Some of this is probably self-explanatory but I hope some of these give you pause for thought.

Wool – against the skin can be very irritating. 100% cotton and bamboo tights can be great in winter and just as warm as woolen ones.Nylon – can make skin hot and irritated. Avoid if you can.Latex – Can cause allergies and is a common allergen, also can cause overheating and won’t let skin breathe.Tight clothes – anything restrictive and tight, especially around the folds and creases in the skin can cause the skin to get hot and irritated.Nickel – Anything with studs, zips and metal that would touch the skin may cause irritation, especially if you have a nickel allergy.Dye in clothes – some clothing dies can be very allergenic, particularly darker dyes. It can take a few washes to get out the dye – you know those trousers that stain your legs blue when you get wet? If you find this irritates your skin it could be worth avoiding dark dyes in clothes.New clothes – can contain formaldehyde and other chemicals to stop clothes getting mildew in transit and also to keep them smooth and avoid creasing. You know that new clothes smell? I hate it. Always wash new clothes before wearing if you’re sensitive.Synthetic materials – manmade fibres can be more irritating due to the process used to make them, chemicals and solvents and also they can be less breathable and feel rougher against sensitive skin. Wearing my Tencel Clover long sleeved tshirt in navy blue 10 things you can do to find clothing that won’t irritate your skin

I’ve learnt so much about what feels good on my eczema skin over the years, so here goes!

Tencel – The ultimate material for those with sensitive skin. It’s cooling to the touch, feels so soft on the skin and keeps the body temperature regulated well. Check out Clover for their range of long sleeve tshirts in Tencel material.Organic cotton – One of the softest materials you can wear but isn’t so good for the environment, using a lot of water in its manufacture. If you buy cotton you could buy from secondhand shops and then it’s not quite so bad for the planet.Silk – Well known for its gentle soft feel on the skin, silk is a good choice, for pillowcases, bedding and clothes, however the process of making silk is quite shocking – silk worms are killed to make silk. When they make their cocoon, they are then boiled alive to get the silk from it. Still want to wear silk? I found this out while researching which fabrics were the most environmentally friendly and it really shocked me. No judgement though, if you find silk works for you it’s a good option for sensitive skin; buying second hand is a good work around as it can also be expensive to buy new.Merino Wool – I find this to be really nice against my skin, and it means you can layer up and create warmth without needing wool. I can wear lambs wool if I put it over an under layer and no wool touches my skin at all. Merino wool though is a win win for me, soft, fits well and great or layering.Bamboo – Another very versatile plant based material that is great for sensitive skin. It’s much better for the environment than cotton and silk too so worth looking at. I find a lot of socks irritate my feet but bamboo socks are perfect. Cotton socks are often not 100% cotton so always check what they’re mixed with.Buy second hand – This way you’ll avoid the formaldehyde, although some charity shops do spray clothes with scented perfume, to freshen them up. Look for organic cotton, silk or tencel – check clothing labels and dry stuff on before buying to avoid mistakes. Always wash before wearing when you buy clothes second hand.Wash them – I’ve mentioned this above, but always wash new and second-hand clothes before wearing to get rid of any potential irritants like chemicals, dust, allergens and perfumes.Google eczema clothing – There are number of brands now, including my favourites Cotton Comfort and Allergy Best Buys. For a full list see below… My Clover long sleeved tencel tshirt with Clover scarf hanging over the chair!Check out these brands for brilliant eczema clothing

Firstly the National Eczema Society have a handout with lots of stockists for eczema clothing. Visit their website to download Clothing and Eczema Factsheet.

I’ve pulled together a collection of brands I trust, some I have tested and tried out and also some overseas companies and products for children and babies.

Cotton Comforts – for a brilliant range of cotton clothes made specially for people with sensitive skinThought – I have a few items from this sustainable brand and they’re great for my skin.Allergy Best Buys – for silk and cotton gloves, night wear and moreClover – long sleeved tshirts, scarf, gloves etc. – Designed for sensitive skin – loved by all skin types.Dermacura – Eczema clothing – They do a range of kids clothing.The Eczema Clothing Company – US based and sells tencel and zinc clothing.Skinakin – Clothing to help reduce the damage done by itching.Soothems – Eczema clothing brand based in the US that is great for dry and wet wrapping.Everything for Eczema – Clothing to help prevent the itch and stop the scratchSkinnies – Therapeutic clothing or sensitive skinHappy Skin – Eczema clothing for babies and children – aims to reduce the pain and discomfort in 7 days.The Eczema Company – Bamboo clothing. US based, sells clothing for babies and also latex free panties for women.Cottonique – organic cotton bras for sensitive skin, available from Cotton Comforts above and in America.Greenfibres – Organic cotton bedding, mattresses, linen, clothing and moreBamboo Clothing – for activewear and sports clothing e.g yoga made from bamboo

Check out my recent blog, Choosing the right bra for sensitive skin for even more inspiration and my product testing of some non wired Julie May Lingerie bra.

Do your clothes irritate your skin?

I’d love to hear what clothes you’ve ditched because they irritated you too much. And what are your favourite clothes to wear? That feel so soft and smooth against your skin? Tell me, tell me! I’m always looking for recommendations.

You may also be interested in reading:11 things that could make you allergic to your clothesSkin Patch testing for eczema and allergy triggersThe Shape of Skin eczema poetry – buy it with a free itchy skin bookmark today!Wireless comfy bras for sensitive skinThe post Clothing for eczema and sensitive skin first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

LinkedIn Live – World Atopic Eczema Day

This week is National Eczema Awareness Week and I’ll be going live on LinkedIn on Wednesday 14th September at 4pm UK time, with my lovely friend and eczema blogger Ashley Wall who writes the Itchin since 87 blog.

