Hydrogen Water Reduces Eczema Severity in Lab Mice Study
Hydrogen water ameliorates the severity of atopic dermatitis-like lesions and decreases interleukin-1β, interleukin-33, and mast cell infiltration in NC/Nga mice
Research hubs: Skin & Dermatology System
This research was done in animals. Results in animals often don't carry over to people.
- Evidence type
- Animal study (mouse)
- Authors
- Takuya Kajisa, Takuji Yamaguchi, Ailing Hu, Nobuhiro Suetake, Hiroyuki Kobayashi
- Journal
- Saudi Medical Journal
- Year
- 2017
- PMID
- 28889151
- Study Type
- Mouse
- Participants
- 29
- Delivery
- Water (Electrolysis)
- Dose
- ad libitum for 4 weeks
- Duration
- 4 weeks
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Cited by
- 18 (OpenAlex, as of November 2026)
- Country
- Japan
TL;DR
Drinking hydrogen water reduced skin inflammation and improved symptoms in mice with a condition similar to human eczema.
Key Finding
Hydrogen water treatment significantly reduced atopic dermatitis severity in mice by decreasing inflammatory markers (IL-1β and IL-33), mast cell infiltration, and transepidermal water loss compared to regular water.
Summary
Researchers gave mice with atopic dermatitis (a chronic skin condition causing itching and inflammation) either hydrogen water or regular purified water for 4 weeks. The mice drinking hydrogen water showed significant improvements: their skin lesions were less severe, their skin lost less water, and they had lower levels of inflammatory molecules (IL-1β and IL-33) and fewer immune cells called mast cells in their skin compared to the control group.
Practical Takeaway
This mouse study suggests hydrogen water may have anti-inflammatory effects relevant to atopic dermatitis, but it is an early-stage animal study only. Human clinical trials would be needed to determine whether these results apply to people with atopic dermatitis. Anyone with atopic dermatitis should consult their dermatologist before trying hydrogen water as a treatment.
Abstract (excerpt)
Objectives: To examine the effect of hydrogen water (HW) on the severity of atopic dermatitis (AD) and elucidate the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Methods: For this experimental study between March 2015 and December 2015, NC/Nga mice characterized by mild AD severity were given either…