Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsInstructionsEpsom Salt and Foot HealthBenefitsSafety ConcernsSelecting Epsom Salt
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Instructions
Epsom Salt and Foot Health
Benefits
Safety Concerns
Selecting Epsom Salt
Epsom saltfoot soaks are often used to relieve swollen, tired feet and athlete’s foot. They also help reduce odor, remove splinters, and soften rough skin.Epsom salts are different than table salt, and aren’t used as a seasoning. They contain naturally occurring magnesium sulfate. In addition to foot soaks, Epsom salts are used therapeutically in baths to relieve sore muscles and skin conditions, and as astress relief.This article explains how to make an Epsom salt foot soak. It also covers Epsom salt’s benefits, risks and uses for foot therapy.FG Trade / Getty ImagesEpsom Salt Foot Soak InstructionsTo give yourfeetan Epsom salt bath, follow these steps.Place a 1/2 cup of Epsom salts in a basin or foot spa.Fill the tub with warm (but not hot) water.Place your feet in the tub for up to 15–20 minutes.Afterward, be sure to dry your feet thoroughly. In addition, make sure to rinse and dry your basin or foot spa so it doesn’t accumulate bacteria or mold.You can soak your feet in an Epsom salt bath as needed. Or, for chronic foot conditions or as a preventive measure, soak your feet up to a few times a week.How Much Epsom Salt Is Too Much?More than the directed amount is too much. Read the product label carefully and follow the directions. Talking to a healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance can ensure that you use the proper amount.Facts About Epsom Salt and Foot HealthAnecdotal evidence and limited research demonstrate that Epsom salt baths can relieve inflammation and skin conditions. Some researchers have found that magnesium can penetrate the skin throughhair follicles.However, since hair follicles and sweat glands only account for up to 1% of the skin’s surface, the clinical relevance of transdermal (through the skin) absorption is questionable.Even so, this is promising news since feet often experience symptoms that Epsom salts might treat, including:SwellingSorenessDry, cracked skinFungal infectionsOdorEpsom salt has been studied for its use in people with psoriasis. In one study, using Epsom salt for no more than 15 minutes daily can help with scale removal and softening of the skin.Self-Care Tips to Soothe Aching Feet at HomeHealing Properties of IngredientsMagnesium is a mineral that your body needs to function correctly. It is crucial for many organ systems, including your muscles and nerves.Therefore, the idea behind Epsom salt baths is that the magnesium sulfate will penetrate the skin and support your skin, muscles, and nerve health.Does a Foot Detox Really Work?Benefits of Epsom Salt for FeetThere is limited research to support Epsom salt for feet. However, many people use it to relieve foot problems, including pain, swelling, odor, and infections. Since it is a low-risk therapy for most people, it doesn’t hurt to try it.Prevent InfectionTinea pedis(athlete’s foot) is a fungal infection of the feet. It occurs when the feet get overly hot and sweaty and become a breeding ground for infection.Epsom salt foot baths can be helpful for soothing athlete’s foot, as well as aid in healingtoenail fungus. While Epsom salt does not treat a fungal infection, it can help keep the feet clean and dry, which is essential for recovery.As such, it is a good preventive therapy, as well.Epsom salts are not a replacement forantifungal treatments. If you have a fungal infection on your feet or toenails, consult with a healthcare provider to receive appropriate medical treatment. Be sure to ask if Epsom soaks are a fitting complement to standard medical treatment.Types of Foot Fungus and Bacterial InfectionsReduce Swollen FeetSwollen feet are a common complaint among many people. They may occur from standing on your feet all day, exercising, injuries, or wearing inadequate footwear. It can also happen due to some health conditions like arthritis,pregnancy, and circulation conditions.Although there is little evidence to support it, proponents claim that Epsom salts draw out toxins and reduce swelling. Many people use Epsom salt foot baths and find it soothing relief for tired, swollen feet.Reduce OdorFeet can get stinkyafter a long day in hot shoes. Epsom salt baths are an excellent treatment for smelly feet because they clean and dry feet. That also makes Epsom salt foot baths a good way to prevent foot odor.Remove SplintersSome people claim soaking an area with a splinter can assist in the removal of the splinter, although there have not been studies that confirm this. The idea is that the Epsom salts reduce swelling around the splinter and help draw it out so that it is easier to grip and remove.Exfoliate Rough SkinFeet tend to have rough skin, including callouses and rough spots that benefit from exfoliation. Epsom salt can soften skin, which