No, salt water is not good for burns. In fact, it can worsen the injury.
The Dangers of Salt Water on Burns
Research shows that seawater immersion can significantly worsen burn injuries. The salt in seawater aggravates the damage to the blood vessel lining (endothelial dysfunction), increasing the risk of blood clots (thrombosis). This is because the salt can further irritate and dehydrate already damaged skin, hindering the healing process.
- Increased Irritation: Salt can draw moisture from the burned tissue, making the burn more painful and slowing healing.
- Infection Risk: Salt water isn't sterile and can introduce bacteria into the wound, increasing the risk of infection.
- Delayed Healing: The additional irritation and potential infection caused by salt water can significantly delay the healing process.
Instead of using salt water, it is crucial to treat burns with clean, cool water to reduce pain and inflammation. Seek medical attention for serious burns.
