Does Epsom Salt Kill Mites [Top Tips To Use It]

Salts have often been used to get rid of pests and insects. This knowledge dates back to existence itself. It originated from the Romans and the Greeks, but does Epsom salt kill mites?

Magnesium salt has lots of effects on the skin. In this article, we will learn about how Epsom salt, among many other remedies, is used for treating skin conditions caused by mites and whether it directly affects the mites’ population. 

Mites And Salts 

In the past, people used to drink salt water to treat the worms in their gastrointestinal tracts. They believed the salt helped restore the pH of their stomach, while it also proved to be an effective treatment against pain, aches, and inflammation. 

The same is the case for mites. Epsom salt kills the mites by desiccating their bodies. When the mites are exposed to a higher concentration, they die out sooner rather than later. That is why it is common practice to use salts to treat scabies. 

Scabies is a skin disease that is triggered by the infestation of mites. The Epsom salt is famous for penetrating through the shells of the minute eggs laid by the mites. This occurs due to the change in osmotic pressure when the eggs are directly exposed to salt. 

Is Epsom Salt Capable Of Curing Scabies?

Scabies is an infestation of the skin that is caused by mites. The mites start living in the upper layer of the skin, where it starts laying their eggs. The most common symptoms of scabies include skin rashes along with itching. 

The redness of the skin is the primary indicator of rabies. People widely use Epsom salt for reducing swelling as well as itching. That is why it has proven to be a valuable remedy for patients. 

Epsom salt is a good remedy that can be used even when all your scabies is gone. It can act as a post-remedy and will prevent further mite infestations from taking place. 

Can Epsom Salt Spray Be Used For Scabies?

Yes, the Epsom salt spray can also eliminate mite infestation on the skin. The salt spray can be prepared in a few minutes. All you have to do is implement the following steps:

• Add a tablespoon of Epsom salt to any spray bottle.
• Make sure you add some warm water 
• Spray gently on your rash 

You can either create this mixture in your home or purchase it from the market. It is a standard spray and is readily available. You can also use it to cure similar parasitic infections. All of them will have their eggs dead before they can breed again. 

How To Make Use Of Epsom Salt?

Epsom salt can be used in a variety of ways. This includes:

Using In Bath

One can always take a bath with Epsom salt. The maximum benefits are attained this way. You can add 1/4th of Epsom salt in your bathtub that has been pre-filled with lukewarm water. Before soaking yourself in, you need to mix the salt well. 

After this, you must sit in that water bath for about 10 to 20 minutes. Once you are outside the bathtub, you can pat yourself dry with a towel. However, one drawback of continuing with soaking is that you will have to apply lots of moisturizing creams to prevent your skin from becoming dry. 

Making A Paste Of Epsom Salt

To make an Epsom salt paste, you must mix half a tablespoon of water and one tablespoon of Epsom salt. Next, you need to stir the mixture well. The third step involves heating water so that crystal formation is ensured. 

It would be best if you stopped heating once the crystals are dissolved. Leave the mixture as it is so that it cools off and solidifies. You can then proceed towards applying this paste to the affected areas and then wash it off when ten to fifteen minutes have elapsed. 

Precautions You Need To Take While Using Epsom Salt

This article will not only tell you about how to use Epsom salt in various ways but also some of the precautions you need to consider while using it. 

• Epsom salt is a dehydrating agent and will make your skin dry. It would be best if you were alert when noticing dry patches on the skin. This way, you can copy with the complications in no time. 
• You should also reduce the use of Epsom salt once you realize that your mite problem is lessening and reducing to a minimum. 
• It would be best if you also tried to avoid baths in water as the cool air dries your skin once you come out of the hot bath. The temperature difference can make your skin very dry. 

Application Of Epsom Salt On Skin Mites

Scabies is contagious and can be transmitted from one person to another. The infection or mite infestation can spread from one part of the body to another and from one person to another. 

That is why there are some requirements for using Epsom salt as a remedy for scabies. Implementing the following ways while using magnesium salt would be best.

• It would help if you washed your hands before and after using the cream 
• For people who have scabies, you should wash your towel in a separate bleach and water solution 
• The bathroom should be infected once you are infestation free
• Even after using the Epsom salt, if you see no improvement, rush to the doctor 
• It would be best if you did not share your belongings with a healthy person 
• You should also avoid scratching the skin to create permanent rashes. 

Can Epsom Salt Kill Mites On Dogs?

Yes, the Epsom salt can kill mites on dogs as well. It is effective for both humans and dogs alike. You can apply Epsom salt in the same manner as you apply Epsom salt to humans.

All you have to do is treat the skin beneath the furs of the dog along with their infected paws (if any). The simplest method is putting half a cup of the salt in the water and stirring it to dissolve. 

You can then bring your dog in for a water bath. A bath of 5 to 10 minutes will help you get rid of all the mites that have infected the dogs’ skin. 

Wrapping It Up

The mites can be treated in a number of ways but this article mainly focused on the role of Epsom salt in the treatment of mites’ infestations. The mites can use humans as well as animals as a host.

You can use Epsom salts in variable ways, either in their dry form, in solution, or by making a paste out of it. Epsom salt has proven to be quite effective in terms of getting rid of the mites’ problem.

Chances of re-occurrence are also narrowed down to a minimum with the constant use of Epsom salt.

References

Welch E, Romani L, Whitfeld MJ. Recent advances in understanding and treating scabies. Fac Rev. 2021 Mar 11;10:28.