Is Seawater Good for Treating New Wounds?

Using seawater to clean new wounds is not advised. While seawater contains some natural antimicrobial properties, it also carries a variety of bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that can potentially lead to infections.

Salt Water: A Valuable Tool in Wound Care

Despite the risks, salt water—especially when made with sea salt—can be an effective tool in wound care. Salt water has natural antibiotic and antifungal properties that can help the body fight off infections. Moreover, salt water at the average gravity of sea water is generally beneficial for many wound-related needs.

However, the concentration of salt water matters. Saline (with a concentration that matches your body's average sodium level) is considered medically safe for nearly any part of the body. In contrast, brine is highly concentrated and can cause distress to the cells due to its strong osmotic pull.

For treating wounds on land, the osmotic tension of the cells is not as dramatically affected by salt water because your body uses up its sodium resources to maintain equilibrium. This makes salt water generally safe and beneficial for wound healing.

The Dangers of Using Ocean Water

While salt water from the ocean can be useful, using ocean water directly on new wounds is not advisable. This is because seawater contains numerous infectious bacteria that can compromise the wound and introduce new infections. If you sustain an open wound while in the water, it is important to leave the wound to dry and then thoroughly clean it with fresh water before applying any treatment.

As a child, I was taught that the ocean's salt concentration can help abate infection if applied to a wound made outside of the water. However, I now believe it has more to do with the osmotic tension of the cells when exposed to seawater. On land, the body can better handle salt water due to its higher sodium content, reducing the shock to the cells. This makes salt water less harmful and more effective for wound healing.

Concentrations of Salt Water and Their Uses

Seawater's concentration lies somewhere between saline and brine. Saline, being the least concentrated, is the safest for most body parts. Brine, on the other hand, is too concentrated to be used directly on skin wounds, as it can cause chemical burns.

Here are some practical uses of salt water:

Saline: Virtually endless uses in wound care, oral care, and even as an eye and mouth rinse. Saline promotes faster healing due to its high sodium content that cells can easily absorb, unlike plain water. Seawater: Can help close wounds faster and promote the recovery of infections when used appropriately. Brine: Limited uses due to its high concentration. It can be used to treat fungal infections like athlete's foot or ringworm, and to fight bacterial infections in aquariums and veterinary treatments.

While salt water can be magnificent for wound cleaning, it should be used with caution, especially by individuals with sodium sensitivities or blood pressure/platelet issues. Always avoid using ocean water on new wounds and prefer fresh, clean water with mild soap for immediate wound care.