Soaking feet in Epsom salt can provide several benefits, including:
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Decreasing roughness and exfoliating skin: The crystallized compound structure of Epsom salt provides exfoliation of the dead skin on the feet, which can help decrease roughness and leave the feet softer.
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Reducing inflammation and pain: Epsom salt can ease pain related to inflammation, which can be beneficial for foot health. The absorption of magnesium through the skin from an Epsom salt foot soak may boost the levels of the mineral in the body and decrease inflammation, reducing pain and stiffness associated with conditions such as arthritis and gout.
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Treating fungal infections: Epsom salt foot soaks are recommended for use by people suffering from a variety of skin disorders, including athlete’s foot and toenail fungus, both of which can make life miserable and uncomfortable. Because Epsom salt products are said to have anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties, skin infections that result from debilitating assaults on the feet could benefit from long soaks.
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Removing splinters: An Epsom salt foot soak can help to remove splinters. The mineral compounds in the salt help to reduce inflammation around the affected region, soften the skin, and allow for easy removal of the debris or hangnail.
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Reducing odor and cleaning feet: Any type of foot soak might help reduce odor and clean the feet. Keeping the feet clean and free from bacteria is beneficial for overall foot health. A foot soak involves immersing the feet in warm water, and according to the Arthritis Foundation, water temperatures between 92°F and 100°F are best to ease soreness.
While some advocates claim that an Epsom salt foot soak removes toxins from the body, there is no strong evidence to confirm this. However, soaking feet in Epsom salt can provide several benefits for foot health.