Can a Shower Filter Help with Asthma and Eczema?

As health conscious adults, we’re always looking for ways to create a healthier environment for ourselves and our families – from the food we eat, to the air we breathe, to the products we use daily. One thing many of us don’t consider is the water our families shower in every single day.

In Australia, our tap water is treated with chlorine and other chemicals to make it safe to drink. While this is important for killing harmful bacteria, these same chemicals can become irritants to our skin and lungs once we step into a hot, steamy shower. That’s where a chlorine shower filter like the zazen Infinity Shower Filter can play an important role in supporting healthier skin, easier breathing, and greater comfort for your family – particularly kids with allergies, eczema, or asthma.

What's really in your shower water? 

Tap water isn’t just H₂O. It’s a mix of disinfectants, heavy metals, and trace contaminants. The most common contaminants in tap water are chlorine and chloramines, which are added to kill bacteria and make water safe to drink. You may also find volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as chloroform, and traces of heavy metals from ageing pipes.

When we step into a hot shower, we’re exposed to these contaminants through our skin (also known as dermal absorption) and the vapour we breathe. While chlorine and chloramines are effective disinfectants, they can also disrupt the delicate balance of the skin and respiratory system, especially in children.

Chlorine and eczema: Why chlorine can worsen skin allergies

Chlorine and skin rashes are common, particularly in children. If your child struggles with sensitive skin, eczema, or frequent rashes, chlorine may be part of the problem.

Chlorine is known to strip away the skin’s natural oils, often leaving it dry, itchy, or irritated. For kids (or adults) with eczema or sensitive skin, this extra stress on the skin barrier can trigger flare-ups or make existing rashes worse. Many parents notice their child’s eczema worsens after swimming in chlorinated pools – and unfortunately, the same effect can happen with daily showers.

Simply put, what’s meant to keep water “clean” may in fact be compromising the body’s first line of defence: the skin barrier.

The link between chlorine and asthma

It’s not just skin that suffers. There’s also growing evidence connecting chlorine exposure with respiratory issues.

When chlorine and its by-products evaporate in a hot shower, we also inhale them. This can aggravate the lungs and contribute to coughing or asthma symptoms – particularly in children or anyone with pre-existing sensitivities. For children or adults with asthma or other respiratory sensitivities, this extra chemical load can trigger coughing, wheezing, or general discomfort. Even the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme recognises chlorine as a strong respiratory irritant. Prolonged inhalation can negatively impact lung health, which is particularly concerning for sensitive populations such as children.

For those already managing asthma or allergies, reducing unnecessary chemical exposures can help lighten the toxic load and support their overall wellbeing.

How a shower filter can help

The good news? You can significantly reduce your families exposure simply by filtering the water they shower in.

The zazen Infinity Shower Filter is designed to:

• Remove chlorine, chloramines, and other contaminants before they reach your skin and lungs.

• Reduce harsh vapours in the bathroom, so you breathe cleaner air while showering.

• Deliver gentler, softer water that hydrates the skin instead of stripping it, easing chlorine and skin rashes.

Families who have installed a shower filter often tell me they notice the difference almost immediately – softer skin, fewer rashes, and no more chlorine smell lingering in the bathroom.

A simple step toward healthier living

When it comes to protecting your family’s health, small changes can make a big difference. Switching to filtered shower water is an easy, practical way to support skin comfort and easier breathing – especially for little ones with allergies, asthma, or eczema.

💧 September 2025 Promotion - I’m including a FREE replacement cartridge with every zazen Infinity Shower Filter. That means you’ll enjoy cleaner, healthier shower water straight away – plus your next cartridge is covered too. https://herbandspice.com.au/shop/p/shower-filter

If you’ve been thinking about making the switch, now’s the perfect time. Your skin, lungs, and family will thank you.