Can patients with urticaria use salt to relieve itching?

Generally, whether patients with urticaria can use salt to relieve itching depends on the specific situation. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The detailed analysis is as follows:

When urticarial wheals are intact and itching is mild, gently wiping the skin with saline solution may help alleviate discomfort. Saline can clean surface impurities from the skin and temporarily constrict local blood vessels, thereby reducing histamine-mediated itching. Use warm water to dissolve table salt, with a concentration low enough that no obvious saltiness can be tasted, to avoid irritating the skin.

When wheals are broken with oozing or when itching is severe, salt must never be used for itch relief. The irritant nature of salt can intensify pain at damaged sites and may even lead to infection. Concentrated saline can compromise the skin barrier, trigger excessive histamine release, increase the number of wheals, worsen itching, and potentially cause dryness and flaking of the skin.

In daily care, clean the skin with lukewarm water and use gentle, fragrance-free, and preservative-free skincare products. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing to minimize friction and irritation. Maintain a light diet and avoid allergenic foods such as seafood and mangoes. Keep indoor areas well-ventilated and avoid exposure to allergens like pollen and dust mites. When itching occurs, gently pat the affected area or apply a cool damp towel as a compress. Seek medical advice promptly if symptoms persist.