Salt soaks for epidermolysis bullosa (EB)

Bathing is an important part of everyday life for all children as it maintains good health. For children and young people with EB, baths provide the additional benefit of helping protect from infection and illness by reducing bacteria or “germs” on the skin.

A bath made up of water and sea salt.

Salt soaks can help to:

• Reduce the growth of unwanted bacteria on the skin by acting as a natural disinfectant.
• Soften the skin, which makes dead skin easier to remove.
• Heal wounds and blisters.
• Soothe itching and irritation.
• They can also reduce inflammation, redness, and swelling associated with infection.

• Use natural sea salt or Epsom salt- these are gentle on the skin.
• Fill a bowl or bath with warm water. Fill with enough water to cover the affected area, for example the feet.
• Gradually add two to three heaped tbsp of salt to the water while stirring gently to help it dissolve completely.
• Soak for 10 to 20 minutes.
• After the soak, gently pat the skin dry and apply any regular moisturisers, ointments and dressings. (You don’t need to rinse off the salt soak.)

• Make sure the water is comfortably warm, but not too hot, to avoid drying out your skin.
• Limit salt soaks to two to three times per week, excessive use can dry out the skin.
• Initially salt baths may sting wounds or blisters. If stinging continues, please stop the salt soak, and rinse off with fresh water.

MyGOSH (for non-urgent queries)

Telephone: 0207 405 9200 Ext 5053

Email: gos-tr.ebnurses@nhs.net