Join me on LinkedIn Live for World Atopic Eczema DayWhat is atopic eczema?

Atopic eczema is one of the most prevalent skin conditions globally, affecting over 230 million people worldwide. It is often dismissed as “just a skin condition,” and patients’ needs are not addressed in a supportive and timely manner.

Atopic eczema – also known as atopic dermatitis (AD) – is more than itchy skin. It is a complex, multidimensional condition that impacts mental health, impacts daily life, and places an immense burden on patients and caregivers.

Join us on LinkedIn, Wednesday 14th September at 4pm (BST)

The aim of the LinkedIn live session is to raise awareness of the impact and burden of this condition, we are truly honoured to join Merakoi and Ashley Wall for a lively discussion about this topic.

The subject will be “Inside Atopic Eczema: More than ‘just’ a skin condition!” and I’m so excited to speak with Ashley and the Merakoi team. You all know it’s one my favourite subjects!

Register for eventAbout Ashley Wall, Itchin since 87.

Ashley Wall is a writer, consultant, and eczema patient advocate who’s battled this skin condition for three decades.

As an eczema warrior, she’s had the pleasure of speaking on stage in front of a pharmaceutical crowd of 300 industry leaders, interviewing celebrities such as BAFTA award winner Peter Moffat, and attending leading events through her advocacy work.

She’s extremely passionate about helping suffering patients and hopes to see eczema disappear within her lifetime.

About me! Ruth Holroyd, blogger and author

Ruth Holroyd is an author, blogger, and patient advocate.

She writes about allergies, anaphylaxis, asthma, eczema, and topical steroid withdrawal on her award-winning blog www.whatallergy.com.

She won the Free From Food Awards Hero Award 2021 and has written two books. ‘Anaphylaxis: The Essential Guide: An Action Plan For Living With Life-Threatening Allergies’ which focuses on anxiety and fear and how to live with the daily challenge of living with a life limiting condition.

Her second book, The Shape of Skin, is a poetry book for people with eczema, psoriasis and sensitive skin.

But enough about me… if you’re interested and can make it, please do join us on Wednesday for this Linkedin Live to champion World Atopic Eczema Day – Click here to sign up for Inside Atopic Eczema: More than just a skin condition.

Who are Merakoi?

Merakoi are a wonderful organisation who I’m proud to have been working with now for about a year. They work in between the pharmaceutical companies and the patient – Enabling successful patient expert and healthcare company collaboration. The team are so friendly, welcoming and inclusive and I enjoy getting together every month with other patient advocates with other medical conditions such as multiple sclerosis, cancer and Irritable Bowel Disease, to name just a few. I’ve worked with them on focus groups, helping their experts really understand the patient and their daily lived experience.

I wrote a blog for them last month entitled, How to get the most out of your dermatology appointment which I thoroughly enjoyed writing, and which could be applied to any patient anywhere with any medical condition. The idea being we all need to become experts in our own condition to advocate for the best care.

Book your place for World Atopic Eczema Day!

To book your place to join us in our discussion about all things eczema, click on the button below:

#InsideAtopicEczema

Book your place now!Get involved with World Eczema Day

If you want to get involved with raising awareness about World Eczema Day on Wednesday 14th September, visit https://www.efanet.org/campaigns/world-atopic-eczema-day/join

You can download a toolkit to help you with images and logos.

As part of our campaign to show the inside of atopic eczema they are calling on patients, carers, and healthcare professionals to join in by turning our clothes inside out to make atopic eczema visible. When people living with atopic eczema face itching and discomfort every day, even wearing clothes can become unbearable on their sensitive skin. We want to bring the community together and give attention to the everyday burden in our Inside Out action. I’m not sure I quite get this… but maybe I’ll do it on the day.

You may also be interested in reading:40 amazing Women in Eczema20 tips for being an eczema and topical steroid withdrawal advocateGet The Shape of Skin, eczema poetry book with a free bookmark!The post LinkedIn Live – World Atopic Eczema Day first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

Choosing the right bra for allergies & eczema

This one’s for all the sensitive skin allergy girls! Sorry boys. You might want to skip reading this one, unless you want to surprise your other half with a pretty and comfortable new bra that they’ll love!

Maybe you’ve never given your bra choice much thought before, but I’ll bet you can’t wait to take it off at the end of the day. Bras can be uncomfortable, restricting, and irritating if you have allergies or eczema. And they’re also not cheap items of clothing to buy!

When it’s just too painful to wear a bra

During my worst topical steroid withdrawal years and when I got shingles all over my back, I couldn’t even wear a bra for much of the time and when I did, I’d have to stuff gauze or tissues between my breasts and would find it painful where the straps and fasteners rubbed my sore skin.

Until I visited the Allergy Show earlier this year, I hadn’t even realised you could get ‘allergy safe’ bras. I had already swapped to non-wired softer bras, of which there are a number of alternatives if you search. But not all bras are made equal! So let’s unpick why some bras night not be a good fit for allergy prone and sensitive skin:

These bras are so soft and comfy, like a supportive tshirt braWhat is an allergy and eczema friendly bra?

There are lots of different elements to a bra, so here’s how you can source one that’s good for you skin, body and your boobs! And why I love Julia May Lingerie bras!

