Using Epsom Salt Rub Gel to Soothe and Heal Psoriasis Outbreaks

Exploring the Benefits of Epsom Salt Rub Gel for Psoriasis Relief

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that causes uncomfortable skin inflammation and scaliness. Around 7.5 million Americans struggle with this chronic issue that significantly impacts quality of life. While modern medicine offers promising injectable treatments, natural remedies remain appealing for those wanting to avoid pharmaceutical side effects.

Epsom salt rub gel has recently gained popularity as a drug-free option for alleviating psoriasis flares. The magnesium in Epsom salts combined with soothing gels allows convenient application to affected areas. But does it actually work?

What Causes Psoriasis?

Psoriasis develops from a dysfunctional immune response that accelerates skin cell turnover. Cells normally mature and shed from the surface layer every 28-30 days. But in psoriasis patients they reproduce every 3-4 days, accumulating into visible raised plaques covered by silver scales.

While the exact trigger remains unknown, psoriasis tends to appear during times of low immunity like stress or illness. Genetics and environmental factors also play a role. Symptoms range from small isolated patches to widespread fiery redness and shedding affecting large bodily surface areas.

Traditional Psoriasis Treatment Options

Conventional medical protocols focus on either slowing down excessive skin cell turnover or decreasing inflammation. Common systemic medications include:

• Oral corticosteroids
• Cyclosporine
• Methotrexate
• Biologic drugs like Humira or Enbrel

These work well but involve intense immune suppression, meaning side effects like hair loss, nausea, fatigue and infections. Topical approaches try mitigating risks:

• Prescription ointments with vitamin D analogs
• Anthralin
• Coal tar
• Retinoids
• Steroid creams

However, the thick messiness, odor, and skin irritation from topicals deter patient compliance. Natural psoriasis remedies offer a gentler alternative.

Epsom Salt's Effects on Psoriasis

Magnesium salts like those found in Epsom formulations can encourage healthy skin cell maturation and inflammation reduction. When absorbed through the skin, magnesium regulates over 300 bodily enzymatic reactions affecting muscle/nerve health and stress reduction.

Unfortunately magnesium deficiency is quite common, making symptoms like pain, fatigue, and anxiety worse. Supplementing lacking minerals with Epsom salt may improve wellness in psoriasis sufferers.

Magnesium salts also remove toxins by pulling water into the skin, flushing inflammatory compounds from lower layers. The hydration then calms irritation and lessens cracking or scaliness characteristic of psoriatic lesions. Finally, magnesium boosts circulation delivering more oxygen and nutrients to aid healing.

Choosing an Epsom Salt carrier

Plain Epsom salt crystals require effort to fully dissolve in bath water and may be too harsh for sensitive, cracked psoriatic skin. Using Epsom salt within a pre-mixed carrier gel, cream, or oil allows easier application while avoiding stinging.

Carrier options like aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, or essential oils also provide additional skin-soothing benefits. For example:

• Aloe vera gel - hydrates, anti-inflammatory
• Coconut oil - locks in moisture, antibacterial
• Shea butter - repairs skin barrier
• Tea tree essential oil - anti-fungal
• Peppermint essential oil - cooling

Seeking an existing commercial Epsom salt rub in a nourishing base may be easiest for psoriasis relief. Check that the formula explicitly lists magnesium salts as an ingredient.

DIY Epsom Salt Rub Gel Recipe

For those wanting to customize and save money, try this easy homemade Epsom gel rub for psoriasis prone skin:

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Epsom salts
• 1 cup aloe vera gel
• 1/4 cup grapeseed oil (or other light carrier oil)
• 10-15 Drops lavender essential oil (optional)

Method

1. Heat aloe vera gel for 30 seconds in microwave or small pan until warm but not boiling
2. Add Epsom salts and stir vigorously with a whisk for 2-3 minutes until fully dissolved
3. Remove from heat and let cool 5 minutes so as not to destroy beneficial compounds
4. Whisk in oil and any optional essential oils
5. Store finished gel rub in an airtight container away from direct light

Always patch test DIY creations somewhere discreet before slathering all over flare-ups. Adjust amounts of ingredients to find your perfect soothing, moisturizing formula.

How to Use Epsom Salt Rub Gel

Only apply Epsom salt rub gel to affected areas of skin exhibiting psoriasis symptoms like redness, flaking, scaling and plaques. Using it too frequently on clear skin may cause unnecessary dryness or irritation.

Gently massage the gel into patches covering entire lesion borders. Let absorb 5-10 minutes before dressing or adding other treatments. The water-drawing effects pull irritants from skin layers so washing shortly after application boosts detox benefits.

Use twice daily at the very minimum, though some apply four or more times throughout the day. Consistency remains key for lasting psoriasis improvement. Carry a small bottle while traveling or at work.

Most report noticeable symptom relief within a few days. Continued use prevents new flare-ups and may gradually heal older lesions as well. Contact your doctor if any reaction seems abnormal or rapidly worsens.

Enhancing Epsom Salt Rub Gel Treatments

While evidence looks promising for Epsom salt rub gel helping psoriasis, combining it with other natural approaches may increase success. Lifestyle measures like stress reduction, immune-boosting nutrition, and sun exposure also benefit skin.

After applying Epsom gel, cover areas with plastic wrap or wet cotton gloves/socks to lock in moisture. Then utilize additional natural soothers like:

• Coconut oil - antibacterial and intensely hydrating
• Oats - reduces flaky texture and inflammation
• Apple cider vinegar - balances skin pH
• Omega oils - repair protective lipid barrier
• Turmeric paste - anti-inflammatory and healing
• Sunlight - increases vitamin D needed for healthy skin cell function
• Stress reduction routine - promotes balanced immunity

A multifaceted, natural approach allows customization for each patient's unique situation while avoiding prescription side effects. Adjust tactics over time for sustainable management.

The Bottom Line on Epsom Salt Gel Rub

Psoriasis definitely takes patience and consistency to control. But incorporating an easy-to-use Epsom salt rub gel into your regimen provides safe, nourishing hydration and detoxification most skin readily absorbs.

The magnesium in Epsom salts targets inflammation, flaking, and rapid skin cell overproduction underlying those frustrating patchy lesions. Carrier gels protect fragile skin while allowing the salts to penetrate easily.

While not scientifically proven outright yet, anecdotal evidence abounds for Epsom salt's psoriasis relief capabilities. The low risks and cost make it worth trying among other lifestyle measures known to decrease flares.

Use twice daily for at least a month while monitoring symptom changes. Combining Epsom rub gel with additional natural healers may enhance and hasten recovery. With some trial and error, you can discover your perfect recipe for happy, healthy skin all year through.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.