Modern piercing professionals discourage the traditional practice of mixing a homemade salt water solution for cleaning new piercings. While the active ingredient in the recommended cleaning agent is sodium chloride (salt), the method of preparation has changed significantly. Piercers agree that a saline solution is the correct cleanser for a healing wound, but a precise, sterile environment is necessary to ensure the best healing outcome.
The Recommended Cleaning Solution
The modern recommendation for piercing aftercare is a sterile, pre-mixed saline solution. This product is specifically formulated as a wound wash, containing a precise concentration of 0.9% sodium chloride and purified water. This solution is isotonic, meaning it matches the salt concentration of the body’s fluids, allowing it to gently cleanse the piercing without causing irritation or drying out the delicate healing tissue.
The solution is typically applied one to two times daily by spraying it directly onto the piercing site or by saturating a clean gauze or paper product and gently applying it. Avoid moving or rotating the jewelry during this process, as movement can disrupt the formation of new tissue inside the piercing channel. When selecting a product, ensure it contains only water and sodium chloride, avoiding similar products like contact lens solution, nasal sprays, or solutions with added moisturizers or antibacterials.
Why Homemade Salt Water is Discouraged
The traditional method of mixing salt and water at home is discouraged because it carries risks that impede healing. The primary concern is the difficulty in achieving the correct, precise ratio of salt to water. Too much salt creates a hypertonic solution that can severely dry out the piercing, leading to irritation, tissue damage, and prolonged healing.
Furthermore, homemade solution ingredients are rarely sterile, introducing contamination risk to the open wound. Tap water contains impurities and microorganisms, and common table salt often includes iodine or anti-caking agents that can irritate the piercing. The inconsistent concentration and non-sterile nature of a homemade mixture can introduce bacteria or cause chemical irritation, hindering the body’s natural healing response.
Essential Aftercare Practices
Successful piercing aftercare requires adherence to important behavioral and environmental practices beyond the cleaning solution. Avoid touching, twisting, or rotating the jewelry, as this introduces bacteria and causes micro-trauma to the healing tissue. If the piercing must be handled for cleaning, hands should be thoroughly washed beforehand.
After cleaning or showering, gently pat the piercing dry using a clean, disposable paper product, such as gauze or a paper towel. Avoid cloth towels because they can harbor bacteria and snag on the jewelry, causing injury. Protect the piercing from common irritants, including alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, harsh soaps, and antibiotic ointments, as these products can damage healthy cells and slow healing. Also, avoid submerging the piercing in non-sterile bodies of water, such as pools, hot tubs, or lakes, until the wound is fully healed.