Those wires – If you are very sensitive to nickel the underwire, whilst usually not directly against your skin, could pose problems for those who are very allergic to nickel. I’ve definitely had rashes around the wire area and a lot of irritation where the wires dig into the flesh.Skin irritation – Those with eczema or dry skin should be looking at what material their bra is made from. Materials like organic cotton, silk and Tencel allow the skin to breathe and regulate temperatures better than many other man-made fabrics. Lace, ribbing and tight seams can all add to the pressure and irritation of the skin.Latex and rubber – Bras contain rubber/latex or silicone to help them stay up, particularly strapless bras. Even if you’re not allergic, these materials can be irritating to sensitive skin. They can make your skin hot, sweaty and irritated and are best avoided.Formaldehyde – Many clothes can contain this nasty substance; it helps repel moisture and prevent mould and creasing of products in storage and transit. You know that odd smell new clothes can have? To avoid this affecting your skin and your environment, I always wash bras before wearing if they have that pungent odour.Environmental considerations when buying a braFast fashion – Let’s not forget fast fashion. We all know bras can be expensive items to purchase but having one that both supports your breasts and is good for your skin – but also from a reputable, eco friendly and responsible company should also be a priority. You can rest assured that Julie May Lingerie bras are also ethically produced. You can read their ethical statement here. (https://juliemay.co.uk/pages/ethical-lingerie). The company also supports many sustainable projects to help different communities.Packaging – The bras you buy from Julie May Lingerie come in really lovely paper packaging which is better for the environment, reducing plastic and waste.Buying an allergy friendly bra

If you google ‘allergy friendly bras’ the first company to come up (after all the paid adverts for bra companies) is Julie May Lingerie and they have been approved by Allergy UK. They are the only lingerie company to have this accreditation.

Julie May Lingerie bras are certified a Allergy Friendly Product by Allergy UK

Buying an allergy safe bra means that it is made from materials that are known to be kind to skin and it also won’t contain any of the known allergens like nickel, latex etc. Julie May Lingerie only every use organic Pima cotton and other natural fabrics.

Looking for that accreditation also means the company has been checked and approved as safe!

Testing my first allergy approved Bras

Firstly I would like to thank Julie May Lingerie for sending me two bras to try out. In the interests of transparency, I was gifted these bras and this is a sponsored post.

I’ve been wearing them now for a few weeks and they are so soft and comfortable against my skin.

Julie May allergen free and eczema safe lingerie

I tried out two non-wired bras, although Julie May Lingerie also do a load of bras with wires if you prefer that style. Take a look at their website to view the full range.

VALENTINA – Silk back support, full cup, non wire, organic cotton bra

Material:

Cup / Crotch: 100% Pure SilkBody Fabric: Silk-Cotton Blend (78% Organic Pima Cotton, 22% Silk)

Features:

Cut from Pima Cotton and lined in silk, this bra promises maximum comfort and support.Shaped three-part cups ensure a natural fit and feel wonderfully soft on the skin.Side sling for additional support and forward projectionSmoothing coverage under arms & back and wide straps for added support and comfortNo padding I love the Valentina back support no wire bra from julie May LingerieWhy I loved the Valentina back support bra (no wire)

This is the bra I chose to wear to write this blog. It’s a soft snug fit, with a band of cotton around the body. It’s gentle on the skin and doesn’t dig in like normal bras can.

The organic cotton means it’s kind to my skin and it’s slightly stretchy to allow it to be easily put on and pulled off. It doesn’t have any fastenings at the back which I loved as I have never quite mastered doing up bras behind me and often have to do them up and front and swivel round afterwards.

It’s also really pretty and I love the green nature-themed pattern.

Julie May Lingerie – Back Support bra in ChampagneBack support, full coverage, wireless silk bra – Champagne

Material:

Cup / Crotch: 100% Pure SilkBody Fabric: Silk-Cotton Blend (78% Organic Pima Cotton, 22% Silk)

Features:

Incredibly soft Pima cotton and pure silk fabric, highly breathableElegant lace detail in frontSupportive wireless bra with maximum coverage, compressing your bust and giving it a naturally rounded shapeNon-padded and non-wired design with added stretch offers unmatched comfort throughout the dayNon-padded

This bra is really supportive and pulls the boobs in together nicely, giving a good lift. The silk material is cooling and smooth against my skin and it’s very pretty. It also came with pants so is now the only matching set in my lingerie collection! I tend not to match bras and knickers so it’s nice to feel I now have a special set to wear.

Ditch the bras altogether?

I’ve had quite a few comments and read a lot about women who are giving up on bras altogether. I have to admit, it does feel nice and freeing to not wear one every now and then. However, I do feel a little under dressed without one. Feeling more secure and covered up makes me feel more comfortable and I do need the extra support.

In winter it’s also an added layer of warmth for those extremities. I’m definitely not going to be burning my bras, I just prefer the feeling of having one on, as long as I’ve found a comfortable fit.

Get yourself an allergy and eczema safe bra today

If you’d like to get yourself an allergy safe accredited bra, visit https://juliemay.co.uk/ and shop the many different styles and designs, knowing that they are all suitable for people with allergies and eczema.

I have found quite a few really cool bra brands that you could try if you think your boobs could do with a little TLC. Check out my previous Wireless comfy bras for sensitive, eczema and TSW skin blog here.

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Anti-allergen silver bedding for eczema skin

Ever heard of cotton silver bedding? Sounds fancy doesn’t it? I hadn’t come across this type of bed linen until coming across Silver Guard; natural cotton bedding with ionic silver that works as a natural defence, is antimicrobial and supports healthy skin.

Silver has been widely accepted for its healing and anti-microbial powers for centuries – I’ve used colloidal silver to heal my gut and skin in the past.

So can this technology be used to help you get a better more comfortable night’s sleep?

SilverGuard IONIC cotton and silver thread bed linen for eczema skinHow does SilverGuard work?

Here’s how SilverGuard explains the clever silver technology:

“We have harnessed the power of silver through IONIC+ antimicrobial silver thread technology. The technology works by releasing silver ions from IONIC+ fibres which act in several ways to inhibit and eliminate pathogens on the surface of the fabric. Products using IONIC+ technology inhibit the growth and persistence of bacteria, fungi and viruses on textile surfaces.

