Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic, or ongoing, disease. While there’s no cure for eczema, certain treatments and natural remedies can help manage symptoms like itching and skin irritation.

Some MyEczemaTeam members bathe with Epsom salts in addition to using their prescribed treatments to manage their eczema symptoms. One member shared, “I cannot lie — Epsom salts do wonders for your skin. Please give it a try and you will not be dissatisfied.” Another said, “I have had eczema for over 40 years. I can tell you that bathing in Epsom salts is a very good thing.” In fact, different kinds of baths and bathing techniques may help your skin with eczema.

Although Epsom salts can’t treat the underlying causes of eczema, they may help manage skin symptoms like dryness, itchiness, and irritation. This article will discuss the potential benefits of Epsom salts and explore how they may be used for eczema symptom relief. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor or dermatologist before trying any new home remedies for your eczema.

Will Epsom Salts Help Eczema?

Epsom salts are mineral salts named after a saltwater spring in the town of Epsom, England. Specifically, Epsom salts contain magnesium sulfate — a compound of the elements magnesium and sulfur. Table salt, on the other hand, is composed of the elements sodium and chlorine. Epsom salts have been recommended by integrative medicine practitioners to help with a range of issues, including muscle soreness, anxiety, stress, and sleeping problems.

Are Epsom Salts Good For Eczema?

Some MyEczemaTeam members use Epsom salts as a remedy to help calm eczema-prone skin. One member commented, “Who would’ve known that Epsom salt baths help to heal dead, itchy, red skin? It helps remove dead skin so the new skin can form a barrier.”

Another member shared their experience with Epsom salts: “My foot was a weepy, itchy mess … This morning, the itch is just a tingle. Dead Sea salt and Epsom salt baths help, so I thought I’d give it a go … I’ve now had three sessions, and my skin is a lot better! The itch is under control, and the redness is gone.”

What the Research Says

Even though many people with eczema say Epsom salts help, researchers have not yet determined how safe and effective Epsom salts are for eczema. Some believe that a lack of magnesium contributes to eczema, but research has not supported this link. More studies are needed to understand if topical magnesium plays any role in treating eczema.

If a lack of magnesium did contribute to eczema, it would make sense that getting magnesium through an Epsom salt bath could help relieve eczema symptoms. However, there’s no evidence that the body can absorb magnesium through the skin in any meaningful amount, so this idea isn’t proven.

Epsom Salts and Mental Health

There’s a chance that Epsom salt baths could help with mental health and stress, both of which are closely connected to eczema and may trigger eczema flare-ups. Although it’s unlikely that your skin can absorb magnesium from a bath, you may be able to benefit from the relaxation that comes with soaking in an Epsom salt bath.

Magnesium has been shown to help with depression and anxiety. However, evidence for this comes from people taking magnesium in pill form, not through the skin. It’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about whether oral magnesium supplements could help with your mental health or eczema.

Is Epsom Salt Safe for Eczema?

It’s also important to note that Epsom salts may not be recommended for some people living with eczema. If you have open wounds, skin infections, or severe inflammation, you should avoid using them. Some members of MyEczemaTeam have had bad reactions to Epsom salts. One member shared, “I took an Epsom salt bath once. My whole body ended up red and inflamed. Took a week to heal up.” If you haven’t tried Epsom salts before, you may want to be cautious until you know how Epsom salts affect your skin. It’s a good idea to test them on a small area of your skin first to see how it reacts.

How To Use Epsom Salts for Eczema

If you choose to try Epsom salts for eczema, the most common way to use it is by dissolving it in a bath. The Cleveland Clinic recommends adding 300 grams (about one cup) of Epsom salt to your bath water and soaking in the dissolved salts for 15 minutes. Although hot water helps the salt dissolve more quickly, it’s recommended that people with eczema bathe only in lukewarm water, and for no more than 15 minutes, as hot water can make symptoms like dryness worse. The National Eczema Association also suggests applying a moisturizer or emollient after the bath to help seal in hydration while your skin is warm and moist.

Some MyEczemaTeam members add other ingredients to their baths alongside Epsom salts, like essential oils. One member shared, “When it comes to skin that has already been scratched and is raw, I like to do a bath bomb with oils and Epsom salts. It soothes the irritated, raw skin that I have scratched. I like to get Dr. Teal’s Epsom salt bath bombs — they have eucalyptus in them, and it seems to help, especially with the itching.” However, you may want to tread carefully unless you’re adding ingredients you know won’t irritate your skin.

Tips for Using Epsom Salts for Eczema

If you want to try using Epsom salts to treat eczema, here are some tips for getting the best results.

1. Talk to Your Dermatologist

Before trying Epsom salts for your eczema, talk to your dermatology team to make sure it’s right for you. Your healthcare provider can advise whether it’s a good option for your skin or if it could make your symptoms worse.

2. Only Use Epsom Salts Externally

Epsom salts are for external use only. Consuming Epsom salts can cause dangerous side effects like severe diarrhea, which may lead to dehydration.

3. Test a Small Area of Skin First

Some members of MyEczemaTeam report reactions to Epsom salts, and they aren’t recommended if your skin is very inflamed or has open wounds. To be safe, test it on a small area of skin first. Soak a hand or a foot in an Epsom salt bath for a few minutes, then wait to see how your skin reacts.

Meet Your Team

MyEczemaTeam is the social network for people living with eczema and their loved ones. Here, more than 54,000 members from around the world come together to ask questions, offer advice and support, and meet others who understand life with eczema.

Have you tried Epsom salts to manage your eczema symptoms? Do you have any tips for using Epsom salts for eczema? Share your experience and tips in the comments below or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.