You may have heard about Dead Sea Salt baths and their benefits. The Dead Sea is located at the border of Jordan and Israel. It gets its name from the fact that no sea creature or plant can survive the salty waters of the sea. The rumors about the potential healing abilities of the sea are so popular that people take trips to soak in its waters and mud.
Eczema is one of the Skin conditions which can be treated with Dead Sea baths. But what is eczema? In a nutshell, it can be described as drying, itching and scaling or irritated skin patches. Luckily, a trip to Dead Sea is not necessary. Dead Sea salts are widely available for purchase.
Dead Sea salt eczema benefits
Low sodium concentration
It is logical to think that salt will lead to more skin dryness. Luckily, Dead Sea salt contains only about 4% sodium. The low concentration ensures that moisture is not drawn from the skin.
Presence of magnesium
Magnesium is known to bind with water molecules. Patients with dry skin due to eczema have a problem retaining skin moisture. With an agent to hold on the moisture, Dead Sea salt helps keep from dryness.
Balances skin pH
Acidity and alkalinity cause skin irritation, which in turn encourages or triggers eczema. Dead Sea salt is known to keep skin pH in the recommended levels.
Fights microbes
Baths with Dead Sea salts discourages presence of bacteria and viruses on the skin. This is very important, especially for dyshidrotic and nummular eczema treatment.
Fights inflammation
Eczema causes skin inflammation and irritation. Dead Sea salt in bath water induces a relaxation effect which can greatly reduce eczema symptoms.
Presence of many minerals
As mentioned earlier, Dead Sea is loaded with many types of minerals, which actually make its waters too concentrated to support life. Such minerals include:
- Potassium – balances skin moisture
- Sulphur – acts as an antiseptic
- Calcium – protects skin cells from toxins and irritants
- Bromine – acts as an aphrodisiac
- Zinc – is involved in skin cells regeneration
Using Dead Sea salt for eczema on skin
Dead Sea salt can be applied directly on eczema affected body parts. Below is the procedure:
- Start by cleaning the affected skin regions. Make sure to use mild soap and rinse with fresh water.
- Leave the area damp before application
- Apply a small amount of the salt in a circular motion
- Leave it for a couple of minutes and rinse with fresh water
This treatment will not only soothe irritated skin. It will also soften dry or scaled skin. When using Dead Sea salt bath directly, make sure that the skin is not broken. Like all salts, using it on broken skin will have a stinging effect.
How to use Dead Sea salt on eczema in baths
Most people prefer to use Dead Sea salts in baths. This method is easier and more effective. It can be used even on eczema on back of knees or even on the back. Below is the procedure:
- Fill a bath tub with lukewarm water
- Add about 5 cups of Dead Sea salt. Smaller amounts should be used for sensitive skins or in children
- Ensure the salt is dissolved appropriately
- Soak in the water for 15 minutes
- Remember not to use soapy water
- Rinse with fresh water and pat dry
- Repeat the treatment thrice a week
It is advisable to put on a moisturizing lotion or cream after bath. When using dead salt sea, you can skip frequent applications of moisturizers. Remember to choose mild and fragrance-free moisturizers and soaps. Your doctor can help with choosing the best cream or soap for eczema.
Treating eczema on hands and feet with Dead Sea salt
Dead Sea salt is one of the most effective dyshidrotic eczema home remedies. Dyshidrotic eczema affects the palms, fingers and feet. It is characterized by intensely itchy blisters. When using Dead Sea salt, the best way is to soak the affected feet or hands. Below is the procedure:
- Prepare a bowl or a basin of lukewarm water
- Add a cup of Dead Sea salt and stir
- Soak the affected hands or feet for about 25 minutes
- Rinse with fresh water
- Pat dry and apply a moisturizer
More Dead Sea salt can be used on severely dry skin. Less is recommendable for treatment in children or for easily irritated skin. Again, be careful when dealing with open blisters. While the salt will not be of any major risk, discomfort due to stinging is likely.
Which is the best way to use Dead Sea salt for eczema?
If you are the adventure type of persons, you can visit the Dead Sea. There, you will not only have fun but also feel the experience of covering yourself in sea mud. It is believed that most of the benefits of Dead Sea salt are present in the sea’s mud.
For most people, commercial products containing the salt are the better option. They are available in form of lotions, soaps, and even shampoos. You can also try a face mask with the salt.
Natural salt is most recommended. Commercially available brands may be added one or two other ingredients for preservation and such. Search for the most natural of them you can get.
It is likely that Dead Sea salt on its will not completely get rid of eczema. It will be important that possible triggers be identified and kept away from. Also, medical attention is in most cases essential. You find that eczema is partly an autoimmune disease. Diseases in this category keep coming back and can persist for long as long as triggers are around.
Make a point of consulting your doctor, especially if desired results take too long to occur. The same can be said for eczema treatment for toddlers. Options such as use of topical steroids or even immune modulators may be needed to jump-start the treatment therapy. In any case, home remedies are best used for long-term management of eczema.
