Eczema is not a condition often looked at in good spirits. With symptoms including dry, reddened skin, itching and burning, it is not only an irritating condition, but one which we actually know very little about. Although mostly treated through the use of creams, and in some cases, steroids, itching can be reduced, and rashes can be reduced. But in more severe instances, or in the case of younger children, itching through the night can be an incredibly upsetting side-effect.

Luckily, more research into the skin condition is taking place in order to treat the symptoms prior to them appearing, and not after they are already present.

In order to complete this research, Departments of Health are looking for volunteers with Eczema to come to the University of Portsmouth, where the study is being carried out, for a water-based experiment.

Eczema has been reported to be more common in areas with hard water such as Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight but there is, as of yet no explanation for this. The study hopes to investigate whether Eczema can be improved or not, by installing a device in the home to soften the water – with the exception of the kitchen tap for drinking water.

Concentrating on children between aged 6 months and 16 years, the University wants people within this age category who suffer from moderate to severe Eczema to take part.

Affecting almost 20% of school children in the UK, it can develop further later on in life if not treated properly. In extreme cases, itches or burns can lead to oozing lesions. If the trial is successful, it could mean an improvement to the lives of millions of sufferers.

Anne-Marie Crawford-Flanagan from Gosport has just finished the trial with her 15 month old son Dylan who suffered from such severe eczema he needed to be wet wrapped from head to toe in bandages.

She said: "The eczema meant Dylan had bleeding sores and wouldn't sleep for more than an hour without waking up to scratch. We had about a dozen different creams on prescription and I was at my wit's end. Less than two weeks after the softener was installed there was a dramatic improvement. Now there's barely a mark on him. He's a completely different baby."

Professor Tara Dean, Director of Research at the School of Health Sciences and Social Work who is leading the study, said: "Eczema is reported to be less common in areas of soft water and there is anecdotal evidence which suggests that sufferers who already have a water softener installed see a reduction in their symptoms. Carrying out a proper clinical trial will help prove if this is the case. If water softeners are found to improve the symptoms of eczema it will be a breakthrough for both patients and doctors.

For some it may be as simple as reducing their dependency on pharmacological treatments such as steroids and creams. Softening the water also reduces the amount of detergent needed for washing clothes which can be a major irritant for eczema sufferers."

Devices for the water will be fitted free of charge for the duration of the study and families who take part in the trail will be offered to buy them at a reduced cost.

Any families who wish to take part in the trial will be assessed by a nurse to determine the severity of the condition, as well as having a house assessment to check if a softener may physically be fitted to the water supply.

Researchers are planning to publish their findings in a medical journey. For more information on the trial, visit www.swet-trial.co.uk

By Karen Asbury