Can salt water be used to wash the skin for itching?
Disease description:
My son is 12 years old this year, and recently he has been constantly complaining of severe itching all over his body. My mother-in-law suggested washing with saline solution, saying it might help. I would like to know whether saline solution can be used for skin itching.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
When experiencing skin itching, the use of saline solution for cleansing should be carefully considered. Saline has certain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and may provide short-term relief for itching caused by bacterial infection or mild inflammation. However, not all cases of skin itching are suitable for treatment with saline. For itching caused by allergies, eczema, dry skin, or other non-infectious factors, saline may not only fail to provide effective relief, but could also irritate the skin due to its salt content, potentially worsening symptoms or causing discomfort.
Improper control of saline concentration is another concern, as overly concentrated solutions may damage the skin barrier, increasing dryness and sensitivity. Therefore, when experiencing skin itching, it is recommended to first identify the underlying cause and seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional or pharmacist. For most non-infectious types of itching, maintaining skin cleanliness, using mild and non-irritating moisturizing products, and treating the underlying cause are generally safer and more effective approaches.