can allow for other exfoliation tools to be more effective after a soak.Safety ConcernsEpsom salts are generally considered safe. However, if you have some skin conditions, you should avoid soaking your feet in Epsom salts until you consult a healthcare provider. These include:BurnsOpen woundsSkin infectionsPeople sometimes use Epsom salts as a laxative to treatconstipation. However, never ingest Epsom salts except under the advice and supervision of a healthcare provider. Be especially careful taking Epsom salts internally if you havekidney disease, are experiencing nausea or vomiting, or are on a magnesium-restricted diet.Epsom Salt AlternativesIf you can’t tolerate Epsom salts or you don’t have them on hand, there are some alternatives you can try, including:Baking sodaEssential oilOatmealVinegarThese alternatives don’t provide the benefits of magnesium, but they may soothe, clean, and reduce moisture in your feet.Some DIY bath recipes combine Epsom salt and vinegar. However, when combining any products, it’s best to check with a healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe in your circumstance.Finding the Best Epsom Salt for FeetRemember that Epsom salt is not the same as table salt or sea salt. So, you won’t find it in the baking aisle. Instead, head to the pharmacy or beauty section of the store.Epsom salts are typically sold in large bags or containers. That’s because you need a good amount for soaking (less for just your feet than a full bathtub).Read labels to ensure the product you are considering is magnesium sulfate. If you havesensitive skin, avoid products with added fragrances or additional ingredients.Some people do not rinse off the Epsom salt after a soak, thinking they will benefit from magnesium absorption even after the soak. However, the scientific community is not at all clear that magnesium is absorbed in any meaningful amount transdermally (through the skin).Furthermore, the lingering salts can dry out the skin.SummaryThere is little clinical evidence to support the use of Epsom salt baths. However, anecdotally, many people find relief from sore, swollen, smelly feet with Epsom salt foot baths. As long as you don’t have broken skin, burns, or a skin infection, you can use Epsom salts in a foot bath with warm water and soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes.Are There Benefits to a Listerine Foot Soak?
Epsom saltfoot soaks are often used to relieve swollen, tired feet and athlete’s foot. They also help reduce odor, remove splinters, and soften rough skin.
Epsom salts are different than table salt, and aren’t used as a seasoning. They contain naturally occurring magnesium sulfate. In addition to foot soaks, Epsom salts are used therapeutically in baths to relieve sore muscles and skin conditions, and as astress relief.
This article explains how to make an Epsom salt foot soak. It also covers Epsom salt’s benefits, risks and uses for foot therapy.
FG Trade / Getty Images
Epsom Salt Foot Soak Instructions
To give yourfeetan Epsom salt bath, follow these steps.
Afterward, be sure to dry your feet thoroughly. In addition, make sure to rinse and dry your basin or foot spa so it doesn’t accumulate bacteria or mold.
You can soak your feet in an Epsom salt bath as needed. Or, for chronic foot conditions or as a preventive measure, soak your feet up to a few times a week.
How Much Epsom Salt Is Too Much?More than the directed amount is too much. Read the product label carefully and follow the directions. Talking to a healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance can ensure that you use the proper amount.
How Much Epsom Salt Is Too Much?
More than the directed amount is too much. Read the product label carefully and follow the directions. Talking to a healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance can ensure that you use the proper amount.
Facts About Epsom Salt and Foot Health
Anecdotal evidence and limited research demonstrate that Epsom salt baths can relieve inflammation and skin conditions. Some researchers have found that magnesium can penetrate the skin throughhair follicles.
However, since hair follicles and sweat glands only account for up to 1% of the skin’s surface, the clinical relevance of transdermal (through the skin) absorption is questionable.
Even so, this is promising news since feet often experience symptoms that Epsom salts might treat, including:
Epsom salt has been studied for its use in people with psoriasis. In one study, using Epsom salt for no more than 15 minutes daily can help with scale removal and softening of the skin.
Self-Care Tips to Soothe Aching Feet at Home
Healing Properties of Ingredients
Magnesium is a mineral that your body needs to function correctly. It is crucial for many organ systems, including your muscles and nerves.Therefore, the idea behind Epsom salt baths is that the magnesium sulfate will penetrate the skin and support your skin, muscles, and nerve health.
Does a Foot Detox Really Work?
