[malawigirl08]

Mrs D I ran out of Epsom Salts and couldn't find any in the shops so bought a combination of Magnesium sulphate and sodium bicarbonate meant for indigestion, I put in my foot bath but was up all night with an unbelievable burning in feet-is this the bicarb?

[mrsD]

It might be... sodium is part of sodium bicarb. Sodium channels are in the pain receptors too. Sodium bicarb is also basic, and the skin is mostly acidic. The drugs used to treat PN are often sodium channel blockers... like the lidocaine.

Here is a typical bicarb soak instruction:
http://www.armhammer.com/mybody/body_tips.asp

Plain epsom salts has no sodium. Only magnesium and sulfate.

It might also burn if too much is used at a time, and with too hot of water.

I have never had a epsom salt bath burn or sting however. That is the only thing I will soak in.

[malawigirl08]

That makes sense, I should have worked that out for myself doh! That is what lack of sleep does, work was a blur today.
Thanks Mrs D, this can go to the back of the medicine cupboard and I will go searching for Epsom tomorrow.