Dangers of Magnesium Oil

Magnesium is a natural mineral that can be taken as an oral supplement or may be applied to the body in oil form. Magnesium oil is rubbed or allowed to soak into the skin, with more known benefits than dangers.

Function

• Massaging magnesium oil into the skin allows tissues to absorb the mineral, potentially aiding in the relief of muscle tension, joint pain and neurological conditions such as migraines, stress and anxiety.

Effects

• Topical applications of magnesium oil can cause stinging or burning pain on the surface of the skin, which can intensify if the oil touches sensitive areas such as open abrasions, eyes and genitalia.

Allergic Reactions

• Topical contact with magnesium oil may trigger itchy skin, hives, eczema and spreading rashes in allergic individuals. Oral and topical antihistamines treat magnesium oil reactions by reducing inflammation for symptom relief.

Considerations

• Inhalation or ingestion of magnesium chloride may trigger allergic and asthmatic reactions in people with chemical sensitivities, causing breathing difficulty, facial swelling, chest tightness and emergency anaphylaxis, requiring an epinephrine shot.

Warning

• The oral form of magnesium may cause diarrhea and can cause toxic build-ups in people with compromised kidney function due to an inability to filter out excess magnesium.