Benefits of Epsom Salt for Feet
There is limited research to support Epsom salt for feet. However, many people use it to relieve foot problems, including pain, swelling, odor, and infections. Since it is a low-risk therapy for most people, it doesn’t hurt to try it.
Prevent Infection
Tinea pedis(athlete’s foot) is a fungal infection of the feet. It occurs when the feet get overly hot and sweaty and become a breeding ground for infection.
Epsom salt foot baths can be helpful for soothing athlete’s foot, as well as aid in healingtoenail fungus. While Epsom salt does not treat a fungal infection, it can help keep the feet clean and dry, which is essential for recovery.As such, it is a good preventive therapy, as well.
Epsom salts are not a replacement forantifungal treatments. If you have a fungal infection on your feet or toenails, consult with a healthcare provider to receive appropriate medical treatment. Be sure to ask if Epsom soaks are a fitting complement to standard medical treatment.
Types of Foot Fungus and Bacterial Infections
Reduce Swollen Feet
Swollen feet are a common complaint among many people. They may occur from standing on your feet all day, exercising, injuries, or wearing inadequate footwear. It can also happen due to some health conditions like arthritis,pregnancy, and circulation conditions.
Although there is little evidence to support it, proponents claim that Epsom salts draw out toxins and reduce swelling. Many people use Epsom salt foot baths and find it soothing relief for tired, swollen feet.
Reduce Odor
Feet can get stinkyafter a long day in hot shoes. Epsom salt baths are an excellent treatment for smelly feet because they clean and dry feet. That also makes Epsom salt foot baths a good way to prevent foot odor.
Remove Splinters
Some people claim soaking an area with a splinter can assist in the removal of the splinter, although there have not been studies that confirm this. The idea is that the Epsom salts reduce swelling around the splinter and help draw it out so that it is easier to grip and remove.
Exfoliate Rough Skin
Feet tend to have rough skin, including callouses and rough spots that benefit from exfoliation. Epsom salt can soften skin, which can allow for other exfoliation tools to be more effective after a soak.
Epsom salts are generally considered safe. However, if you have some skin conditions, you should avoid soaking your feet in Epsom salts until you consult a healthcare provider. These include:
People sometimes use Epsom salts as a laxative to treatconstipation. However, never ingest Epsom salts except under the advice and supervision of a healthcare provider. Be especially careful taking Epsom salts internally if you havekidney disease, are experiencing nausea or vomiting, or are on a magnesium-restricted diet.
Epsom Salt Alternatives
If you can’t tolerate Epsom salts or you don’t have them on hand, there are some alternatives you can try, including:
These alternatives don’t provide the benefits of magnesium, but they may soothe, clean, and reduce moisture in your feet.
Some DIY bath recipes combine Epsom salt and vinegar. However, when combining any products, it’s best to check with a healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe in your circumstance.
Finding the Best Epsom Salt for Feet
Remember that Epsom salt is not the same as table salt or sea salt. So, you won’t find it in the baking aisle. Instead, head to the pharmacy or beauty section of the store.
Epsom salts are typically sold in large bags or containers. That’s because you need a good amount for soaking (less for just your feet than a full bathtub).
Read labels to ensure the product you are considering is magnesium sulfate. If you havesensitive skin, avoid products with added fragrances or additional ingredients.
Some people do not rinse off the Epsom salt after a soak, thinking they will benefit from magnesium absorption even after the soak. However, the scientific community is not at all clear that magnesium is absorbed in any meaningful amount transdermally (through the skin).Furthermore, the lingering salts can dry out the skin.
Summary
There is little clinical evidence to support the use of Epsom salt baths. However, anecdotally, many people find relief from sore, swollen, smelly feet with Epsom salt foot baths. As long as you don’t have broken skin, burns, or a skin infection, you can use Epsom salts in a foot bath with warm water and soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes.
Are There Benefits to a Listerine Foot Soak?
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Farmer’s Almanac.20 surprising uses for epsom salts.
Gröber U, Werner T, Vormann J, Kisters K.Myth or reality—transdermal magnesium?Nutrients. 2017;9(8):813. doi:10.3390/nu9080813
Chakraborty A.Bathing practices in dermatology: uses and implications for patient management.Indian Dermatol Online J. 2023;14(5):686-691. doi:10.4103/idoj.idoj_40_23
University of Michigan Health.Magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt).
Epsom Salt Council.5 reasons to soak your feet in Epsom salt.
NIH DailyMed.Label: Epsom salt magnesium sulfate.
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