Salt water bathing – an eczema parent’s guide

How can sea salt help eczema?

Firstly, of course, it would be logical to assume that the ability of salt to pull water from soft tissue would result in very dry skin. Of course this is all down to how long you bathe for… don’t stay in salty water for hours on end!

However, sea salt is packed with healthy skin-friendly minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Magnesium is an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial mineral that can ease itching. It is also thought that the minerals in sea water are absorbed by the skin, helping to keep it soft and moisturised.

There is very little scientific research on the effectiveness of sea salt in treating eczema. The literature includes just one small study of 13 adults in Japan ¹ and one laboratory study on mice². Not surprisingly, there is also a study that highlights the risks of skin infections when swimming in questionable quality seawater³. Always check the seawater quality with the local council and water authority, especially following periods of heavy rainfall. A fourth study⁴ compared the effects of soaking Dead Sea salt water with soaking in tap water baths in people with atopic dry skin (i.e. controlled eczema). It found skin soaked in Dead Sea salt water became smoother with less redness and dryness.

In summary, although there isn’t a great deal of research, it does suggest that sea water bathing may be beneficial for eczema sufferers, so long as the pollution levels are low. This lack of scientific evidence appears to be due to lack of research.

However, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence suggesting that salt water bathing and baths may be helpful in clearing up eczema. This is especially true if the eczema is oozing a lot or where the secondary infection is common.

How to prepare a salt water bath for eczema treatment

Swimming in the sea isn’t for everyone, but it is possible to get similar benefits at home:

• Use 1 cup of Epsom salt or sea salt for a standard-size bathtub.
• Pour the salt into the warm running bath water and stir the water to help dissolve all the grains. Alternatively you can dissolve the salts in a jug of very hot water first. This avoids any uncomfortable gritty bits at the bottom of the tub.
• Soak in the tub for at least 20 minutes.
• You can repeat this 2-3 times per week.

Of course, there is a caveat. You’ve all heard the expression “pouring salt on an open wound”! There is no doubt that salt water bathing can make sensitive, damaged skin sting like crazy. In this case, either reduce the amount of salt you use or wait until the worst of a flare up is over before attempting it with your little one. According to Grandma ScratchSleeves, the first dip of the holiday was always hell. But it was worth it!

It is important to rinse with fresh water after a saltwater bath to remove any residue and prevent that scratchy “beach” feeling when you put clothes or pyjamas back on them. Pat gently with a towel and apply any emollients as usual onto slightly damp skin.