Epsom salt, also known as magnesium sulfate, is a mineral compound often used for health and beauty purposes. Some people claim that soaking in an Epsom salt bath can “draw out” infections, bacteria, and toxins from the body. But is there any scientific evidence to support this? Let’s take a closer look at what Epsom salts are, their proposed mechanisms of action, and whether they really have antibacterial properties.
What are Epsom salts?
Epsom salt gets its name from the town of Epsom in Surrey, England, where it was originally discovered in mineral springs. Its chemical structure is magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), a naturally occurring pure mineral compound.
Some key facts about Epsom salts:
– Epsom salt dissolves easily in water, which is why it can be used in baths. The magnesium and sulfate separate into ions when dissolved.
– It has been used for centuries as a component of bath salts, with claims it can soothe sore muscles, reduce inflammation, and more.
– In addition to bath salts, Epsom salt also has applications as a beauty product, laxative, gardening aid, and exfoliant.
– It is generally considered safe when used appropriately, although ingesting very large amounts could lead to overdose. Bath soaking is considered a safe external use.
– Magnesium and sulfate are both substances naturally found in the body. Magnesium plays many important roles, while sulfate is used to help with nutrient absorption.
So in summary, Epsom salt is a simple mineral compound with many therapeutic and cosmetic uses, especially for bathing. But does it also have antibacterial properties as some claim?
Proposed mechanisms of Epsom salts
There are a few proposed ways in which Epsom salts could potentially combat bacteria when used in a bath:
– Osmosis – The high concentration of Epsom salt in the water compared to the lower salt levels in your body is hypothesized to draw out toxins, fluids, and perhaps bacteria from skin pores via osmosis. However, the skin barrier makes it difficult for much osmosis to occur.
– Magnesium absorption – Magnesium ions absorbed through the skin could theoretically stimulate the immune system and antibiotic processes in the body to fight off bacteria. However, magnesium absorption this way is minimal.
– Wash away dead skin/bacteria – An Epsom salt bath could help wash away bacteria clinging to the surface of the skin, but this would not draw bacteria from inside the body.
– Drying effect – Epsom salts may dry out skin, making it harder for bacteria to thrive on the skin surface. But this would not impact underlying infections.
As you can see, these proposed mechanisms for how Epsom salt baths could combat bacteria rely on unproven hypotheses. There is little to no clinical research supporting Epsom salts as an effective antibacterial treatment.
Studies investigating antimicrobial effects
Very few studies have directly investigated whether Epsom salts have antibacterial properties when used for bathing. Here is a summary of the limited research available:
– A 2002 study found that Epsom salt baths had no effect on bacterial counts on the skin surface of healthy volunteers. The salt bath did not appear to increase or decrease bacteria compared to plain water.
– One study reported higher levels of magnesium in blood after Epsom salt baths. However, increased magnesium is unlikely to produce clinically relevant antibacterial effects throughout the body.
– A review of integrative therapies for skin infections concluded there is currently insufficient evidence that Epsom salt baths can treat bacterial skin infections or draw out pus and toxins. More rigorous clinical studies are needed.
Overall, there is currently no good scientific evidence demonstrating Epsom salt baths exhibit clinically relevant antibacterial properties. At best, they may temporarily decrease bacteria dwelling on the surface of the skin. But claims they can deeply draw out infections from inside the body appear unsubstantiated.
Can help with symptoms, not underlying infections
While Epsom salt baths do not appear to have direct antibacterial effects, they still may help improve symptoms related to some bacterial infections. Some examples include:
– Staphylococcus skin infections – Epsom salts may help dry out and soothe skin lesions, reducing pain and swelling. But this would not treat the underlying S. aureus infection. Antibiotics are still needed.
– Cellulitis – Magnesium absorbed from Epsom baths may help reduce inflammation associated with this bacterial skin infection. But again, it would not cure the infection itself.
