“Saline solution” is a sodium chloride solution with a concentration of 0.9%, which is consistent with the osmotic pressure in the blood and does not adversely affect the microenvironment in which normal cells exist. It is widely used in clinical settings.
However, “saline solution,” as a mild, non-irritating liquid , actually plays a significant role in many everyday life scenarios. Below are five situations where it can be used.
1.Accidental abrasions and cuts
Saline solution can be used to rinse and clean wounds.
In case of accidental abrasions or cuts, it is necessary to rinse the wound to reduce the attachment of foreign matter (such as sand, dirt) on the wound surface, reduce the infection rate of the wound, and promote the subsequent healing of the wound.
Compared with other rinsing liquids, “medical saline solution” is safer and less irritating, so “medical saline solution” is usually the first choice for rinsing, followed by clean running drinking water, tap water, and of course, iodine tincture may also be used for disinfection.
Further reading ➡️ Using the wrong one can delay wound healing! What disinfectant should be used for external injuries?
2.Foreign body in the eye
Rinse foreign bodies in the eyes with saline solution.
If a foreign body gets into the eye, do not rub your eyes, shallow foreign bodies can be flushed out with saline solution, deep foreign bodies or those that have entered the eye should not be attempted to be removed by oneself, and an ophthalmologist should be consulted as soon as possible.
If the eye comes into contact with acidic or alkaline substances, rinse the eyes with readily available clean water for half an hour immediately (it is best to use saline solution for rinsing), and then consult an ophthalmologist. Alkaline substances are more harmful due to their penetrating nature and require a longer rinsing time, severe alkali burns usually require continuous rinsing.
Further reading ➡️ 5 situations when you need to see a doctor as soon as possible for your eyes (recommended to save)
3.Wound exudate
Moist compresses with saline solution can reduce exudate.
For example, in cases of acute eczema with redness and exudate, mosquito bites that have been scratched and caused exudate, or acute cheilitis with small blisters and exudate, when there is a lot of exudate, soak gauze in saline solution and apply it to the exudate area, which can help to reduce the seepage of water. After the exudate disappears, moisturize or apply medication.
4.Skin redness and itching
Moist compresses with saline solution can alleviate itching and redness.
For example, after a mosquito bite, when the skin is red, swollen, and broken, applying a cold compress with saline solution soaked medical gauze for 10-15 minutes can alleviate itching and redness.
For non-broken mosquito bite rashes, mineral water can be used for cold compresses to relieve itching. When necessary, topical corticosteroid ointment can be used to relieve itching.
Further reading ➡️ Mosquito bites should not be scratched first, there are tricks to relieve itching and swelling
5.Nasal congestion and rhinorrhea
Saline solution can be used as a nasal wash to clean the nasal cavity and relieve nasal discomfort.
For example, patients with allergic rhinitis and other diseases need to wash their noses for a long time, and it is generally recommended to use isotonic saline water, such as saline solution, isotonic sea water.
If it is during the acute phase of sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infections and other diseases, and nasal congestion is severe, it is possible to consider using hypertonic saline water for a short term, such as hypertonic saline water, hypertonic sea water.
Further reading ➡️ A complete guide to nasal drops, nasal sprays, and nasal washing, this is enough to read!
⚠️Caution
Once the “saline solution” is opened, it is no longer sterile after the 4 hours , so it is not recommended to continue using it for situations that require sterile operations.
It is advisable to prepare 10ml and 15ml specifications mainly, which are also convenient to carry when going out. You can also prepare an additional 100ml for situations that require a large amount of liquid for rinsing.
Do you have any other uses for saline solution? Feel free to share~
Peer review expert
Luo Yi
Distinct Health Surgeon Peking Union Medical College PhD
Content Editor LEE
