Wounds heal better in salt water

Dermatologist names healing effects: wounds heal better in salt water

08/11/2013

Especially now in the holiday season is again discussed a supposed truism: wounds heal better in salt water. Physicians do not doubt the healing effect, but have no clear explanation for it.

Sprinkle salt into the wound
Since childhood, especially during the holidays by the sea, some people remember Mother's advice to go swimming when they have a small wound on a rock. Salt water heal, according to the parental advice. Many a person refuses, however, to dip a scoured arm or foot into salty seawater, because that can burn quite a bit. In addition, it is popularly said that no salt in the wound to sprinkle. A Berlin doctor sees it differently.

Salt water heals, but why?
The director of the Department of Dermatology at the Charité in Berlin, Prof. Torsten Zuberbier, explains: „Abrasions or eczema heal well on holiday at the Baltic Sea or North Sea.“ This circumstance is not doubted by medical professionals. However, they would not know why. It is possible that the iodine contained in the seawater plays a role. Another explanation is the combination of sunlight and salt water. For example, in the bath photo therapy, which is used against psoriasis or atopic dermatitis, salt water swells the skin slightly and thus the UV light used can work better afterwards.

Off on vacation
The doctor also gives the all-clear before the burning pain: „That does not matter“, so Zuberbier. And further he says: „It is a ray of hope for those who are going on vacation now: eczema or abrasions often get better at the sea.“ Saltwater is also credited with a positive effect in the treatment of itchy rash. For example, in drugstores and pharmacies, salt from the Dead Sea is offered, which, dissolved in water, can provide relief for itchy scalp, for example. (Ad)

Picture: Hartmut910