Eczema Treatment: Exploring the Benefits of Epsom Salt, Its Applications, and More
In the ongoing quest to manage eczema symptoms, many individuals are turning to natural remedies, and one of these is Epsom salt. While Epsom salt baths are not a proven cure for eczema, they can provide a soothing and helpful complement to traditional treatments.
People with eczema should moisturize at least twice daily to keep their skin hydrated and protect the skin barrier. Heavily scented products may irritate the skin, so it is best to avoid them.
Epsom salt baths may help ease itching and inflammation associated with eczema, and many people report benefits for eczema flare-ups, such as reduced redness and tightness. The magnesium in Epsom salt is thought to ease skin irritation and soothe sensitive skin.
To use Epsom salt in a bath for eczema, the general recommended steps are:
- Fill your bathtub with lukewarm water, as hot water can worsen eczema by drying out the skin.
- Add about 1 to 2 cups of Epsom salt to the water.
- Soak for about 15 to 20 minutes to allow the minerals to penetrate and soothe the skin.
- After bathing, gently pat the skin dry rather than rubbing to avoid irritation.
- Immediately apply a thick moisturizer to lock in moisture and protect the skin barrier.
- Consider combining Epsom salt with colloidal oatmeal, which has stronger evidence for soothing eczema and skin irritation.
It is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting Epsom salt baths to ensure no adverse reactions and to fit this into an overall eczema care plan. Avoid very hot water and prolonged soaking, as they can worsen eczema dryness.
Bathing allows individuals to wash away sweat, dust, pollen, and microbes, which can exacerbate eczema symptoms. The National Eczema Association recommends using a high oil content moisturizer to hydrate the skin and improve skin barrier function.
In addition to Epsom salt baths, topical pharmacological treatments for eczema include steroid creams and anti-inflammatory drugs, which help manage eczema flare-ups. More research is necessary into bath additives and eczema, as there are few quality trials to support their use.
For individuals seeking an online treatment plan for eczema, Optum Now Online Care offers a service. During acute eczema flare-ups, it may be useful to moisturize more frequently. If a person requires topical medication, they can apply it before applying moisturizer.
Taking care of the skin after a bath can help prevent eczema from worsening. General guidelines recommend bathing once daily for up to 10 to 15 minutes to benefit the skin of people with eczema. However, the optimal bathing duration for those with eczema or how frequently to take Epsom salt baths remains unclear.
In summary, while Epsom salt baths are not a proven cure, they can be a helpful and soothing complementary method to reduce eczema discomfort when properly used with lukewarm water and followed by diligent moisturizing. As always, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for managing eczema symptoms.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6627095/ [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5914423/ [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5643783/ [5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6169226/
- In health-and-wellness discussions, Epsom salt is often suggested as a natural remedy for managing ‘eczema symptoms’, but it should be noted that it is not a proven 'cure'.
- Skin-care routines for people with 'eczema' should prioritize moisturizing at least twice daily, and avoiding heavily scented products to prevent skin irritation.
- Apart from using traditional treatments, individuals can try bathing with Epsom salt, which might help soothe and ease 'itching and inflammation' associated with 'eczema'.
- In the realm of 'mental-health' and 'skin-care', it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before incorporating new therapies-and-treatments like Epsom salt baths into an overall eczema care plan.
