Thursday 1 November 2012

Giveaway #234 : Win an eczema-friendly Kinetico water softener worth £1,300 - closed - winner Kara Guppy (@chelseamamma)



Could where you live affect your skin’s health and even be a trigger for eczema?  The answer could be yes, and it is all down to your tap water, especially if you live in a hard water area. 

According to mapping studies, in the UK there are over 13 million homes situated in hard water areas. Studies have shown that hard water can be an eczema trigger, and that primary school children living in hard water areas are almost 50% more likely to have eczema than those living in a softer water area.




Tony Frost, an independent consultant with over 35 years’ experience in water treatment design, supplies and services, says ‘It is thought that the calcium and magnesium in hard water cause dryness, which may lead to irritation, and households in hard water areas tend to use more soap and detergent, which may aggravate eczema sufferer’s skin’.

You may not want to move house, but you could easily change your water quality by softening your water when it enters your home. Kinetico commissioned talkhealth (http://bit.ly/XTZ3r5) to conduct an independent product trial and survey. Of the participants who had a Kinetico water softener fitted, 83% surveyed maintained that the water softener reduced the severity of their eczema and 91% experienced less itchiness.

Commenting on the trial, Julie van Onselen, Independent Dermatology Nurse, said: ‘Eczema affects 1 in 5 children aged up to 11 years old and 1 in 10 teenagers and adults. It can be very distressing to the child, teenager, and adult with eczema and for their families. The most positive result from this trial is that people with eczema felt their skin was smoother and less itchy. The vicious scratch-itch cycle is often the hardest symptom to deal with, dry skin is itchy skin and itchy skin is scratched, which leads to damage and often a “flare-up” of eczema. Therefore, if skin is less itchy, scratching and skin damage will reduce and eczema ‘flares’ will reduce’.

To find out if your postcode is hard on your skin, and how a water softener can bring relief to you and your family, visit www.kinetico.co.uk/eczema.

Key eczema facts - did you know…
  • According to the National Eczema Society, ‘In the UK, 1 in 5 children and 1 in 12 adults have eczema.
  • Eczema causes sleep problems and affects studying.
  • Embarrassment can lead to low self -esteem.
  • Stress can make eczema worse.



Kinetico water softeners have been shown to:
  • Alleviate the troublesome symptoms of eczema and dry skin conditions
  • Encourage smoother, softer skin and silky hair
  • Decrease the time spent on household cleaning with reduced lime scale on shower screens and tiles and water marks from taps, sinks and toilets
  • Decrease, by up to 75%, the use of soaps and detergents
  • Produce softer, brighter looking clothing after washing
  • Increase the life of water appliances

Kinetico water softeners are available through authorized Kinetico suppliers located around the country. See www.kinetico.co.uk for further information. The range is considered to be highly reliable and one of the most efficient available - prices start from £800 and the most popular model (Kinetico 2020c) retails at £1,330.

I have a truly amazing prize for one Madhouse Family Reviews reader. Kinetico would like to offer a FREE installation and water softener from Kinetico, valued at £1300 ! 


To be in with a chance of winning, just do the following :

- Comment on one of my other blogposts (other giveaways don't count!)

Post your top tip to relieve eczema symptoms in the comments box below, with a way of contacting you (twitter name or email) and tell me which of my blogposts you commented on. 

Bonus entries

You can do any or all of the following for bonus entries - just make sure you leave me one comment per entry so that they're all counted !

(1) Follow me on twitter (@cherylp59) and tweet about my competition. You can use the handy retweet button over in my side bar (feel free to shorten it if necessary) or write your own tweet but make sure you copy in @cherylp59 so I can track this.

(2) Like "Madhouse Family Reviews" on facebook (https://www.facebook.com/MadhouseFamilyReviews) and leave me a message on my wall

(3) I love reading your comments so leave me some extra comments on my other blogposts (maximum 5 - other giveaways don't count !) and I'll give you a bonus entry for each one. Just remember to leave me a comment here each time to tell me you've done so.

(4) Subscribe to my blog by email (near the top of the right-hand sidebar) so that all the new posts pop into your inbox in a handy digest every morning

(5) click on the google +1 button over in my sidebar and/or add me as a friend on google+

(6) add a +k klout point to @cherylp59 on Klout and tell me which category you added it to

(7) Follow my blog with Google Friends Connect (over in the right hand side bar)

 UK only. Closing date : 21/11/12

Please note, you will be contacted by email and/or twitter. If I haven't heard from you after a week, I'll have to pick another winner. 



