Osmosis - definition: Spontaneous passage or diffusion of water or other
solvent through a semipermeable membrane. If a solution is separated from a
pure solvent by a membrane that is permeable to the solvent but not to the
solute, the solution will tend to become more dilute by absorbing solvent
through the membrane. The pressure caused by the migration of solvent
through the membrane is called osmotic pressure.


The skin is made up of cells like any other part of our bodies and so are
semipermeable. On a cellular level, transport mechanisms occur which allow
fluids and other things to cross the cell membrane. Water follows salt (and
magnesium), so soaking in a salt solution will draw (edema) fluid out. The
water will go to the place of higher salt concentration - even if that is
outside the body in a tub or bowl of water. Everything seeks to balance.
It's all in the osmosis and cell biology stuff learned in the first semester
of anatomy and physiology. I wish I could find my old A&P book though so I
could referance it! Any good A&P text would contain this stuff if you really
want to understand it thoroughly.

Think about topical meds worn in patch form, or creams that are applied to
the skin that are absorbed systemically. While absorption can be
unpredictable at times and for some patients, many of these meds are well
absorbed.

Michelle Meeks, RN

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