Evidence supporting the use of: Sea salt
For the health condition: Abrasions

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Sea salt has been traditionally used in wound care, including for minor abrasions, for centuries. The practice dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans, who believed seawater and salt held healing and antiseptic properties. The main rationale for using sea salt in treating abrasions is its supposed ability to cleanse wounds, reduce infection risk, and promote faster healing. Saltwater soaks or saline solutions are thought to draw out impurities and create an environment less favorable for bacterial growth. However, while there is some scientific support for the use of sterile saline (a salt solution) in wound cleaning—primarily because it is isotonic and non-irritating—there is little robust evidence specifically supporting the use of unrefined sea salt or seawater for this purpose.

Furthermore, using sea salt or seawater directly on wounds can pose risks due to potential contamination with bacteria or pollutants. Clinical guidelines typically recommend using sterile saline or clean water, rather than sea salt, for wound irrigation. The evidence for sea salt’s effectiveness in preventing infection or speeding healing compared to standard care is lacking. Therefore, while the use of sea salt for abrasions is rooted in tradition and some basic principles of wound cleansing, it is not strongly supported by modern scientific research, and caution should be exercised.

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