What should you know about eczema and psoriasis?
Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that most commonly appears in childhood but can persist or reappear in adulthood. Typical symptoms are red, itchy, dry patches of skin, most frequently appearing in skin folds, on the neck, or the face.
The disease is driven by damage to the skin's protective layer (barrier function) and immune system overactivity. Eczematous skin is more prone to infections, dries out more easily, and is more sensitive to external irritants.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease in which skin cells divide too quickly – normally a 28–30 day cycle becomes just 3–4 days. This results in thick, silvery scaling plaques, most commonly on the elbows, knees, scalp and back.
Psoriasis is not contagious, but it can significantly impair quality of life. Flare-ups can be triggered by stress, infections, certain medications or even changes in the weather.
What is salt therapy and how does it work?
The salt therapy is a natural method where you breathe air that contains microscopic salt particles while salt also settles on your skin. There are two main forms:
- Speleotherapy: Staying in natural salt mines or caves (e.g. Wieliczka in Poland or Praid in Romania)
- Halotherapy: Treatment in an artificially created salt room where a halogenerator disperses pharmaceutical-grade salt
Home halotherapy devices – like the SaltDome – allow you to enjoy the beneficial effects of salt therapy in your own home.
Click here to read the Salt Therapy and Halotherapy: A Guide to Respiratory Health article.
How can salt therapy help your skin?
Salt may exert beneficial effects on dermatological problems through several mechanisms:
1. Anti-inflammatory effect
When salt particles reach the skin they can help reduce inflammatory processes. This is particularly important in eczema and psoriasis, where chronic inflammation is the main cause of symptoms.
2. Antibacterial properties
Salt has natural antibacterial action – it inhibits the growth of pathogens on the skin. Eczematous skin is especially prone to Staphylococcus aureus infections, which worsen symptoms. Salt therapy may help reduce bacterial load.
3. Hydration and barrier support
Research with Dead Sea salt has shown that magnesium-rich salt can positively influence skin hydration and barrier function. Salt helps retain water in the skin, reducing dryness and roughness.
4. Immunomodulatory effect
Some studies suggest salt therapy can reduce IgE antibody levels in the blood. Elevated IgE is characteristic of allergic reactions and atopic conditions, so lowering it may relieve itching and skin reactions.
5. pH normalization and regeneration
Salt helps normalize skin pH and stimulates skin cell renewal. This can support healing of damaged skin and reduce scaling.
What do studies show?
1994 – Speleotherapy in children with eczema
A study on 112 children with eczema showed that after speleotherapy in an artificial salt chamber, 58% of participants experienced complete improvement and 20% partial improvement, lasting 6–24 months. Positive changes were observed in both skin condition and immune system function.1
2005 – Dead Sea salt baths on atopic skin
Studies with Dead Sea salt baths also produced encouraging results. In one trial, participants with atopic dry skin soaked their arms in a 5% Dead Sea salt solution for 6 weeks. The salt-treated arm showed significant improvement in skin hydration, smoothness and reduction of redness.2
2022 – Review of salt therapy and dermatology
For psoriasis, salt balneophototherapy (salt baths combined with UVB phototherapy) proved more effective than phototherapy alone. This suggests salt indeed contributes to skin improvement.3
When can salt therapy be used?
Salt therapy can be considered as a complementary treatment if:
- You have mild to moderate eczema or psoriasis
- Your symptoms are in a stable phase (not during an acute flare-up)
- You want to reduce the use of conventional medications – especially steroids
- You are looking for a natural complementary approach to support your skin
- You also want a relaxation method that benefits your skin
Before you start salt therapy
Although salt therapy is generally safe, it's important to know the contraindications and to consult your dermatologist.
When NOT to use it?
- Active, severe flare-ups – open, weeping wounds
- Severe, untreated high blood pressure – consult your doctor
- Active tuberculosis – needs treatment first
- Severe kidney disease – medical clearance required
- Hyperthyroidism – requires control
- Epilepsy – consult your physician
- Claustrophobia – may be problematic in salt rooms
- Active skin infection – may be used after treatment
Possible side effects
- Mild skin stinging or tingling (especially on damaged skin)
- Temporary feeling of dryness (apply a moisturizer afterwards!)