– Abscesses – Epsom salts likely do not draw pus out of skin abscesses formed due to Staph or other bacterial infections. Warm compresses would be more effective for this.
So in certain cases, Epsom salt baths may provide some relief from symptoms of bacterial infections. But the scientific evidence does not support claims these baths can replace conventional antibiotic treatment for bacterial infections.
Potential risks
For the most part, Epsom salt baths are very safe when used appropriately. They may help soothe sore muscles, reduce stress, and possibly improve mild symptoms of some bacterial skin conditions.
However, there are some risks to consider:
– Relying solely on Epsom salts to treat a serious bacterial infection instead of seeking proper medical treatment and antibiotics could lead to worsening of the infection.
– Open wounds or burns should not be soaked in Epsom salts, as this may cause stinging and irritation.
– Ingesting Epsom salts, such as by drinking bath water, could result in magnesium overdose with side effects including nausea, headache, or dangerously low blood pressure.
– Some people may experience skin irritation from prolonged soaking in highly concentrated Epsom salt baths.
Under medical supervision, Epsom salt baths are generally very low risk. But they should not replace doctor-prescribed antibiotics or other treatments for bacterial infections.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you experience signs or symptoms of a bacterial infection, such as:
– Fever, chills, or fatigue
– Redness, swelling, pain, heat around a wound or skin area
– Skin blisters, bumps, or pus-filled lesions
– Sore throat, cough, or nasal drainage
– Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
– Burning during urination
Do not rely on Epsom salt baths alone to treat an infection. Seek medical care to determine if antibiotics or other treatments are needed for bacterial infections. Epsom salts may help provide symptom relief and soothe skin in some cases, but cannot take the place of necessary medical treatment.
The bottom line
In summary, there is currently no good scientific evidence that Epsom salt baths have clinically significant antibacterial properties. They are unlikely to “draw out” infections from within the body as some claim based on the mechanisms of action involved.
However, Epsom salt baths are very safe for external use in most cases. They may help temporarily reduce bacteria on the skin surface and provide relief from symptoms like inflammation. But the benefits are likely mild and superficial.
While nice for relaxation, Epsom salt baths should not replace professional medical assessment and treatment with prescription antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected. Overall, claims that Epsom salts can deeply draw out or eliminate bacterial infections appear overstated and unfounded. More rigorous research is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Epsom salts treat a Staph infection?
No, there is no scientific evidence showing Epsom salts alone can cure a Staph skin infection. The bacteria would still need to be treated with oral or topical antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. However, Epsom salts may help temporarily reduce inflammation and soothe skin lesions.
Are Epsom salt baths good for cellulitis?
Epsom salt baths cannot treat the underlying bacterial infection causing cellulitis. But they may help temporarily relieve swelling, pain, and redness in some cases by reducing inflammation. However, antibiotics and medical treatment are still necessary to cure cellulitis.
Can Epsom salts draw out an infection from a splinter?
There is no scientific proof that Epsom salts can draw out the bacteria causing an infected splinter. The splinter needs to be removed, and antibiotics given if the infection has spread. Epsom salts may provide some relief for the pain and swelling but cannot extract the splinter or bacteria.
Are Epsom salt baths good for MRSA infections?
No, Epsom salt baths do not have any effect on treating methicillin-resistant Staph aureus (MRSA). MRSA needs aggressive treatment with special antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Epsom salts should not be used in place of medical treatment for this potentially dangerous infection.
Can I treat my child’s impetigo with Epsom salts?
No, impetigo is a very contagious bacterial skin infection. While Epsom salts may help soothe some of the symptoms, they cannot cure the infection. Impetigo always requires prescription antibiotic treatment and keeping the infection covered until it heals.
| Bacteria | Can Epsom Salts Treat? |
|---|---|
| Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) | No |
| Streptococcus (Strep) | No |
| E. coli | No |
| MRSA | No |
| Cellulitis | No |