163 comments:

  1. I follow oyu on twitter already, like your FB page, follow your blog, not sure if I have subscribed to emaul but I already follow it anyways :-)
    And I commented on 'Fireman Sam Safety Advice for Bonfire Night' x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello have left a comment on Fireman Sam safety :) Fabulous comp!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I follow you on google reader :) Lucinda

    ReplyDelete
  4. wow what a fab prize, we live in a soft water area and you notice the difference when you travel to other parts of the uk. (This is not an entry just a comment)
    Hope you get masses of entries.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Commented on 'Bisto Stock Melts review'.
    @maisietoo

    Eczema can be stress related so try stress relievers. I have found that getting the eczema wet all the time aggrevates it. Dare I say - try and cut down on the number of baths/showers you have!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Follow on Twitter and tweeted
    @maisietoo

    ReplyDelete
  7. Like your Facebook page as Maya Russell and left a message.
    @maisietoo

    ReplyDelete
  8. Commented on 'Philly Black Widow Spider Chocolate Cup Cakes for Halloween'
    @maisietoo

    ReplyDelete
  9. Commented on 'Little Dish Fresh Pasta review'
    @maisietoo

    ReplyDelete
  10. Commented on 'Fireman Sam Safety Advice for Bonfire Night'
    @maisietoo

    ReplyDelete
  11. Commented on 'Tommee Tippee toddler products review'
    @maisietoo

    ReplyDelete
  12. I'm subscribed to your blog by e-mail.
    @maisietoo

    ReplyDelete
  13. Shared with the G+ button as Maya Russell.
    @maisietoo

    ReplyDelete
  14. Following with GFC as Maya Russell.
    @maisietoo

    ReplyDelete
  15. My tip is to wear organic clothing at night and put lot of cream oily base.
    @MFM_Lichfield
    I had comment on your cupcake.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Follow u on twitter @mfm_lichfield

    ReplyDelete
  17. Had like u on Facebook. Eileen Teo

    ReplyDelete
  18. following you on gfc ianmaciver

    ReplyDelete
  19. I commented on your Chicken Tonight review - we love the stuff :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. My top tip is (dependant on what treatment cream you use) to leave it to absorb itself rather than rubbing it in. Many creams my son has used work better this way, e just pop PJs or loose clothing on top. Our nurse suggested this and it has really helped with the effectiveness of the cream.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Already follow on twitter and have tweeted this giveaway
    https://twitter.com/NickiCawood/status/264377465814790144

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wow! Great prize. My eczema has really been playing up since i moved house 6 months ago. Hasn't been as bad as it is now since i was a child and unfortunately its affecting my 3 year old too so any way to combat it would be a godsend! It can make you really down and affect your life in ways you don't realise.

    I have followed on FB, twitter (was anyway) and followed the blog, tweeted (@chica_lisa88) and also commented on Fireman Sam Safety Advice for Bonfire Night.

    xx

    ReplyDelete
  23. Follow me on twitter @handbag2000

    ReplyDelete
  24. wear organic clothing at night

    ReplyDelete
  25. Subscribe to my blog by email

    ReplyDelete
  26. Follow your blog with Google Friends Connect

    ReplyDelete
  27. https://twitter.com/handbag2000/status/264387047043768321

    ReplyDelete
  28. weve just revamped the kitchen and discussed putting in water softener but finances didnt allow

    ReplyDelete
  29. I have two children with pretty severe eczema. I would love to win this, anything that helps them is more than welcome.

    ReplyDelete
  30. tip is wear cotton clothes. and use sudocrem

    ReplyDelete
  31. have followed on twitter and tweeted : https://twitter.com/domesticgoddesq/statuses/264739847019851777

    ReplyDelete
  32. and I have followed and commented on Facebook

    ReplyDelete
  33. I have always found Aveeno cream to really help my son's eczema!! @chelseamamma

    ReplyDelete
  34. Commented on your Schloer post http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/shloer-berry-punch-review.html?showComment=1352010151399

    ReplyDelete
  35. Bizarrely we were advised to get a water softener last week, but nearly fell over when we saw the price!! Tweeted as @chelseamamma

    ReplyDelete
  36. Cherise (@CherryTweep)5 November 2012 at 20:59

    I've 3 kids with eczema so I could write a book of tips on how to manage it - first tip is: what works for one person might not for another (the same management techniques don't work for my three) so keep persevering until you find something that helps.
    Most important thing is to moisturise, moisturise, moisturise. Then moisturise a bit more! Limit baths and showers to 10 mins max and make sure not too hot. Use aquaeous cream as soap and then moisturise while skin still damp to lock in maximum moisture.