- Mild throat irritation from inhaled salt
- Rarely, transient redness that resolves quickly
These symptoms are usually mild and temporary. If you have persistent complaints, consult your doctor.
Important note
Salt therapy is a complementary method that can support skin condition but does not replace physician-prescribed therapy. Consult your dermatologist before starting treatment.
Home salt therapy with the SaltDome device
The SaltDome home salt therapy device enables you to recreate the microclimate of salt caves in your own home. The device uses ultrasonic technology to atomize the salt solution, producing an aerosol of 1–5 micron salt particles.
The treatment is simple: turn on the device, sit comfortably and breathe calmly. Salt particles travel through the air and reach your skin, where they can exert their effects.
Recommended use for skin problems:
- Daily 20–40 minute sessions
- At least 15–20 sessions per course for lasting results
- Apply a moisturizer to your skin after the session
- 1–2 courses per year are recommended to keep symptoms under control
Practical tips to complement salt therapy
You can enhance the effectiveness of salt therapy by paying attention to a few basic points:
- Regular moisturizing: Always use a perfume-free, skin-friendly moisturizer after treatment
- Avoid irritants: Choose mild, fragrance-free cleansers
- Stress management: Stress worsens both eczema and psoriasis
- Identify triggers: Observe what causes your flare-ups
- Continue medical treatment: Salt therapy is complementary and does not replace prescribed medications
Summary – Quick overview
A comprehensive guide to salt therapy as a complementary treatment for eczema and psoriasis.
People living with eczema or psoriasis seeking natural complementary options.
Salt therapy can positively affect skin condition through anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and hydrating effects. It can be used as a complementary treatment alongside medical therapy.
| Szempont | Ekcéma | Pikkelysömör |
|---|---|---|
| Fő probléma | Barrier-diszfunkció, gyulladás | Túlzott sejtproliferáció, autoimmun |
| Sóterápia hatásmechanizmusa | Antibakteriális, IgE-csökkentő, hidratáló | Gyulladáscsökkentő, hámlasztó, regeneráló |
| Javasolt kezelésszám | 15-20 alkalom/kúra | 7-15 alkalom, intenzíven |
| Hatás tartóssága | 6-24 hónap | 6-12 hónap |
Frequently asked questions
No. Salt therapy is a complementary treatment that can support skin condition but does not replace physician-prescribed therapy.
During acute flare-ups, on open wounds, and in the presence of severe underlying conditions (e.g. untreated high blood pressure, active tuberculosis, severe kidney disease).
Initial improvement is usually noticed after 5–10 sessions, but lasting effects require 15–20 sessions.
Yes, salt therapy is safe for children, but consult the child's physician first.
Detailed guides by condition
If you're interested in a specific disease or condition, read our detailed guides where we present the possibilities of salt therapy supported by scientific research:
Sinusitis and salt therapy – Get rid of sinusitis
Asthma and salt therapy – Natural breathing support
Cystic fibrosis and salt therapy – Mucus clearance and breathing support- COPD and salt therapy – Easier breathing, better quality of life
Cold, common cold and salt therapy – Faster recovery
Hay fever and salt therapy – Relief of allergy symptoms
Post-pneumonia recovery – Salt therapy as a complementary treatment
Snoring and salt therapy – Natural help for nasal-congestion-related snoring
Sources
- Puryshev EA. (1994). The efficacy of speleotherapy in atopic dermatitis in children. Vopr Kurortol Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult. PubMed: 7846884
- Proksch E et al. (2005). Bathing in a magnesium-rich Dead Sea salt solution improves skin barrier function, enhances skin hydration, and reduces inflammation in atopic dry skin. Int J Dermatol. PubMed: 15689218
- Manoharan P, Kaliaperumal K. (2022). Salt and skin. Int J Dermatol. PubMed: 33890287
- El-Amawy HS et al. (2021). Saline in Dermatology: A literature review. J Cosmet Dermatol. PubMed: 33098717
- Endre L. (2015). Theoretical basis and clinical benefits of dry salt inhalation therapy. Orv Hetil. PubMed: 26551167