Sounds pretty impressive and technology that can keep us safe in the bedroom.

Benefits of SilverGuard antimicrobial textiles are:Antimicrobial: self-sanitising IONIC+ silver technology works against bacteria and viruses, including Covid-19Fast Acting: reduces 99.9% of pathogens on fabricAnti Odour: kills bacteria which causes odoursEliminates Acne-causing BacteriaEnvironmentally-friendly: IONIC+ cannot be washed out, and IONIC+ helps to extend the life of a product

IONIC+ antimicrobial technology is designed to provide a simple and cost-effective method for employers to deliver a proven antimicrobial management solution for soft surface textile materials.

Watch a video of how SilverGuard works

Here’s the science bit!

What’s Silver Guard bedding like to use?

I’ve been trialling the fitted sheets, pillowcase and duvet cover from Silver Guard, and here are my observations after a few months using them.

Soft – they feel so soft, so smooth and sooo indulgent next to my skin.Cooling – Due to the silver technology these sheets and bed linen also help regulate your temperature while sleeping. Something I really struggle to do at the moment due to my skin and menopause. Trying this SilverGuard bed linen has coincided with a phase in my topical steroid withdrawal healing journey where I am sleeping so much so it’s lovely to have some lovely new bedding to snuggle up in.Luxurious – I had been meaning to get some new sheets and duvet covers after the years of TSW blood and oooze have messed up some of my old sheets. The organic cotton feels really expensive, like posh hotel bedding. It’s a real treat hopping into bed and snuggling down under these sheets.Easy to make the bed – The fitted sheets are so easy to fit to the mattress because they have elastic all around the edge of the sheet so it’s much easier to get a good snug fit all the way around.

I’m definitely now a SilverGuard fan and would recommend this bedding to anyone with sensitive skin looking for something a bit different, cooling and also clever, with its anti-odour, antimicrobial and anti-bacterial qualities.

Face clothes from SilverGuard – Cotton flannelsSiver technology face cloth

I also tested a face cloth and if you know me, you’ll know I love a flannel. I’ve been using bamboo ones from Eczema Land which are super soft and kind to my skin. These huge, super absorbent SilverGuard face cloths are also a pleasure to use. I use these in the bath and wash them after each use and really enjoyed washing with this silver technology flannel. It was thicker than your usual face cloth and probably larger in size too. It cleaned and cleansed my skin gently which is what I’m looking for with sensitive, dry, eczema skin.

Make your bedding work while you sleep

I just love the idea that while I sleep my bedding is working all night to absorb any bacteria, prevent any nasty microbial growth and keep my skin clean and protected. As a menopausal woman who struggles with night sweats, I’m always worried about keeping bedding clean and safe, especially with my very sensitive skin. As I’ve also been going through topical steroid withdrawal, keeping bedding clean, laundered and hygienic has often been a struggle with excessive itching, shedding, weeping and bleeding. SilverGuard bedding is great for eczema, topical steroid withdrawal, sensitive skin and menopausal women!

How to care for silver technology fabrics

It couldn’t be easier to wash this bedding. It can safely go on a 40 degree wash and for those who need a little extra and have a dust allergy, you can wash at 60 degrees. I also always spot treat my bedding if there are blood stains etc. and they came up like brand new after washing.

Where to buy SilverGuard bed linen

There is currently a sale on so visit the website today to grab yourself a bargain at https://www.silver-guard.co.uk/

You may also be interested in reading the following:

I have experienced the wonders of copper infused pajamas before and they are so amazing, feel super soft on sensitive skin and soothing and cooling too. Check out my Copper pyjamas blog here.

30 ways to stay cool for eczema skinBuy The Shape of Skin eczema poetry book and get a free itchy skin bookmarkWater Softener for eczema – 9 months onFor discounts off eczema and allergy products – including Eczema land bamboo face clothsThe post Anti-allergen silver bedding for eczema skin first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

Latex allergy – do wetsuits contain rubber?

Since discovering how incredible it feels to swim in fresh water over the last few years I always wished I could get my own wetsuit. I always assumed they would contain latex but this year I now have my very own wetsuit which I don’t react to. I’m so excited to start doing more wild swimming.

Never thought I’d ever be able to go swimming in Rydal lake, Lake District.Why swim in fresh water if you have eczema?

So many reasons people; apart from the obvious one, it’s exhilarating and feels amazing, here are my top reasons why fresh water or wild swimming is great for eczema skin:

No chlorine – Chlorine can irritate and dry out sensitive skin so fresh water wins hands downCold – The change in temperature to being in cold water is absolutely amazing at calming skin and reducing inflammation. Check out the Wim Hof technique to find out more about the benefits of cold water therapy.Reduces anxiety – Once you can get over the terrifying fear that you can’t see what’s below you in the depths and maybe reeds and things touching your skin… ewww! Seriously, once you’ve got into the water the tranquility and relaxation I experience is like nothing else. Obviously you need to find a quiet lake to swim in, but it’s so freeing. I lay back and look at the sky and my body just relaxes.Exhilarating – Getting into cold water is a shock to the system. The first dunking of the intimate parts and then the shoulders is both shocking and then absolutely mind blowing. You soon start to acclimatise – depending on how cold the water actually is. If you’re swimming in skins ie, no wetsuit, make sure you don’t say in for too long. Get out as soon as you feel cold and get warmed up. If you’re in a wetsuit, the cold water slides in between your skin and wetsuit and creates a warm barrier around your skin, meaning you can stay in the water for much longer!Stops me itching – probably the cold shock of getting in, the effort it takes to stay afloat, the concentration of swimming, the shared joy of doing it with friends – I never swim alone. Unless you are very experience never swim alone and always wear a bright coloured swimming cap and float to make sure you are visible to boats and other water craft. Back to the itching, I just don’t itch while I’m in cold water and it feels amazing. By contrast swimming in heated chlorine pools can make me very itchy.

