Dead Sea Salt & Epsom Salt for Eczema Relief?
Soaking in salt water is a popular home remedy for eczema. Let’s break down how Dead Sea salt and Epsom salt might help eczema and what to watch out for.
What Makes Dead Sea Salt Special?
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More than table salt: Regular sea salt is mostly sodium chloride. Dead Sea salt still has sodium chloride, but it’s also packed with other minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium, and bromide.
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Helps skin hold water: Studies show a Dead Sea salt bath can make your skin better at keeping in moisture. People with dry, eczema-prone skin had less redness and roughness after soaking in a magnesium-rich salt solution than after plain tap water.
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Calms inflammation: Magnesium and calcium can ease redness and swelling. That’s why many feel less itching after a Dead Sea salt soak.
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Fights germs gently: The salt has a mild antibacterial effect, which may help cut down on the bacteria that can worsen eczema.
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Helps rebuild your skin barrier: The right mix of minerals seems to strengthen the skin’s outer layer, helping to lock in moisture and keep irritants out.
How to Try It Safely
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Use 1–2 cups of Dead Sea salt in a warm (not hot) bath.
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Soak for 5–10 minutes (up to 20 if it feels comfortable).
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Rinse off with plain water.
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Pat dry, don’t rub.
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Moisturize within three minutes to seal in the benefits.
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Adjust for kids. For little ones over six months old, start with 1 tablespoon in a small tub.
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Go easy on open skin. If you have raw or broken spots, start with less salt and see how it feels.
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Check with your doctor before starting, especially if you’re using prescription eczema treatments.
What About Epsom Salt?
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It’s magnesium sulfate: Unlike Dead Sea salt, Epsom salt is made of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen.
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Anecdotal relief: Many people say an Epsom soak soothes their itching and calms skin. Stress relief from a warm bath might also help, since stress can trigger flare-ups.
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Less scientific proof: There aren’t many strong studies on Epsom salt for eczema. Most reports are personal stories rather than clinical trials.
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Possible downsides: For some, Epsom salt can dry out skin. Always moisturize well afterward.
Why Not Just Use Antibacterial Body Wash?
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Eczema skin is often home to extra bacteria: Staph bacteria can irritate eczema and make it itchier.
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Harsh ingredients are risky: Many antibacterial soaps have alcohol, fragrances or strong detergents that strip away natural oils, leaving skin dry and itchy.
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Good bacteria matter too: Your skin’s healthy microbes help protect you and killing them off can backfire.
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Expert advice: The National Eczema Association and most dermatologists say to stick with gentle, fragrance-free cleansers. Only use special antiseptic washes if a doctor confirms a real infection.
Simple Bathing Tips for Eczema
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Daily lukewarm baths or showers for 5–10 minutes.
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Skip scrubbing tools like loofahs or rough washcloths.
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Use a mild, fragrance-free cleanser only on areas that need extra cleaning.
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“Soak and seal” method:
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Pat skin mostly dry, leave it a bit damp.
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Apply any prescribed creams.
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Within three minutes, slather on a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer.
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Bonus bath additives (ask your doctor first):
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Colloidal oatmeal for extra itch relief.
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A quarter-cup of baking soda to ease itching.
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Gentle, fragrance-free bath oils for moisture.
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Diluted bleach baths under medical guidance to reduce bacteria.
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A small splash of apple cider vinegar to balance pH (use with caution).
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The Bottom Line
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Dead Sea salt baths have good research backing for boosting moisture, calming inflammation, and strengthening your skin barrier.
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Epsom salt baths may help, but evidence is mostly anecdotal.
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Antibacterial washes can dry out and irritate eczema skin. Gentle cleansers are safer.
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Everyone’s skin is different. Pay attention to how your skin feels, keep baths short and warm (not hot), rinse off, and moisturize right away.
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Talk to a dermatologist for advice that fits your skin’s needs.