Using Epsom Salts for Hidradenitis Suppurativa

As I ease into my third hot Epsom salt bath of the day, I realized I have no idea how or why Epsom salts make a difference for HS. Is it a placebo effect, or is there science behind it? I’ve decided to find out and take you lovely folks along for the ride.

How Epsom salts work

If you are a part of any HS support groups online, you’ve probably heard of people using Epsom salt soaks or compresses. Epsom salts are actually flakes of magnesium sulfate to soothe HS symptoms.  Magnesium is a naturally occurring mineral that is important for many systems in the body such as muscles and intestinal function. Epsom salt soaks are often prescribed or recommended for soothing sore muscles and preventing aches or spasms, particularly after sports and/or exercise.

Per the Mayo Clinic, dissolving magnesium sulfate in water helps it absorb through the skin, calming the fascia and muscle tissue. The HS community and many of its medical professionals have adopted Epsom salt soaks and compresses as a way to calm angry lesions and even help bring them to a head, but does they actually help, and can they cause any harm?

The drawbacks of Epsom salts

The first thing to remember is that it is vitally important not to overuse Epsom salt, as it can cause dehydration and have a laxative effect if you absorb too much or consume it orally. NEVER use Epsom salts internally without a direct order from a medical professional, and always check with a doctor before using it topically to make sure it is right for you. Taking Epsom salts internally has not been studied as an effective way to manage HS, and I would not recommend it AT ALL as it can cause significant damage to your GI tract. The dosing of this medicine is different for different people. Some safety tips to remember:

1. Drink plenty of water when taking an Epsom salt bath. The combination of hot water and salt can and will dehydrate you!
2. Never use boiling water or water that can burn you! The best place to test water temperature is on the inside of your wrist or the bottoms of your feet. This skin is some of the most sensitive to temperature, so if it causes you any discomfort in these areas cool the water down before you use it.
3. Follow the directions on the specific label of the product you are using, as the strength of the Epsom salt can vary greatly between packages.
4. Check the expiration date, as this can affect the strength of the product.
5. If you are pregnant or have diabetes, soaking in Epsom salts can cause adverse side effects.

How Epsom salts can help with hidradenitis suppurativa

In my experience, ABSOLUTELY. It can be a rescue tactic, easing symptoms when I’m having a particularly bad flare. I also use it as a preventative measure. As recommended by my dermatologist, I take a minimum of 3 hot Epsom salt soaks per week to clean out my stage 3 tunneling and flares that constantly weep. The minute I start to feel a new flare coming, I immediately hop in the bath. I find it eases the pain and brings the bumps down in size. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, taking a hot Epsom salt bath or using a hot Epsom salt compress for around 10 minutes can make a world of difference for your abscesses. It is commonly prescribed by dermatologists for all stages of HS and is a more natural way to help soothe the discomfort caused by a flare.

Have you ever used Epsom salts, and do you find them helpful? How do you use them? Let me know in the comments, and let’s get a discussion going!