I still sometimes get a bit nervous about swimming in fresh water. It’s often tricky to get into the water with stones to hobble over and slimy rocks and who knows if it’s polluted? Will it irritate my skin? I do worry, but if you make sure you choose places you know are safe it’s a truly liberating experience.

Last month I took my swimming costume with me on a walk and swam in Rydal lake, half way round the walk. WoW – honestly that was on my bucket list of crazy things I wanted to do when my skin was healed and it was incredible. I loved it!

You can’t always swim all year round in the UK, not in just swimming costume anyway. Whilst many people do dip in just skins, they can’t stay in for long. So the subject of wetsuits come up… and how do I find one that’s safe for my sensitive skin?

Do wetsuits contain latex?

Wetsuits are made from neoprene which is naturally latex free, so are they safe for people with a latex allergy? Neoprene wetsuits are made from petroleum oil and limestone so there is an environmental impact to their production and disposal, but with careful use these should last you for up to ten years. Here are few questions to ask if you’re looking to buy a latex free wetsuit:

Glue and adhesives – They can also contain adhesive in the seams and this glue can also be an irritant. If you have a latex allergy the chances are most plasters and many glues will cause irritation, I have to guy hypoallergenic plasters as all of the adhesive glues cause a complete breakdown and blistering of the skin. Check out 100% Sheico suit which uses solvent free aqua based glue www.sheico.com Latex in cuffs, ankles and neck buffs – Some wetsuits do contain latex in the cuffs and ankles and collar buffs, so if you have a latex allergy be very careful to check.

Always ask the manufacturer for a guarantee that the product you wish to buy does not contain any latex.

Blue 70 latex free wetsuit in Lake WindermereNeoprene allergy

As you all know by now, people can be allergic to anything. Since Neoprene is a man-made fibre, invented to mimic rubber, some people do experience an allergic reaction or irritation when wearing them. Whilst neoprene allergy is rare it can be problem if you love watersports.

Reactions to neoprene include itching, rashes and swelling.

There is an alternative material called Yulex which is safe for anyone allergic to neoprene and should also be OK if you have a latex allergy. Since it’s actually made from rubber and also more expensive I didn’t go down this route for myself.

Yulex allergen free wetsuits

You can buy Yulex wetsuits from a number of places online but one website I found was Patagonia. They are 100% free from neoprene.

 This purified natural rubber latex used in Yulex wetsuits significantly reduces impurities naturally found in rubber production, especially those allergens that cause potential for Type 1 Latex Allergy.

Yulex also has way less carbon footprint because it’s natural and plant based.

They are however a little bit more pricey, with a full arm and leg women’s Yulex wetsuit coming in at between $400 and $500.

Guayale allergy – can you be allergic to a Yulex wetsuit?

I also found a thread on a forum from someone who had a bad skin reaction to a Yulex wetsuit. They’re made from the Guayule plant which can be a severe skin irritant for contact dermatitis and cause a serious itchy skin rash. I can’t find any other evidence of this but maybe try to get a sample swatch to test.

Someone somewhere can be allergic to anything, don’t go out into open water before wearing any wetsuit for at least ten minutes to make sure it’s not irritating your skin.

Swimming and diving with asthma – is it safe?

If you have asthma there is always a higher risk for outdoor swimming. Even people who don’t have asthma can experience anxiety and panic whilst out in deep water and it can affect breathing. This is the reason why swimmers should always take a float, ideally wear a wetsuit and never swim alone.

I do have asthma and have not had any problems swimming. If you’re careful and take the right precautions.

Don’t swim in open water if your asthma is bad and you feel wheezyAlways take a floatNever swim aloneIf you have a wetsuit wear it for added buoyancyAlways take a puff of your blue inhaler before swimmingBe careful what wetsuit you buy. I borrowed a sailing wetsuit once which was very restrictive and did make it hard for me to breathe. If you have a swimming one you should be OK.Relax your shoulders and breath gently, in through your nose and out through your mouth if you become anxious and start wheezing while on the water. Tell friends, ask for help and make for shore immediately. Back stroke can be easier if struggling to breathe.

Stay safe guys!

I actually find swimming to be a relatively low impact (I’m not a fast swimmer) activity and as I get fitter it helps me feel stronger and will help lungs to function more effectively.

Other things to consider with water sports and latex allergyWater shoes – Be careful when choosing water shoes as many of them are rubber. You can buy neoprene socks for swimmingGoggles – The strap can be made from rubber elastic so make sure you do your research and find a latex free alternative.Swimming cap – Some of these are also made from rubber. Shop around and buy one made from neoprene or silicone. Scuba diving – There are many potential sources of latex in diving equipment, from the bungee neck chord to the tubes and mouthpiece. The strap on the mask Which latex free wetsuit did I buy?

I would like to thank my aunt for taking me wetsuit shopping. They are not cheap items to buy and I probably would have taken much longer to take the plunge without Ro’s encouragement and support. Thanks Ro! We went to the wonderfully helpful Swim the Lakes in Ambleside in the Lake District and were assured that the Blue Seventy wetsuit was latex free. I’m waiting to receive confirmation of the full material breakdown as I’m interested to know what it’s made from. It does have a strong rubbery smell. You should be able to purchase a basic first timers neoprene wetsuit for under £200. This may sound expensive, but if you take care of your wetsuit it should last you ten or more years.

