Yes, many people consider Epsom salt baths to be good for eczema, but it’s not the whole story. A lot of people swear by an Epsom salt bath for the relief of eczema. However, there is limited scientific proof to back up their claims.
Eczema sufferers are always looking for a magical cure. Do some research with the help of Google and you’ll find many options. Healing crystals and tea tree oil are just a couple of examples.
One treatment that comes up, again and again, is Epsom Salts. The information you find in this post will help you decide whether Epsom salt will work for you. You’ll also learn how best to use Epsom salt baths.
Does Epsom Salt Help Eczema?
In order to understand whether Epsom salt baths can help your eczema, let’s start by looking at what Epsom salt really is.
A more technical term for Epsom salt is “hydrated salt”. Basically, Epsom salts are inorganic salt that combines sulfate and magnesium to make easily absorbable magnesium sulfate.
Magnesium
Magnesium is easily absorbed by the skin and helps reduce inflammation caused by eczema and similar skin conditions. It is a vital component in many skin care products because it helps to replenish skin while also moisturizing and soothing your skin. Magnesium supplements have been shown to reduce chronic inflammation.
One of the many skincare benefits of magnesium is that it can help reduce inflammation caused by conditions that lead to dry and itchy skin, such as eczema. Magnesium has the ability to influence immunological responses to antigen issues. It has a skin barrier function and stops the immune system from producing pro-inflammatory factors that cause inflammation.
Magnesium can also help decrease anxiety and stress, which can trigger eczema flare-ups. It can also lower blood toxicity because it functions as an alkalinizing agent. In addition, magnesium helps muscle and nerve function.
Sulfur
Sulfur is a mineral found within the Earth’s crust, usually near volcanic vents. There are no studies that prove sulfur is an effective treatment for eczema. A 2017 animal study found that mineral-rich spring water reduced eczema-like inflammation in mice. However, there have been no specific human studies.
Sulfur appears to be keratolytic and antimicrobial. This means it can hydrate and soften dry, hard skin. It is also thought to have anti-inflammatory properties and could reduce itching.
How to Use Epsom Salt in Baths for Eczema?
Epsom salt, or magnesium sulfate, as it’s also known, provides local and systemic anti-inflammatory action. Epsom salt baths can calm itchiness and soothe pain and swelling. However, you have to understand how to use Epsom salts correctly.
If you want to enjoy the benefits of taking an Epsom salts bath, follow these steps:
1. Run yourself a nice warm bath
The water should be a temperature that you’re comfortable with. Avoid making the bath scalding hot because this will make your skin feel tight.
The water should be lukewarm because this will prevent worsening of your eczema symptoms.
2. Dissolve 2 cups of Epsom salt per gallon of water.
For children, the recommended dose of Epsom salt in the bath is 1/2 a cup.
You could add 1/4 to 1 cup of baking soda, as this will further reduce any itching.
3. Submerge your body completely
Alternatively, you can make a small bath of Epsom salt soak if you have one particular area that’s affected.
Lie back, relax, and breath deeply. The warm water will open your pores and allow the Epsom salt to do its work.
Aim to soak for between 10 and 40 minutes. To help you relax, try listening to relaxing music, light some candles for mood lighting, and add some essential oils to the bath water.
4.You could try meditating or deep breathing.
This final step is an optional one. Try 5-5-5 triangle breathing if you’re not sure what to do. You inhale for 5 seconds, hold your breath for 5 seconds, and then exhale slowly for 5 seconds.
While you’re practicing deep breathing, think about some things you’re grateful for. Watch a TV show on your laptop or something else that makes you feel happy and relaxed.
You should repeat this Epsom salt bath process 2 to 3 times per week.
What to do After an Epsom Salt Bath?
If you want to boost the effects of your soothing Epsom salt bath, do the following when you hop out of your bathtub:
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Using a soft towel, lightly pat yourself dry. Don’t rub your skin. Try to keep your skin slightly damp and this will help to retain moisture.