    Maybe use the Moshi Monster chocolate as a moisturiser ;0)

    I've commented on the Moshi Monster chocolate review and treating common illnesses the (French) natural way.

    I've followed you on Twitter for ages!

    ReplyDelete
  37. I follow you on Twitter already as @lemonfancy This sounds amazing and I wonder if it would help with my itchy scalp as it drives me crazy!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Left you a wall message as Lynn Fancy (Lemon)

    ReplyDelete
  39. Already subscribed via email doctorsrose@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. Gave you some K and shared https://twitter.com/LemonFancy/status/265608643926433792

    ReplyDelete
  41. I have left a comment here http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/warner-brothers-halloween-box-of.html?showComment=1352304155947#c251052853273616658

    ReplyDelete
  42. and here :) http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/book-review-death-sculptor-chris-carter.html?showComment=1352305053248#c8534398798396772728

    ReplyDelete
  43. WOULD LOVE THIS

    SAVE A FORTUNE INSTEAD OF BOTTLED WATER

    ReplyDelete
  44. My top tip is to keep moisturized with such a product as Aveeno etc it helps surpress the itching.

    ReplyDelete
  45. I Have commented on this post http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/young%20adult%20fiction

    ReplyDelete
  46. Always mosturise when eczema is at its worst at least a couple of times a day and when its at bay mosturise every night and after every bath/shower, I find cocoa butter or aloe vera are best as they really help sooth the itching, dry skin and inflamation and smell great too which always helps. They are non greasy as well unlike the main medications given by doctors. I suppose everyone is is different but for me this works very well. Good Luck.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I have left a comment on Scotch Brite Cleaning Products Head-to-Head post :) x

    ReplyDelete
  48. My tip is, don’t soak in water that doesn’t contain an oil because it will dry the skin. :) x

    ReplyDelete
  49. I follow you on Twitter & have tweeted @mum2alesha :) x

    ReplyDelete
  50. Liked your Facebook page & have left you a comment x

    ReplyDelete
  51. I follow your blog via GFC :) x

    ReplyDelete
  52. Commented on your Pop Party 10 Review =)

    x

    ReplyDelete
  53. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Moisturise every hour to keep your skin from getting dry.

    x

    @khal_khaleesi

    ReplyDelete
  55. As a confidence booster (and I know you will think I'm mad) but talk to your reflection and tell your ecezema to leave and go away, that it doesn't control you etc etc It will feel VERY odd to start with but IT WORKS! Other than that - porridge oats in a muslin bag put in the bath water a real soothing treat add some herbs or flower petals of your choice, rose is a good soother xx

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hi Cheryl,

    I've left a comment on your blog post about Treating common health issues the natural (French) way. I loved it!

    My top tip for eczema, which I get on my hands, is to put on petroleum jelly before bed then put on a very cheap pair of gloves that I don't mind getting messy to keep it on overnight. Works better than anything else I've tried.

    :) Annie

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hi Cheryl,

    I'd love a bonus entry and I've followed you on twitter and tweeted about your giveaway :) @AbandAnna

    My top tip for eczema, which I get on my hands, is to put on petroleum jelly before bed then put on a very cheap pair of gloves that I don't mind getting messy to keep it on overnight. Works better than anything else I've tried.

    :) Annie

    ReplyDelete
  58. Oh! Just found this page on FB and apparently is great for eczema - cannot wait to try it!!

    Thought you all might find it interesting http://www.facebook.com/a2MilkUK?sk=timeline

    ReplyDelete
  59. Commented on your Equal Rights & Insurance post.

    My top tip is not to be afraid to throw things away if they don't suit your child. The only way you know if by trying, even with the mildest brands, and I've given away embarrassing amounts of detergent, body wash & creams that have set Squeaky's skin off.

    @meedja on twitter.