Attractive back view of the Blue 70 wetsuitWhat’s it like swimming in a wetsuit?

I was so thrilled to enjoy an hour swimming in Lake Windermere, having not managed to get to the shops till the last day of the holiday! It made such a difference, for me the most amazing part of wearing a wetsuit was the added buoyancy. I found that I barely needed to even tread water to stay afloat, and it kept me high in the water when swimming. The buoyancy element of the suit was focused on the torso so I did find it slightly more challenging to do breaststroke. Interestingly, most wet suits are designed for front crawl and back stroke. However, I worked out a way of incorporating breaststroke and managed to enjoy this hour-long experience without getting cold at all! Switching between back stroke and breaststroke meant I could enjoy the view and conserve my energy. I have no direction when doing back stroke so keep veering off route and need to check all the time. The water in the Lakes is so warm this summer due to the incredibly good weather we’ve been having so I almost didn’t need a wetsuit.

Get out of your comfort zone and try fresh water swimming

Get out here, if you want to swim in fresh water, do it! I highly recommend the experience. Do check pollution levels and choose lakes with special swim sessions, and always swim with others.

I’d love to try the Wim Hof technique, but it seems to encourage excessive water use which puts me off. The idea being immerse your body in very hot water, then cold for as long as you can, then hot and then cold again. You extend the length of time under cold water and it reduces inflammation and anxiety. I do end each shower with a cold burst though and it feels so amazing. Try it if you haven’t already. Hot showers can trigger an itch attach for me so ending with cold water helps avoid that.

Are you a wild swimmer? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Do you love swimming outdoors or do you steer clear because of your skin or fear of the deep dark down there!

I’d love to hear your experiences and hope you found this blog useful.

Have you had an allergic reaction to a wetsuit?

You may also be interested in reading the followingWhy I run – how running is helping my skin healLatex allergy #101Papaya and latex allergy cross reactivityThe post Latex allergy – do wetsuits contain rubber? first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

No more allergies & asthma, book review

I’ve just finished reading ‘No More allergies, asthma, or sinus infections‘ by Dr Lon Jones and it’s turned everything I knew about asthma on its head. I’ve already been rethinking everything since stopping the use of the oral steroid preventative inhaler but this book takes it a step further.

No more allergies, asthma or sinus infections by Dr Lon Jones

NB: Please note, I am not a doctor and am not advising anyone stops using their asthma medication. Asthma can be life threatening. I am just documenting my own asthma symptoms and healing and I no longer experience a daily wheeze and rarely use a blue inhaler either. However I do still have triggers, such as airborne dairy in coffee shops, hay fever etc. but I manage this with infrequent blue inhaler use.

Key things I learnt from this book

I took loads away from reading this and I’m so glad I found it. Thanks so much to whoever recommended it. (sorry I’ve forgotten to make a note).

It was quite pricey to buy at about $18 on Amazon and is only available in America, but it’s well worth a read if you or your family have allergies, recurrent sinus infections or asthma.

Xylitol spray is incredibly effective at eradicating sinus infections, allergies and asthma, more so than saline nasal washing. Make sure you get one that has xylitol as the first or second ingredient. For effective xylitol treatment you would need to spray 4 times a day. Lon suggests doing this when you wash your hands and getting into a habit of doing it regularly.Nasal washing and neti pots, whilst they can work, may also be washing out good bacteria as well as the bad.Antihistamines are just another immunosuppressant, aimed at stopping a natural reaction that the body is doing to help it remove something – be that allergen, irritant or bacteria or virus. I really worry about the widespread use of these supposedly innocuous drugs. Long ago I decided that I’d rather have the side effects of my allergies, hay fever etc. on a daily basis that rely on antihistamines daily. I worry that when I really need them, they won’t work, and I’ve already noticed that they become far less effective over time as the body gets familiar with them. If you are taking them daily please have a think and look into this and see if this natural remedy can help support you better.Suppression is not good for the body – most of western medicine for sinus infections, colds. flus, asthma and allergies is ‘wrong thinking, as Lon calls it. We need stop ignoring what the body is doing and instead support it, embrace it and work with it.Why you should read this book

The book is full of case studies and testimonials of different patients that Lon treated for different conditions and gives you a really good insight into how effective xylitol sprays are and also how fast they can work. He looked at many young kids who got recurrent sinus infections resulting in often invasive and ineffective operations to try to correct the problem.

Xylitol worked so well, however Lon was unable to get pharmaceutical companies interested because it’s such a cheap natural ingredient. No surprise there! Big pharma seems hell bent on finding expensive treatments that try to bend the body into stopping its natural reactions to things! Rather than finding out the root cause and working to support the body, most drugs act at blocking a natural reaction. This is not a good idea, as I’ve discovered to my cost with topical steroids. Read Topical Steroid Withdrawal Frequently Asked Questions to find out more.

What is xylitol?

Xylitol is a plant sugar from trees such as the birch tree, and is used to sweeten many foods, with the benefit of having less calories than sugar and less bad effects on the body also. In fact, as I’ve noted above, it has many beneficial effects on the body, including tooth strength and reducing decay.

Read ‘Xylitol, everything you need to know’ on the Healthline website and also https://xylitol.org/.

It has so many benefits, and chewing xylitol gum daily and washing the mouth with xylitol mouth wash can also support healthy teeth and gums. Makes sure the first or second ingredient is xylitol.

Are there any side effects to Xylitol?

I really couldn’t find any. Xylitol doesn’t spike blood sugar or insulin and has a very low glycemic index so is quite safe. However if used in excess it could lead to insulin resistance. Everything in moderation, and if you are just spraying into your nose, or chewing gum the amount in your body is negligible. Large quantifies could also cause bloating, excess gas and loose stools or diarrhoea. This book isn’t suggesting you consume any though so just keep this in mind. Don’t start eating all the xylitol! although using some in baking can be beneficial.