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If you use a prescription topical eczema treatment, you should apply it now.
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Within 3 minutes of drying off, moisturize your whole body. The moisturizer should have a high oil content and no dye or fragrance.
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Don’t get dressed or put any clothes on until your skin has fully absorbed the moisturizer.
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Avoid using any perfumes or cosmetics on your skin
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It’s recommended that people with eczema moisturize twice per day
Are There Any Safety Precautions and Dangerous Side Effects?
Before using an Epsom salt bath for eczema, talk with your dermatologist so they can determine whether Epsom salts are right for you. There is the potential for the Epsom salt bath to make your symptoms worse.
It’s also critical that Epsom salt is only used externally. Consuming Epsom salt could cause side effects that are potentially dangerous, such as diarrhea, which could lead to dehydration.
You should also avoid using Epsom salt for eczema on your skin if it’s infected, inflamed, or broken as it could make the irritation worse and be very uncomfortable.
Try to limit your Epsom salt baths to 2 to 3 times a week. Soaking for too long should also be avoided. If your fingers or toes are starting to resemble raisins, it’s time to get out of your Epsom salt bath. No more than 15 minutes should be enough.
If you experience any reactions to Epsom salt for eczema, get out of the bath immediately and stop using it. You might want to discuss your reaction with your dermatologist.
There are also possible side effects to be aware of. For example:
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Skin rash or contact dermatitis if you have sensitive skin
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Drinking Epsom salt by mistake could cause:
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Blurry vision
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Irregular heartbeat
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Diarrhea
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Fainting or dizziness
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Difficulty breathing
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Extreme fatigue
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Muscle weakness
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Changes in bladder habits
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Are There Other Bath Salts You Can Use for Eczema?
You can use a variety of other bath additives or natural remedies to help improve the effectiveness of pharmacological eczema treatments. They include:
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Natural oils
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Rice
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Colloidal oatmeal or baking soda for reliving itchiness
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Dead Sea salt
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Commercial baby cleansers
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A half cup of table salt may provide relief from the stinging experienced during a severe flare-up
How Does Epsom Salt Compare to Topical Treatments?
A 2021 review compared other topical treatments to Epsom salt. It was found that topical pharmacological treatments such as anti-inflammatory drugs and steroid creams were more commonly used. These medications were prescribed to help patients manage and prevent eczema flare-ups.
It also found strong evidence for the use of topical steroids to help treat long and short-term symptoms of eczema.
Other effective treatments include topical calcineurin inhibitors, for both children and adult eczema sufferers.
Where to Get Epsom Salts for Eczema Treatment?
You can buy Epsom salts to treat eczema symptoms and also atopic dermatitis in most grocery and pharmacy stores. You might find it by the first aid supplies such as peroxide and alcohol. It might also be on the shelf in the bath section.
It’s also possible to purchase Epsom salts online from reputable suppliers like Body and Earth Inc. Visit our collections and you’ll discover a selection of bath salt products, including Epsom salt. The Epsom salt used is extracted from the deep sea and is 100% natural. It is the purest salt with no chemical additives.
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Lavender Bath Salts Gift Set- Regular price
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$35.99 - Regular price
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$42.99 - Sale price
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$35.99
Conclusion
While there is limited scientific evidence to suggest that an Epsom salt bath can benefit your eczema or atopic dermatitis, plenty of sufferers have been successfully using magnesium sulfate for relief of their eczema symptoms. The same can be said for other bathing additives, for example, Dead Sea salt.
FAQs
1. How much Epsom salt to use for an eczema bath?
For every gallon of lukewarm bath water, you should add 2 cups of Epsom salt.
2. How long should you stay in an Epsom salt bath with eczema?
According to the National Eczema Association, you should stay in an Epsom salt bath for no more than 15 minutes for the relief of your eczema symptoms. Epsom salt baths can also be used for atopic dermatitis.
