Question 1

stepped on a nail and foot is swollen i put peroxide on it and soaked it in salt water and its been 2 days and my foot is still swollen. this is on the ball of my foot.  do i need to seer a doctor?

Accepted Answer

I : I strongly suggest you get seen.  Nails are a problem because of the things that can grow on them and then get inserted deep into your foot.  In worst case scenarios, it can even cause an infection in your bone!  best not to wait on this one.  Sorry it's not easier than that.

Question 2

good evening,
my 18 year old son was stung by a bee two days ago, this afternoon it got very painful and slightly swollen, he can't move or curl his toes.

currently dunking the foot in warm salt water, no relief.

please?

Accepted Answer

Cellulitis: It is likely that when the bee stinger entered his skin, it brought with it bacteria that was on the surface of his skin. This delayed redness and swelling is a sign of infection in the skin in and around the sting site. It will require a visit to a Dr for antibiotics. If left untreated it could spread and ultimately cause a blood infection.

Question 3

what are the benefits of bathing in salt water?

Accepted Answer

Salt water benefits: Hippcrates encouraged patients to immerse in sea water.

Being in the ocean takes away tiredness, , promotes relaxation

The sodium, contained in sea water helps the body remove toxins and by-products of metabolism.
The magnesium, potassium and the bromides contained in the sea salt, help soothe aches.
Salt in general (NaCl) is a good disinfectant.

sea salt can help improve body's ability to heal

Question 4

what is the benefit of gargling warm salt water?

Accepted Answer

Soar throat: Some find it helpful after dental or oral surgery and even for a sore throat.

Question 5

does using purified sea salt water, several times a day, benefit healing wounds? this specifically concerns new piercings.

Accepted Answer

Sea water: No matter how long I have been in wound care, there always seems to be an endless stream of new products and recommendations.  I think that attention to the conditions under which the piercings are done (sterility of tools, for example) requires more due diligence than dealing with problems afterwards. We use sterile Normal Saline all of the time to wash wounds so if it is sterile, i see no issue.

Question 6

warm salt water mouth wash. why/when it is normally used/benefits in dental hygiene. cons and pros please.

Accepted Answer

Normal saline: It's like bathing in tissue fluid.  Use to promote healing of irritated tissues.  Not an oral hygiene adjunct (brushing/flossing best for hygiene).  Ask your dentist if your situation would benefit from salt water rinse...Everyon's different.

Question 7

how long should i soak my feet in salt and water for ant bites?

Accepted Answer

Salt water soaking: is for the purpose of reducing swelling. If you have ant bites then you need an anti-histamine topical cream.

Question 8

why do my hands, knees and (sometimes) feet swell & hurt at night? i'm 24/f/ & a bartender. i don't eat a ton of salt and i drink plenty of water.

Accepted Answer

Not typical : It is not normal to have bilateral joint swelling on a regular basis. If you only had feet swelling after working a shift you might be able to explain that but not with the knees or hands. A more detailed history, examination and labs are needed to get a better idea of what might be the cause.

Question 9

i have struggled with water retention inns recent trip to europe and today with our hot weather. i get it in my feet and ankles. i don't eat high amounts of sodium. is there a natural way to manage water retention that seems to be creeping up on me at 50.

Accepted Answer

Need to be seen : first to find a cause for your edema 'water retention' , then look for a treatment. Although salt retention is a common cause, there are causes too, can be your heart, kidneys, liver, or may be your thyroid, etc.. Better see your doctor for evaluation, good luck

Question 10

slight pitting edema on both shins none ankles. dry feet. sedentary. my doc thinks all is well with me. labs wk ago showed low bun 6mg/dl high gluc 120mg/dl - sodium 139 pot 3.9 chlor 106 co2 28 creat .8 calcium 10.2 b/cr 8 drink water 64-80 oz day?

Accepted Answer

Edema: Sounds like your doctor has it well in hand. If you are not as active the vein system in your legs become sluggish in getting blood back into the central circulation and fluid will leak out into the tissues. Your labs are reasonable. You can also wear knee high compression stockings to mobilize the fluid as well as elevating your feet above the level of your heart. Follow up with your doc also.

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Doctor answers about:

Soaking feet in salt water benefits

A member asked:

Stepped on a nail and foot is swollen i put peroxide on it and soaked it in salt water and its been 2 days and my foot is still swollen. this is on the ball of my foot. do i need to seer a doctor?

A member asked:

Good evening, my 18 year old son was stung by a bee two days ago, this afternoon it got very painful and slightly swollen, he can't move or curl his toes. currently dunking the foot in warm salt water, no relief. please?

A member asked:

What are the benefits of bathing in salt water?

A member asked:

What is the benefit of gargling warm salt water?

A member asked:

Does using purified sea salt water, several times a day, benefit healing wounds? this specifically concerns new piercings.

A member asked:

Warm salt water mouth wash. why/when it is normally used/benefits in dental hygiene. cons and pros please.

A member asked:

How long should i soak my feet in salt and water for ant bites?

A member asked:

Why do my hands, knees and (sometimes) feet swell & hurt at night? i'm 24/f/ & a bartender. i don't eat a ton of salt and i drink plenty of water.

A member asked:

I have struggled with water retention inns recent trip to europe and today with our hot weather. i get it in my feet and ankles. i don't eat high amounts of sodium. is there a natural way to manage water retention that seems to be creeping up on me at 50.

A member asked:

Slight pitting edema on both shins none ankles. dry feet. sedentary. my doc thinks all is well with me. labs wk ago showed low bun 6mg/dl high gluc 120mg/dl - sodium 139 pot 3.9 chlor 106 co2 28 creat .8 calcium 10.2 b/cr 8 drink water 64-80 oz day?

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