While some people report that Epsom salt may help relieve eczema symptoms, little data support its use. More research is needed.

Epsom salt is a magnesium and sulfate compound made from distilled, mineral-rich water. It’s commonly dissolved in warm water to be used as a home remedy for aching joints and muscles and for skin conditions, like poison ivy, insect bites, and sunburn.

People report that it may also help relieve the symptoms of eczema, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.

Read on for more information about how to use Epsom salt to help improve symptoms of eczema.

Although there are anecdotal reports that Epsom salt baths may relieve eczema symptoms, this has not yet been scientifically proven. A 2017 review of research concluded that the topical application of Epsom salt requires larger and more methodical studies.

It’s unclear if the Epsom salt and warm water provide symptom relief or if the bath simply has a placebo effect. That being said, baths — including Epsom salt baths — can be soothing and relaxing.

According to the National Eczema Association, the best way to replace moisture in the skin is to soak in a bath and immediately apply a moisturizer.

The most common method of using Epsom salt is soaking in a tub. Researchers suggest making an Epsom salt bath by dissolving around 2 cups (475 grams) of Epsom salts in a bathtub filled with warm water.

To combat flares and dry skin, the National Eczema Association suggests following these bathing steps:

  1. Soak for 5 to 10 minutes in lukewarm, never hot, water.
  2. Use a gentle cleanser free of dyes and fragrances. Avoid soap or waterless antibacterial cleansers.
  3. Use a soft towel to pat yourself almost dry; leave your skin slightly damp.
  4. If you have a prescription topical medication, apply it after patting yourself dry.
  5. Moisturize your entire body within 3 minutes of getting out of the tub. Use a moisturizer with a high oil content but without fragrance or dye.
  6. Before putting on clothes, wait a few minutes so the moisturizer can be absorbed. Consider doing this right before bed to allow your skin to maintain its moisture.

Although there’s no hard science behind Epsom salt baths, they could be a positive experience for you. Other items you can try adding to your bath include:

  • baking soda or colloidal oatmeal, traditionally for relieving itch
  • bath oil, traditionally for moisturizing (free of artificial fragrance/perfume)
  • bleach or vinegar, traditionally for limiting bacteria
  • table salt or sea salt, traditionally for easing itching and discoloration

Another bath additive to think about is Dead Sea salt. A 2005 study showed that bathing in a Dead Sea salt solution, compared with regular tap water, significantly improved skin barrier function, enhanced skin hydration, and reduced skin roughness and discoloration.

Although not supported by clinical research, many people find that bathing in an Epsom salt solution soothes a number of conditions, including eczema.

Even if it’s just the placebo effect, an Epsom salt bath may bring you some relief.