Water Softener Salt Causing Itchy Skin and Rash, Advice Appreciated

butterfly123 · ‎06-27-2013

I have been searching the web for answers about the best water softener salt to purchase to avoid the painful rash and itching.

When we moved in January 2018 the landlord had the water softener filled with salt. Every other month he brings four bags of Iron reducing salt pellets. Since we use more than the average amount of water, we buy the grocery store brand to mix 50/50 when refilling water softener.

I was diagnosed at Mayo with dermatitis four years ago. No further testing was done. Steroid cream was prescribed. I had appointment with another dermatologist when we moved and he had the same diagnosis and prescribed the steroid cream.

Fast forward to March 2018. The difference in the water and water softener salt has caused my skin to react. Dermatologist doesn’t have any suggestions.

Suggestions for pure water softener salt please? Thank you.

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

We had a similar filter on our well water for iron, prior to having the chance to connect to public water.

In addition to the bags of pellets for the filter tank, we had to use a lot of bleach for the chlorine injector, due to iron bacteria in the water. We were spending a tidy sum for the bags of salt pellets and the gallons of bleach. While our system was under warranty, we stuck to the recommendations, but once the warranty expired, we changed the frequency for the system to backflush. Once we changed that, and water quality was still good, we stretched out replacement of the salt pellets, and cut back on the chlorine bleach. We did not sacrifice water quality, but at least when we changed the salt pellets, they were darker from the iron absorption and looked like they needed to be changed.

I would suggest trying to reduce the salt content in the water by going farther between filter changes to see if the dermatitis improves. The only real fix to your dermatitis issue is to move away from the iron/salt filtered water.

butterfly123 · ‎06-27-2013

@RedTop

What brand of water softener pellets are your preference?

Thank you.

Sunshine Kate · ‎03-10-2010

@butterfly123 wrote:
I have been searching the web for answers about the best water softener salt to purchase to avoid the painful rash and itching.

When we moved in January 2018 the landlord had the water softener filled with salt. Every other month he brings four bags of Iron reducing salt pellets. Since we use more than the average amount of water, we buy the grocery store brand to mix 50/50 when refilling water softener.

I was diagnosed at Mayo with dermatitis four years ago. No further testing was done. Steroid cream was prescribed. I had appointment with another dermatologist when we moved and he had the same diagnosis and prescribed the steroid cream.

Fast forward to March 2018. The difference in the water and water softener salt has caused my skin to react. Dermatologist doesn’t have any suggestions.

Suggestions for pure water softener salt please? Thank you.

I've been having the same dermatitis recently. We recently switched from plain salt in the water softener to Iron Out salt pellets and had major issues.

My husband switched back to just plain salt pellets and my dematitis went away. As far as I know, there's not many different brands of pure water softener salt.

He's been using Morton brand (plain) and my problem went away.

butterfly123 · ‎06-27-2013

@Sunshine Kate

I read that water softener salt is supposed to have the purity percentage listed on the bag.

I appreciate your response and am sorry you had the rash also.

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

@butterfly123,

I have been on public water since the late 90’s; sealed off my well, and no longer have a filtration system.

Our system was purchased locally thru Ecowater Systems, and after the warranty expired and we stopped service thru them, I think my husband purchased Morton brand salt pellets.

debcakes · ‎03-11-2010

Interesting thread. I have concerns about soft water, too. We have an expensive water softening system that also has tightly wound rope filter for removing iron and other impurities. My skin always itches after a shower. No rash, just a dry itchy feeling. My hands often itch, too. I am now spending a few months in Arizona with my mother. No water softener, here and I do not itch. I have been wondering why I itch at home, but not here. Until seeing this post I did not associate the itch with the water.

My other concern is what amount of salt is in our drinking water. How safe is it to drink? We use a Morton product. I’m in AZ so I cannot go look at the bag.

GingerPeach · ‎03-12-2010

I don't have a water softener, but the posts got me curious.

I found some articles that say using the plain salt (without any additives) is one way to prevent itching or other issues.

I expect you saw similar articles, @butterfly123.

One was a complaint about a Morton's product with additives that the company did not list on its label at that time.

[was Homegirl] Love to be home . . . thus the screen name. Joined 2003.

ID2 · ‎06-25-2012

We just got a new water softening system just 4 weeks ago. The rep for our system specified for us NOT to use Morton brand salt pellets. We use cubed salt and my itchy skin has virtually disappeared.

"Pure Michigan"

lindseyemmie · ‎04-10-2010

Try DIAMOND CRYSTAL softner salt. Regular version, not iron out version. We live in the country on ground that was coal mined at one time. Water here is as very hard & awful. With a sofner & this Diamond Crystal salt we have wonderful soft water. We used Morton in the past. Didn"t even come close to doing the job of the Diamond crystal. We get ours at Wal-Mart, Rural King or Tractor Supply. Hope I've helped you. Have a great day. Hugs.