Despite little evidence to support the use of Epson salt baths for psoriasis, some people use them to manage skin symptoms. Soaking in a salt bath may soften scales and relieve psoriasis itch. The magnesium in the salt is what’s thought to benefit psoriasis skin.

    Dissolving Epsom salts in a bath is a common remedy to soothe sore muscles and a popular way to relax after a long day. Epsom salt, also called magnesium sulfate, is a chemical compound made up of magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen.

    People with psoriasis may also use Epsom salt baths to soften skin scales and reduce itchiness. However, little scientific data supports their medicinal benefits.

    Epson salt benefits are thought to come from the magnesium in the salt. However, a 2017 study found there’s not enough evidence to show that magnesium absorbs through your skin, such as via a bath or topical cream, or that it works as well as taking oral magnesium supplements.

    Regardless of whether Epsom salts are scientifically shown to work, anecdotal information suggests that this therapy provides relief for some people looking for new ways to manage psoriasis symptoms.

    Before you start running an Epson salt bath for psoriasis, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.

    People with psoriasis often experience skin irritation after showers or baths. To avoid this, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends bathing in lukewarm to warm — not hot — water and soaking for no longer than 15 minutes at a time.

    When you’re done soaking, it’s important to rinse off and pat your skin dry. Applying moisturizer right away to help hydrate your skin is a must to avoid itching and irritation.

    It’s also important to test a small area with an Epson salt soak to determine if this practice causes irritation to your psoriasis skin.

    Scalp psoriasis can be a challenge to treat at home because hair can get in the way of your skin. According to the AAD, you can take a few steps to avoid making scalp psoriasis worse:

    • Don’t scratch, rub, or scrub your scalp, even when shampooing.
    • Remove scales gently, using a scale softener.
    • Engage in stress management techniques, as stress can worsen psoriasis.
    • Follow your prescribed scalp psoriasis treatment plan.

    Epsom salt baths may complement all these efforts. Soaking your scalp in water with Epsom salts may help soften scales and relieve itchiness. It’s important to rinse the salts off completely.

    Read more about why psoriasis itchs.

    Hand psoriasis can bring on serious challenges when compared with psoriasis in other areas of your body.

    People with hand and feet psoriasis are twice as likely to have mobility challenges and two-and-a-half times more likely to experience challenges with daily activities.

    Treatment for palmoplantar psoriasis may include:

    Some people use Epsom salts to relieve muscle tension associated with this type of psoriasis. Epsom salt baths may also help relieve pain from hand joints in related conditions like psoriatic arthritis.

    Protecting the skin is an important step for people with hand psoriasis, as even a small injury can trigger a flare-up.

    Before using Epsom salts as a scrub or even a soak, it’s important to talk with a dermatologist. They can provide specific guidance on how to prevent injury and irritation with hand psoriasis.

    According to the NPF, baths with Epsom salts, Dead Sea salts, essential oils, or oatmeal may help remove psoriasis scales and soothe itchy skin.

    It’s important to always remember that water must be warm (not hot), and the bath must not last longer than 15 minutes. Drying the skin and applying moisturizer are also essential.

    Stress can trigger a psoriasis flare. It often leads to a cyclical pattern where stress causes flares, and then the flare itself compounds stress.

    Taking steps to manage stress is one way to help prevent and manage psoriasis flares.

    Aside from any skin benefits, soaking in an Epsom salt bath may help promote relaxation and contribute to feelings of calm, disrupting this stress-psoriasis cycle.

    Many people use Epsom salt scrubs to exfoliate and remove dead skin. But for those with psoriasis, using an Epsom salt scrub may irritate the skin and trigger a psoriasis flare. For that reason, people with psoriasis are often advised to avoid exfoliating scrubs.

    Before using a salt scrub, talk with a dermatologist. If they deem it safe, you can make it yourself at home. It’s a good idea to try it in a small area first and wait 48 hours to determine if you respond negatively to Epson salts.

    To prepare the bath, combine 1 to 2 cups of Epsom salts with 2/3 cup of melted coconut, almond, or olive oil. If you want to add a soothing scent, double-check with the dermatologist to ensure that essential oils are OK to use if you haven’t before.

    An older 2005 study suggested that bathing in a Dead Sea salt solution improved skin barrier function and hydration and reduced inflammation in people with dry skin. The study authors attribute this result to the Dead Sea salt’s rich magnesium content. A 2023 review also found that Dead Sea water offers a unique composition that prevents and manages skin inflammation, damage, and aging.

    In a 2019 survey of the use of complementary and alternative medicine in people with psoriasis, 17% of male respondents and 7.8% of female respondents reported using Dead Sea salts to help manage psoriasis successfully.

    By comparison, there’s not much research on Epsom salts for psoriasis.

    While there’s limited scientific evidence to support the use of Epsom salt or Dead Sea salt baths for psoriasis, some people with the condition find that these soaks offer relief. These therapies may help make scales softer and relieve itchy skin.

    Other uses for Epsom salts, such as body scrubs, should be avoided, as they may irritate psoriasis skin and cause more damage.