Is normal saline good for treating skin allergies?

May 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My husband recently developed a skin allergy with symptoms of redness, swelling, and itching. I heard from someone that normal saline can help relieve the symptoms, but I'm not sure if it's effective. His skin is generally sensitive, and he recently used a new skincare product, which we suspect might be the trigger. May I ask if normal saline can treat skin allergies?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Wenmin

Under normal circumstances, physiological saline may refer to a sodium chloride solution. While sodium chloride solution can provide adjunctive benefits for skin allergies, it cannot provide a definitive cure. If the skin is broken or infected, anti-infective treatment should be used in combination. The analysis is as follows:

Sodium chloride solution can gently remove allergens, dirt, and secretions from the skin surface, reducing irritation. At the same time, it provides a moist environment through wet compresses, alleviating discomfort caused by dryness. Its osmotic pressure is similar to that of human extracellular fluid, which can reduce local swelling and burning sensations, and relieve itching. However, attention should be paid to the duration of wet compresses to avoid excessive hydration that could damage the skin barrier. Skin allergies are an overreaction of the immune system to allergens and require comprehensive intervention. Using sodium chloride solution alone cannot block contact with allergens or modulate the immune response; combination with other treatments is necessary.

If symptoms persist or worsen, medications such as loratadine tablets, cetirizine tablets, and desonide cream should be used under medical supervision. If blisters, exudation, or difficulty breathing occur, immediate medical attention is required to evaluate for contact dermatitis, urticaria, and other conditions. Allergen testing may be necessary in some cases.