Why Salt Water?

• Salt water has long been considered a natural antiseptic and helps clean and sterilize open wounds. Although the famous expression "putting salt in the wound" has a negative connotation because salt tends to sting when placed in an open sore or cut, salt is beneficial in the long run. Because salt tends to be abrasive, it is best that you dilute it in a water solution. Salt water is most effective when 1 Tbsp. of salt is added to 1 cup of warm water. Stir the salt into the water until it dissolves, and then soak your wounds in it. Although salt-water treatment is not ideal as the primary treatment for all wounds, it is an excellent initial treatment to disinfect a wound.
  
  

Treating Your Wounds

• If you have a small wound on your hand or foot, fill a small bowl of warm water, add several tablespoons of salt, and soak the wound for 15 minutes. Then rinse the wound in cold water and dry thoroughly. Add hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to your skin if desired. If you have a larger wound, you may want to take a salt-water bath. Fill the bathtub with warm water, and add 1 cup of salt water to the bath. Stir the bathwater thoroughly with your hands until the salt dissolves completely. Sit in the salt-water bath for 15 minutes, and then rinse off thoroughly in the shower. Follow with a spot treatment of rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to further sterilize your wound.
  
  

Warnings About Treating Your Wounds

• Do not use a salt-water bath if your wound is bleeding. You may dab your wound gently with salt water, but do not soak it until your wound has clotted completely. If your wound is bleeding profusely or is swelling, see a doctor or go to the emergency room immediately. If you appear to have broken a bone, do not soak your wound in salt water. Treating a wound in salt water is an excellent preventative measure against germs and infection, but it will not heal all wounds. Your wound may require stitches or other medical attention before soaking your wound in salt water will be effective. When in doubt, always contact your doctor and ask her what to do about your injury.