Let’s talk about asthma…

So can we live with allergies, hay fever etc. and not need oral steroid inhalers? Could regular nasal spaying with xylitol be enough to keep us safe?

I’m not sure. I still have my triggers, such as lots of dust, some cat hair and some dogs, also hay fever. However I would still react to these thing even while taking the oral steroid inhalers. Particularly the air borne milk vapour trigger – steroids never were able to stop that happening.

However I am able to manage this by leaving cafes when it happens, avoiding small busy cafes, using my blue inhaler and antihistamines on those odd occasions when my allergies are playing up.

Learning the proper way to effectively breath has also allowed me to take back a huge amount of control. Sometimes I can feel my breathing become laboured when I’m anxious, so learning to stop, relax and breath gently into the base of my stomach and not up high in my chest is really helping. More on this in a future blog.

How do you use a nasal spray?

And I’ve only just bought some xylitol spray so I will let you know if it works after testing for a month.

Nasal breathing is so important, more on that in a future blog. Check out this short video about why xylitol nasal sprays and how to use it, and why it works so well at removing bacteria and allergens from the throat.

Basically, sit in an upright position, give it a spray up your nose and breathe in at the same time. It’s taking me a while to get used to and makes me need to clear my nose after but do this 4 times a day for the best results.

I’d love to get your thoughts!

Has anyone else read this book? Anyone else had success doing this xylitol spray treatment?

This is not an advert, I’m writing this because I found this book useful. I bought the book myself for my own research purposes.

You may also find the following interesting10 things your asthma nurse won’t tell youButeyko breathing for asthmaNatural treatments for allergic asthmaThe post No more allergies & asthma, book review first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

Get £10 off an Odd Box Veg and fruit box

I’ve been loving my Odd Box veggie box; I get a mixed fruit and vegetable box every two weeks and it’s really affordable at just £14.

Why did I choose Odd Box?

There are loads of fruit and veggie boxes here in the UK and I’m sure they’re all great. However I wanted to find seasonal, local (where possible) produce and a company that cared about the planet. Odd Box stood out because they get hold of all the wonky fruit and veg that would otherwise go to waste. It’s either too big, too small, too much of it or just a bit odd looking! It all still tastes amazing so I’d highly recommend them. I also got a discount on my first box when my Mum recommended the box to me and you can do the same. Except this time you’ll get £10 off if you tell them Ruth Holroyd sent you!

What was in this week’s Odd Box?

I’ve been away for the whole of July with work and holidays so this week’s box was a well awaited treat. You get an email telling you what’s coming but I often prefer to leave it as a surprise. However if you need to go shopping or are entertaining, you can check what your box will include to make sure you have what you need that week; I do shop for other stuff as and when I need to.

For instance I like to have a bit more raw greens, salad stuff etc so I get that from my local greengrocers and Coop store.

This week my box contained:

Small potatoes – you know the sort you need to wash! My favouriteRed Lettuce leavesAubergine3 x peaches 5 x nectarinesLoads of little British applesA really curly cucumber7 x small white onions

They often get in loads of other stuff that the farmers just have too much of, so this week I chose a few extras: Cherries and Passion Fruit.

I also got a free gift this week which was a can of natural fruit juice!

Keep an eye on their emails because you do sometimes get offered a free gift that you need to log on and request. I’ve had free dates before and also lemons!

Diversity is good for your gut

I love that Odd Box send me different stuff each time, so my gut is experiencing a diverse range of different fruits and vegetables. We all tend to get stuck in our ways, buying the same foods each time out of habit and what we know how to cook.

I recently did a Gut Health check with Chuckling Goat which provided a free half hour session which was so helpful. I’ll share what I leant from that in a future blog, but one of the key lessons for me is that my gut needs more diversity. I’ve set myself a challenge to try to buy something new, or a fruit or vegetable I don’t normally eat, each each time I shop.

Also it’s good to try to eat 20-30 different living plant and whole grain foods each week, not including animal products. I’ve been trying to do this in one day which is a real challenge, but the more variety the better.

How does Odd Box work?

It’s so easy to get started.

Easily sign up and choose your deal – You sign up, create a log in and then you choose the type of box and frequency you would prefer. You have weekly, fortnightly or monthly. I have opted for fortnightly at the moment but am thinking of getting the next size box up.Skip – You can skip deliveries if you’re away or won’t need one when you’re out a lot.Exclude – You can specify up to three things you never want to get so I’ve chosen all nuts, tomatoes and celery as I’m allergic to nuts and both those veggies affect my skin badly.Add-ons – You can add on extra things you might need that week and choose from what’s available and they have too much of.Return and recycle your box – I leave out the last box each week and they take it back and reuse them.Reduce packaging – They use hardly any packaging so you won’t get plastic bags, only paper bags when necessary but most of the fruit and veg is loose in the box!Get your first Odd Box for £10 off

Here’s the deal. As a regular customer, I refer you and I get £10 off my next box and you get £10 of your first box! You can then refer your friends to get further discounts. Click on the button below to sign up and try out Odd Box. I hope you love it as much as I do.

Get £10 off OddboxEat the rainbow challenge

This September I’ll be taking the Eat the Rainbow challenge. Can you eat 20+ different fruits, vegetables and whole grain foods in one week? Can you do this in a day? The more diversity and more different coloured foods you can consume the better for your gut.

You can print of my handy little #eattherainbow chart and mark down what different coloured foods you’ve eaten. How quickly can you fill in the chart? Click below the download and please let me know how you got on!

