Why does it hurt if a fresh wound comes in contact with water, e. g. while taking a shower?
In: Biology
I suppose the nerves are more exposed in an open wound, meaning pressure/temperature differences make the neurons fire with way more intensity than usual.
Disclaimer: Water is not painful to wounds in any way shape or form when applied gently.
Have you ever noticed how violent and angry it can be taking a shower? The water is fast, direct, and sometimes powerful and painful. Showers may not be for everyone. Some people enjoy the calming languid lounging you can get with a bath. Those people are cowards.
Showers are the only way to scour your disease ridden flesh with scalding water that will destroy the bacteria living on the surface of your skin as well as the dead skin itself.
In conclusion, water only hurts a fresh wound when applied with pressure. A gentle wash of the area is fine, and recommended over a powerful water blasting.
cutaneous hyperalgesia
The cut or wound exposes surface level nerves, and the contact with something foreign (especially that with electrolytes, water, salt, etc .) Causes the nerves to fire off.
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