Epson Salt for Infections

Magnesium sulphate, commonly known as Epsom salt, is a home remedy used to treat ingrown toenail infections, cuts, scrapes and other types of injuries that lead to an infection in the damaged area.

Function

• Epsom salt operates by drawing an infection to the surface of the skin. To function properly, Epsom salt should be thoroughly mixed with warm water, and the affected area should then be soaked in the warm water for 10 to 15 minutes, three times per day.

History

• Epsom salt got its name from the discovery of magnesium sulphate in Epsom, England, and it is thought the "salt" part of the name comes from its chemical structure. Ever since its discovery, it has been used for various beauty treatments and home remedies.

Types

• While you can purchase different brands or sizes of Epsom salt from various pharmacies, drugstores or grocery stores, all Epsom salt is chemically identical, according to the Epsom Salt Council.

Warning

• It is not recommended to ingest Epsom salt for use as a laxative even though it has often been used for this purpose. Additionally, do not use Epsom salt to treat any internal injuries; it is meant for external use only.

Fun Fact

• Although Epsom salt is called "salt," chemically speaking, it has nothing in common with table salt. Table salt is comprised of sodium chloride, while Epsom salt is comprised of magnesium sulfate.