WA Rainbow ChallengeDownloadYou may also be interested in readingIs it Oral Allergy Syndrome or Lipid Protein Transfer?Almond Allergy #101Allergen free, pollen free, artificial plants for your homeThe post Get £10 off an Odd Box Veg and fruit box first appeared on What Allergy Blog.

Water softener for eczema – 9 months on

If you follow my blog you’ll know I’ve had a Harvey Water Softener now since November 2021 and I’m loving it.

I have not looked back.

It’s been such a dream come true, something I’ve longed to do for years and I am now never going back to hard water.

So what have I learnt in those nine months?

This was my skin just before my Harvey’s Water Softener was installed. What have I learnt from having a water softener?

I think I’ve been using mine now for long enough to give it a good test and I honestly can’t speak more highly of my experience. Here’s why I love it.

My skin is less dry – Now this is a confusing one, because I’m going through Topical Steroid Withdrawal and that can often look very dry and flake off too. However I no longer moisturise that much. If you lived with me you’d notice my skin still often looks very dry, but it doesn’t FEEL dry. It’s not tight, sore and itchy, like it used to get. I remember that feeling after a shower or bath when I just had eczema, before TSW and I would literally have to rush for the emollient because I could feel myself drying up. I don’t feel like that now. I still moisturise some parts of my body, but not all over and I don’t have to run to the tub to slather it on. I apply little and sparingly, where my skin needs support. And now I only use natural healing balms and creams, I don’t use paraffin based emollients any more. More on that in a future blog.My skin has healed – Again I can’t put this down purely to having a water softener because I’m one of those people who throws everything at healing. I’m eating a very clean diet, taking herbal tinctures, working on my mental health, to name just a few. But a quick look back at where my skin was before (pictured above) I started using softened water and the difference is remarkable. I’ve shared a picture of me this week below so you can see the difference. Topical Steroid Withdrawal heals in phases though so I may have more healing crises, but for now my skin continues to strengthen and improve week by week. I strongly believe, from my extensive research and now my own experience that having a water softener will help support my skin to continue to heal and stay strong and healthy after TSW is over. Who knows when that will be!Cleaning the house is so much quicker and easier – Seriously I hardly clean the bathroom and kitchen now. That sounds bad, I do clean, but it’s so easy. It takes minimal time and I never get those hard to remove limescale stains on the bath, shower screen and sinks. I use an ecloth and that removes everything. No limescale – The kettle is pristine! Having lived in a hard water area all my life this dream will never grow old. I keep looking in the kettle to check and it’s shiny and new. No more horrible fizzing toxic descaler. Just a clean healthy kettle.I love the whole process – I love the Harvey app which tells me when to reorder salt. The salt isn’t pricey and certainly a monthly cost I’m willing to pay for the health of my skin. The clever i-lid on the water softener monitors the salt level and alerts me on my phone when I need to replace a new salt slab. the come in large blocks that are curved and fit into the unit, and can take 4 at a time so you’re not having to replace the salt all the time. I reckon I’m changing the salt every 2-3 months. I don’t see this as a chore or a job, it’s a pleasure to have found something that I can do for my skin that I know isn’t harming me in any way, but instead only doing good.I’m saving money – I use less shampoo, less soap and less detergent so I’m saving money all round here. I’m also switching to all natural cleaning products which can cost a little more initially, but I think it’s worth it for the future of our planet. My skin this week on a visit to Thames Lido for a swim and dine package! Proof that hard water can cause eczema

In a recent study, The Association between hard water and eczema in adults, the objective was to examine the association between domestic hard water supply and eczema prevalence and incidence in middle-aged adults and the contextual effect in eczema outcomes by postcodes in adults in the UK.

Conclusion: Increasing levels of domestic hard water, as measured by CaCO3 concentrations, were associated with an increased prevalence of eczema in adults but not increased incidence. Ongoing efforts to reduce hard water exposure may have a beneficial effect in reducing the burden of eczema in adults. Further research is needed to explore area level factors that may lead to eczema.

Thanks to Nic at Topical Debate for sharing this.

What does this mean? Increased prevalence but NOT increased evidence?

Prevalence means it happens a lot, the fact or condition of being prevalent; commonness. So there is more eczema in adults associated with living in a hard water area.Incidence means – the occurrence, rate, or frequency of a disease, crime, or other undesirable thing: “an increased incidence of cancer”. And it says not increased incidence…

So it’s more common in adults but not occurring more? This makes no sense to me… or am I just being thick? I can’t read the full report because once again it’s hidden behind a pay wall. How are we, the patients, ever meant to find the information we need when it’s protected and hidden from us all the time? I think this information should be in the common domain, I bet no one every pays for these reports so it’s a nonsense.

From my own experience, just a few days holiday in a soft water area and my skin would improve remarkably. So I’m going with my own lived experience. Probably just as scientific and reliable as this probably very costly report into something we already know.

How do I find out more about Harvey Water Softeners? Harvey Water Softener for eczema skin

I did a lot of research into the different options on the market and these guys are by far the best.

In my opinion, from the reviews I read and the swiftness of their dealings with me.

Some of the brands didn’t even get back to my enquiries.

There are also loads of payment options, from installments to hiring.

Check out Harvey Water Softeners here.

And if you do buy one, tell them you read about it here first!

Do you have a water softener?

I’d love to hear from itchy eczema people who have a water softener. Do you think it helps your skin? Please let me know. Or do you live in a soft water area? What brand do you have? How long have you had it for? Tell me everything!

You may also be interested in reading20 reasons to get a Harvey Water Softener for eczema7 natural bath treatments for eczema20 tips for being an eczema and TSW advocate

The post Water softener for eczema – 9 months on first appeared on What Allergy Blog.