How many times have we gone to the beach, with an injury, and our parents have told us "if it stings, it heals"? We have probably heard this popular saying thousands of times. But recently experts have wanted to settle this issue and various experts have assured that it would be a myth that may not be entirely true.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), seawater can contain pathogenic microorganisms, such as, in this case, bacteria, protozoa and viruses. This institution warns that this effect of salt water can be harmful to our health, since it can affect the healing of a wound, making it take longer to heal.
According to the WHO, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ensure that both fresh water and salt water can contaminate wounds and cause "infections caused by aquatic organisms."
For its part, the Virginia Department of Public Health also confirms this and emphasizes that these infections can be developed by both immunologically weaker people and those who are healthier.
In this way, following the recommendations of public institutions, if we have a significant injury, it is best to forget about bathing in the beach for at least a few days.
What problems can seawater cause?
Sea water contains mineral salts and trace elements that can work as an anti-inflammatory. Despite this, salt water can also contain bacteria or other pathogenic microorganisms, explains Andrea Allende, dermatologist member of the Spanish Academy of Dermatology and Venerology (AEDV) on the Maldita.es portal.
@BSNLCorporate Is there any documentation on how to become a TIP vendor?
— Nikhil Savaikar Wed Jun 02 12:38:50 +0000 2021
This same expert emphasizes that we can bathe in the sea without any problem if we have a small wound, although she warns that it is not recommended to do so in case we are at risk of superinfection or if we have a serious burn on our body.
Speaking to the same medium, Guadalupe Fontán, a nurse at the Research Institute of the General Nursing Council, explains that water and sea air can be favorable for acne, since they tend to dry out the skin, although she assures that they are not at all convenient. on a deep wound or a serious burn, as it can worsen the symptoms and cause an infection.
Both experts emphasize that, to date, no study has been carried out to corroborate the healing properties of the sea, which is why they assure that the popular myth that we have been hearing for years is totally false.
How should we heal a wound?
According to the instructions issued by the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEPED) and the National Institute of Health of the United States (NHI), when we have a wound in our body, it is essential to follow the following steps:
From the AEPED they warn that, if the wound bleeds a lot because the cut or the blow has been strong, the initial care must be different. In that case, you have to wash it carefully to appreciate its size. Subsequently, a piece of sterile gauze or a clean cloth should be placed over the wound and direct, even pressure applied to the wound for 5 minutes, using the palm of the hand on the gauze or cloth. In the event that the blood soaks the gauze, it should not be removed, but another piece should be placed on top of the previous one and continue exerting pressure.
Both the AEPED and the NHI ensure that it is important not to infect the wound, which is why they insist on the importance of washing hands before and after touching a wound. In addition, they explain that all accessories and jewelry must be put aside before maintaining physical contact with the wound.
For its part, the SAMUR-Civil Protection first aid guide also indicates that there is the possibility of using an antiseptic substance that does not stain to heal the wound. To do this, we must always make sure that the person who has the wound is not allergic to any of the components of this antiseptic.
This information does not replace in any case the diagnosis or prescription by a doctor. It is important to go to a specialist when symptoms appear in case of illness and never self-medicate. Read also