    ReplyDelete
  60. Following you on twitter & tweeted @meedja
    https://twitter.com/meedja/status/267398435492220929

    ReplyDelete
  61. And left you a happy hello on facebook

    ReplyDelete
  62. Following on google, facebook, twitter.
    I tweeted about the competition.

    fantastic.

    ReplyDelete
  63. Following on twitter as @libertygirly

    I've retweeted here: https://twitter.com/meedja/status/267398435492220929

    It wouldn't let me edit it to put in @libertygirly but it shows me as a retweeter. x

    ReplyDelete
  64. I suffer with horrendous hand eczema. I tend to wear cotton gloves to do all my housework in. To soothe, I use hydromol to wash in and coat my hands in it at night and put cotton gloves on.

    I never did it before because when people said it, I thought they thought it would stop me scratching. What it DOES do is let the cream soak in due to the pores opening when you're asleep. I find now that when I get up my hands aren't so sore. IT also protects them from dustmites whilst sleeping.

    Don't forget, dustmites see us eczema sufferers in the same way that we see an all you can eat buffet!!!!


    I commented on this review: http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/calling-all-soup-monsters.html?showComment=1352624379743#c8390103676368860443

    ReplyDelete
  65. I already like you on facebook and have left a comment which you can view here:

    https://www.facebook.com/MadhouseFamilyReviews/posts/437094269680276

    ReplyDelete
  66. I am already subscribed to your mailing list with donna[at]icklebits[dot]co[dot]uk :) x

    ReplyDelete
  67. Have google+1 as Donna Lawton :-) x

    ReplyDelete
  68. Following via googleconnect as Donna Lawton :-) x

    ReplyDelete
  69. I've commented on Book review : Astray - Emma Donoghue

    My top tip is to ensure that you dry any patches very well after a bath or show - it seems to get worse if my skin is wet & warm.

    @Isis1981uk

    ReplyDelete
  70. I've commented on Lindt Chocolate and Wine Pairing Experience
    My tip would be sometimes not to have a shower or bath (ie one day every fortnight), so that the skin has some "rest"!
    @Dorothee77

    ReplyDelete
  71. I follow you on Twitter and tweeted
    @Dorothee77

    ReplyDelete
  72. I like your FB page and left a comment on your wall
    @Dorothee77

    ReplyDelete
  73. I subscribe to the blog via email
    @Dorothee77

    ReplyDelete
  74. I've clicked on the +1 button
    @Dorothee77

    ReplyDelete
  75. I've left another comment on Crispello review
    @Dorothee77

    ReplyDelete
  76. Hi Cheryl,

    I came across your blog as I was researching Kinetico water softeners for my best friend who is a long term eczema sufferer who gets it all over her body :( She has been saving for one of these for a long time but as she's getting close to the goal some other emergency comes up and the money is used else where! I would love to win one for her, it would be so appreciated as I know she really wants one.

    I know her top tip to keep the eczema from flaring up is to keep the room cool and try not to scratch!! (hard I know)

    I left a comment on the Crispello review (lisajcharman@aol.com)
    Will be following your blogs avidly from now on! x

    ReplyDelete
  77. commented on fudgeridoo review :)
    @emmav6

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oooh forgot to leave my tip - my eldest gets flare ups of dry skin/eczema on his arms & i find getting out in the sunshine frequently really helps his skin condition

      Delete
  78. follow on google+
    emma walters
    @emmav6

    ReplyDelete
  79. klouted for reviews
    emma walters
    @emmav6

    ReplyDelete
  80. follow on gfc
    emma walters
    @emmav6

    ReplyDelete
  81. flacseed oil was always good for me and the kids use it too, water softner would be a great help, and softne the irritation

    ReplyDelete
  82. I have suffered with eczema all my life and use non perfumed products

    ReplyDelete
  83. graet prize ,following and liking you.

    ReplyDelete
  84. Sarah Blundell
    @srblundell
    I suffer from eczema and used to use lots of steroid creams. Now I just use Moo Udderly Smooth cream (bought from Amazon) and it is amazing. Totally recommend it. Steroid creams now are used perhaps a couple of days per month. Magic!

