Why does it hurt when you put salt on an open wound?

Question

I read in a book the other day that you can put salt in the wound and it like cleans it....But why does it hurt so bad?

I was just wondering. One time i cut my hand and spilled some salt on it.That's why i was asking...

Answer 1

Yes, salts are use as a cure for wounds, salt water at seas. our tears etc. It hurts because of the heat formed touching our sensitive wound in the salt reaction that kills bacterias.

Answer 2

I don't know if I'd say it hurts. BUT it does burn. I would also say it does help to clean it as well as heal it. I remember as a kid I had a servere problem with Poisen ivy and oak, and sumac. When I would catch these my parents would take me to the beach and make sure I spent as much time as possible in the water. And I would always get over this outbreak quicker than normally without saltwater. SO it must work.

Answer 3

Open wounds hurt by themselves without putting anything on it. Why would you pray tell want to put salt in your wound? during WWII in the Pacific, that's what the Japanese used to torture prisoners of war.

Answer 4

Colloidal silver works great also and does not hurt but may cost a bit more. But if you like pain then use salt.

Answer 5

I woulden't know cause I don't put salt on open wounds

Answer 6

I don't know. But salt cures everything, or at least that's what they say in my family. I like salt. Humm... salt.

Answer 7

It is quite a bit stronger than saline solution which is the constituent of the body.

Answer 8

It sucks the water out of cells by osmosis and may kill them.

Answer 9

because anything in an open wound hurts... i dont think it cleans it though.

Answer 10

Cause it's supposed to. What would life be like if it didn't hurt?