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.
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.
