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Epsom Salt Hydrotherapy for Wound Care

Epsom salt has many uses ranging from the garden to the home. You can treat many wounds and injuries with Epsom salt hydrotherapy to promote faster healing and prevent infection. Epsom salt is inexpensive, and you can purchase it at nearly any pharmacy or supermarket. See a doctor for any severe or long-lasting wounds, and always keep wounds and injuries clean and protected from outside bacteria.

  1. Bug Bites and Splinters

    • Help ease the pain, itching and inflammation of bug bites with a soothing Epsom salt soak by mixing two cups of Epsom salt with one gallon of warm water. Soak the affected area in the solution until the water cools. Repeat several times a day as needed until the bite heals or pain and redness subside. For bites on easily accessible areas, such as the hands and feet, you can place the mixture in a bowl or bucket to soak. For areas that are harder to soak, such as the torso or thighs, dip the mixture onto a clean towel or washcloth and apply it as a compress. Epsom salt compresses also work to help draw out splinters.

    Bruises and Internal Wounds

    • For bruises, aching muscles and internal injuries, fill a bathtub with warm water and slowly pour two cups of Epsom salt under the running faucet so that the salt dissolves in the bath. You can use more Epsom salt for large tubs. Soak in the Epsom salt bath for at least 12 minutes three times a week to help fade bruises and ease painful muscles and tendons. The salt soak can also help relieve swelling from injuries and bruises.

    Surgical Wounds

    • Many surgical wounds can be treated with Epsom salt soaks. The James River Foot and Ankle Clinic advises its patients who have had toenail surgery to soak their healing foot in a basin of warm water and Epsom salt twice daily for a week starting the day after surgery. The clinic also advises patients who have had warts removed to soak the affected area in a small bowl of warm water mixed with one tbsp of Epsom salt twice daily. Surgical wounds should be treated with care, and you should never rub them dry. Pat the skin dry and then allow the wound to air dry for another three to five minutes before applying any medications or dressings as recommended by your doctor or surgeon. Always ask your doctor before using Epsom salt on a surgical wound.

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