    ReplyDelete
  85. I've commented on Olives Et Al Putney Sauce and Chilli Billy Jelly review

    ReplyDelete
  86. I've tweeted message - @emmilaom

    ReplyDelete
  87. I follow on twitter - @emmiloam

    ReplyDelete
  88. I already like on FB - Emma Smith

    ReplyDelete
  89. My best tip for excema is avoiding scented products and if you work anywhere where you use antibiotic gel, wash your hands instead at least every four applications because it builds up on your skin and the alcohl dries it out.

    I commented here http://madhousefamilyreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/tasty-little-numbers-meal-pots-review.html

    ReplyDelete
  90. commented on Talking Bananas in Pyjamas review.
    My best tip is stick to non biological washing powder and avoid perfumed products. @lillyfer85

    ReplyDelete
  91. following and tweeted @lillyfer85 https://twitter.com/lillyfer85/status/270985879064023041

    ReplyDelete
  92. commented on facebook as Samantha Ripley

    ReplyDelete
  93. following on gfc as samantha_ripley

    ReplyDelete
  94. commented on My fabulous Fairtrade Big Fair Bake prize package @lillyfer85

    ReplyDelete
  95. commented on My Style Design & Make Deluxe Charm Bracelets kit review @lillyfer85

    ReplyDelete
  96. commented on Tasty Little Numbers Meal Pots review @lillyfer85

    ReplyDelete
  97. commented on DaisychainBaby Toddler Clothes review @lillyfer85

    ReplyDelete
  98. I found that only cooton clothes helped my daughter from scratching and only was in non biological soap pwder and softner as well as sheets and towels which sometimes people forget, its such a destressing thing to see your little ones suffer with as all they want to do it scratch and you end up telling them off When our daughters was very flared we had cotton gloves that she wore at night

    ReplyDelete
  99. Have to use non-bio washing powder, no fabric conditioner and try to use as much natural and organic food as possible. Use unperfumed shower gels and my daughter's eczema is usually under control. @fulhamgirly ps Followed you and retweeted on twitter and commented on your shloer post

    ReplyDelete
  100. I've commented on the fireman sam fire safety post

    ReplyDelete
  101. commented on candy app @ma6jrp

    ReplyDelete
  102. I have found allergenics creams to be excellent and not nasties @ma6jrp

    ReplyDelete
  103. google friends connect @ma6jrp

    ReplyDelete
  104. commented on Book review : The Collini Case - Ferdinand von

    Use natural creams.

    ReplyDelete
  105. Commented on "We'll be Baking Mad here at The Madhouse ! "

    @robynlclarke

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Keep your skin clean and only use natural products....Get someone else to do the cleaning ;-)

      Delete
  106. Following and tweeted @robynlclarke

    https://twitter.com/robynlclarke/status/271048686472151043

    ReplyDelete
  107. Following on Google Friend Connect - Robynl

    ReplyDelete
  108. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  109. I commented on your review My Style Design & Make Deluxe Charm Bracelets kit review.
    My best tip for dealing with eczema symptoms is to ditch all the lotions and potions and buy an aloe vera plant. Chopping off a leaf and keeping it in the fridge to rub on when the symptoms start is a much more natural way to relieve itchiness and soreness. @piperanddaisy

    ReplyDelete
  110. following and have tweeted @piperanddaisy

    ReplyDelete
  111. liked on facebook and have commented on your wall as sue willshee @piperanddaisy

    ReplyDelete
  112. Already subscribed to blog via email @piperanddaisy

    ReplyDelete
  113. google +1'd as piper and daisy @piperanddaisy

    ReplyDelete
  114. I gave you a K+ in reviews @piperanddaisy

    ReplyDelete
  115. Following with Google Friends Connect as Piper and Daisy @piperanddaisy

    ReplyDelete
  116. I give me son fish oil and that really helps :) I have commented on Ben 10 Kevin's Car Construction Set review @snarepuss

    ReplyDelete
  117. I have liked and commented on fb - sarah catherine parker

    ReplyDelete
  118. followed and tweeted @snarepuss

    ReplyDelete
  119. avoid dairy products.

    shaddai88@yahoo.co.uk

    ReplyDelete
  120. Great idea for up-cycling! This would be good to do after a party. I wonder what kinds of flowers you could make with forks and knives too.
    cara mengobati kurap di selangkangan

    ReplyDelete
  121. Interesting and Valuable Post.
    I am looking Your another Post.
    Thanks for sharing !
    Hardwater to softwater NCIWC

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...