What is Epsom Salt?
Epsom salt is a common name for magnesium sulfate, a compound that is derived from mineral-rich water. Epsom salt has been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to its beneficial properties, and it can be used topically (applied to the skin) or orally [1, 2].
Epsom salt has a wide range of uses. Most commonly, epsom salt is used topically as a bath, where it is dissolved in warm water. This is used to treat minor aches and pains such as muscle pain or swelling, or skin conditions as burns, sunburn, insect bites and eczema [1, 2]. It is suggested to dissolve 1 to 2 cups of Epsom salts into a bathtub filled with warm water [2].
Epsom salt can also be used orally (taken by mouth). This is used to treat constipation or elevate blood magnesium levels.
Furthermore, Epsom salt can also be administered intravenously (injected into the bloodstream). This is used to:
- control heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat,
- relieve migraines,
- pospone premature birth,
- prevent seizures caused by pre-eclampsia and eclampsia,
- reduce brain swelling,
- treat barium poisoning,
- treat muscle spasms and seizures caused by magnesium deficiency [1].
It is important to note that any oral and intravenous administration of Epsom salt should be consulted with a medical professional and conducted in a medical setting [1].
The Effectiveness of Epsom Salt
Epsom salt has a strong reputation for being effective in traditional medicine. This is backed up to an extent by scientific studies as well.
A 2005 study found that magnesium salts, such as Epsom salt, can be effective for dry skin and for reducing inflammation [1]. However, questions remain about the effectiveness of absorption through the skin during a bath, as well as effective dosing [3].
For psoriasis, a study found that balneotherapy (medical bath) with Dead Sea bath salt, which contains magnesium, resulted in a significant decrease in the severity of symptoms [4].
However, it's important to note that this evidence is not strong enough to make definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of Epsom salt for all its uses, and more research is needed [1].
What is Poison Ivy?
Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a plant that is widely known for causing contact dermatitis, an itchy and painful rash in most people who come in contact with it [5]. Interestingly, the plant is a part of the cashew family (Anacardiaceae), and grows throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico [3]. Contact with poison ivy is one of the most commonly reported skin conditions in the US, with about 25 to 40 million cases reported yearly [6, 7]. The rash can develop within 12 to 72 hours after coming into contact with the plant [8].
Why is Poison Ivy Dangerous?
Poison ivy is dangerous due to the carbon-based active compound it contains, known as urushiol. Urushiol is an oily substance found in the plant’s leaves, roots, flowers, and stems. Approximately 80% of humans develop contact dermatitis upon exposure to urushiol [6].
When urushiol comes into contact with the skin, it triggers a strong immune response, leading to symptoms such as redness, swelling, and severe itching [7].
On a molecular level, exposure to urushiol upregulates IL-33, which is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine. Cytokines are messenger molecules that control the immune system, with pro-inflammatory cytokines signalling to initiate or maintain the inflammatory response.
The IL-33 receptor, ST2, is expressed in neurons that innervate the skin. IL-33 induces influx of calcium ions into a subset of neurons through neuronal ST2. This IL-33/ST2 signaling contributes to the pruritus (itching), reddening and swelling in poison ivy allergic contact dermatitis [9].
Treatment Options for Poison Ivy Dermatitis
The treatment of poison ivy dermatitis depends on the severity of the reaction. For mild to moderate cases, local treatment is usually sufficient, but in more severe cases, systemic corticosteroids may be necessary [10, 11]. It is important to note that the treatment focuses on managing the symptoms - the dermatitis itself is a self-limiting condition that resolves on its own.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
Over-the-counter treatments can help manage the symptoms of poison ivy dermatitis. these can include:
- antihistamines, such as Claritin and Benadryl to reduce the itching [12],
- topical treatments such as calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream [12, 7].
Home Remedies
Traditional home remedies can also provide relief from the irritation and itching while the rash is healing. These can include:
- oatmeal baths,
- cold water compresses,
- applying aloe vera gel to the affected area,
- applying apple cider vinegar to the area [12, 7],
- applying a baking soda and water paste,
- applying cucumber slices,
- essential oils (such as chamomile or eucalyptus) [7].
Treatment for Severe Cases
In severe cases, a longer course of prednisone taken orally may be prescribed. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that is used to control inflammation. The course usually involves a 5-day regimen of 40 mg daily, followed by a tapering dose over the next 10 days [11].
Of course, prevention is key in managing poison ivy dermatitis (and any other condition). Long-sleeved clothing should be worn while hiking in the areas where poison ivy grows, and people should know to recognise and avoid the plant. If contact occurs, the affected area should be washed thoroughly as soon as possible to minimise the amount of urushiol deposited on the skin [13, 12].
Can you treat poison ivy with Epsom salt?
There is limited scientific evidence specifically supporting its use for poison ivy dermatitis. However, Epsom salt baths may provide some relief for the symptoms associated with poison ivy rash. This soak may help alleviate itching and inflammation associated with poison ivy dermatitis.
Importantly, Epsom salt baths provide relief from the symptoms, and do not cure the dermatitis. The dermatitis itself is a self-limiting condition that typically resolves on its own within two to three weeks [14].