Is A Salt Bath Really the Best Treatment for Eczema?

Since ancient times, people suffering from skin conditions have journeyed to the Dead Sea to soak in its waters to find relief from their suffering. Though ancient bathers didn’t know exactly what caused their skin symptoms to clear up, scientists today have discovered that the high mineral content of Dead Sea salt is behind the tales of miraculous healings.

While Dead Sea salts have been used to treat Psoriasis sufferers for hundreds of years, those with eczema have been interested in Dead Sea salt more recently.

The Minerals

According to research, Dead Sea salt has a very high concentration of seven different minerals that are key to skin health. Not only this, but water in the Dead Sea is made up of only 10% sodium, as opposed to other sea water that is 90% sodium. The remaining 90% of Dead Sea water is comprised of the following six minerals:

• Magnesium Chloride: Promotes faster repair and growth of skin tissue. It also provides anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Potassium Chloride: Helps cells to get rid of toxins and regulates skin moisture so that it does not dry out or become too oily.

• Sulfur: Promotes collagen synthesis, which results in healthier, younger-looking skin.

• Sodium Chloride: Detoxifies cells to get rid of excess waste.

• Bromide: Aids in the repair of skin cells and prevents infection because of its anti-biotic properties.

• Zinc: Promotes skin renewal and collagen and elastin creation. It also blocks ultraviolet rays and cuts down on inflammation.

• Calcium: Protects cells and allows for greater absorption of nutrients into cells.

Because of these seven minerals, Dead Sea salt might be an excellent option for eczema sufferers wanting to get rid of itchy, dry patches.

If You Can’t Travel to the Dead Sea…

Recreate the Dead Sea in your bathtub! Since most people don’t have the money to travel frequently to the Middle East, there is an easy solution for those looking for relief from eczema symptoms.

Dead Sea salts are available for purchase online or through a spa. They can be very expensive, so it is best to buy in bulk to save money over the long run. The best type of Dead Sea salt to buy is unrefined, large-grain sea salts.

These salt baths are very beneficial because they exfoliate dead skin, allowing the healthy minerals to be absorbed by and locked into healthy skin cells. In addition to the sea salt, you can add lavender oil, another great eczema medicine.

Because they contain sodium, the sea salts may sting open wounds. This will only last for a few moments, however, as some of the minerals cut down on inflammation. Not only this, but the salt will kill any bacteria on your skin hoping to infect your wounds.

When you mix your Dead Sea salt bath, make sure to make the water lukewarm, rather than scalding hot, as hot water has a tendency to make eczema symptoms even worse.

After you get out of the bath, make sure to moisturize from head to toe while your skin is still damp to lock in oils to hydrate your skin even further.