Salt therapy and skin conditions: psoriasis and eczema

Salt does not only come up in connection with the airways: many people with psoriasis and eczema also wonder whether it could help their skin. In this article we summarise what we know, and how to think realistically about salt therapy for skin conditions.

Psoriasis in brief

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-related condition in which skin cells divide much faster than usual. The result is the characteristic sharply defined, reddish patches covered with silvery scales, most often on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. The condition comes and goes: symptom-free periods alternate with flare-ups.

• It can start at any age, most often in young adulthood.
• An inherited tendency plays a role, and flare-ups can be triggered by stress, infections, skin injuries, certain medications, alcohol and smoking.
• It is not contagious.
• In some people it is accompanied by joint inflammation (psoriatic arthritis).

Psoriasis cannot yet be cured permanently, but it can be treated: topical creams, light therapy, and in more severe cases tablets or injections (including modern biological therapies) are available, as decided by a dermatologist.

Eczema in brief

The most common form of eczema is atopic dermatitis: itchy, dry, inflamed skin that often starts in infancy and frequently goes together with allergies, hay fever or asthma. Its treatment is based on regular moisturising of the skin (skin care, emollients), avoiding triggers and, if needed, anti-inflammatory creams as recommended by a doctor.

What do we know about salt and the skin?

Dead Sea climate therapy

The best-known example is the Dead Sea: the combination of extremely salty water, more filtered sunlight due to its below-sea-level location, and the special climate has documented benefits in psoriasis. However, much of this is probably due to sunlight (UV radiation) combined with salt baths. That situation is not the same as inhaling a dry salt aerosol.

Salt baths

After salty or mineral baths, many people with psoriasis report that scales come off more easily and their skin feels softer. In eczema, however, salt can sting and dry the skin, so caution is needed there.

Dry salt therapy

There is very little scientific data on the effect of a dry salt climate on the skin. Some users report feeling good in a salt climate, and reduced stress may indirectly influence skin symptoms. But we cannot say that salt therapy treats psoriasis or eczema.

If you would like to try it

• Talk to your dermatologist first, and do not stop your prescribed treatment.
• With open wounds, or cracked or heavily inflamed skin, salt may sting and irritate.
• Rinse your skin afterwards and use your usual moisturiser.
• If your skin gets worse, stop.

The role of stress

For both conditions, it is known that stress can trigger flare-ups. Anything that helps you relax (regular exercise, enough sleep, relaxation, a quiet half hour in a salt climate) can have a positive effect on your wellbeing, and indirectly on your skin. Read more: Salt rooms, sleep and stress.

This article is for general information only and does not replace dermatological diagnosis or treatment. AREC salt generators are not medical devices.