Hi there! I'm Adrian, and I've been a professional piercer for over 15 years. I'm passionate about body piercing and strive to create a safe and comfortable environment for all my clients. Throughout my career, I've witnessed the evolution of piercing aftercare practices and am happy to share my expertise to ensure your piercing heals beautifully. So, you want to know the best way to clean a piercing? Let's dive in!

## The Gold Standard: Saline Solution (0.9% Sodium Chloride)

When it comes to cleaning a fresh or healing piercing, sterile saline solution (0.9% sodium chloride) reigns supreme. Think of it as the ultimate healing elixir for your piercing. Here's why:

* Gentle on Your Body: It's incredibly gentle, mimicking your body's natural fluids, making it ideal for even the most sensitive skin.
* Effective Cleaning: Saline solution effectively flushes away debris and lymph, those pesky crusties that form around your new piercing, without irritating the healing tissue.
* Readily Available: You can easily find sterile saline solution over-the-counter at most drugstores. Look for wound wash solutions that contain only 0.9% sodium chloride and water—no additives!

### How to Use Saline Solution for Piercing Aftercare:


1. Wash Your Hands: Thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial soap before touching your piercing or handling your cleaning supplies. This prevents transferring bacteria to the healing wound.

2. Saline Soak: Saturate a clean cotton ball or gauze pad with sterile saline solution and gently apply it to your piercing. Let it soak for 5-10 minutes, allowing the solution to soften and lift away any dried discharge.

3. Rinse and Dry: After soaking, gently rinse the area with clean, running water to remove any leftover saline or debris. Pat the piercing dry with a clean paper towel or let it air dry.

## Other Acceptable Options:

While sterile saline solution should be your go-to, there are a couple of other acceptable options for cleaning your piercing:

* Sea Salt Soaks (DIY Saline Solution): If you can't get your hands on sterile saline solution, you can make your own sea salt soak. Dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt into one cup (8 ounces) of warm distilled or bottled water. Important: Use this solution immediately and discard any leftover solution. Do not reuse.
* Mild, Fragrance-Free Soap: In a pinch, you can use a mild, fragrance-free, and dye-free antibacterial soap for cleaning. However, use it sparingly and only once a day. Lather a small amount between your clean hands and gently wash around the piercing. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.

## What NOT to Use:

Certain products can hinder your piercing's healing process and even cause irritation or infection. Avoid the following:

* Rubbing Alcohol: While it might seem like a good idea, alcohol is incredibly drying and can irritate the healing tissue, delaying the healing process.
* Hydrogen Peroxide: Similar to alcohol, hydrogen peroxide is too harsh for healing piercings and can damage the delicate new skin cells.
* Ointments and Creams: Thick creams and ointments can trap moisture and bacteria around your piercing, creating a breeding ground for infection.
* Ear Care Solutions: While marketed for piercings, many ear care solutions contain ingredients that can be irritating and delay healing. Stick to sterile saline solution!

## A Few More Aftercare Tips:

* Hands Off!: Avoid touching your piercing unless you're cleaning it. Our hands carry tons of bacteria, and even the slightest touch can introduce germs.
* Don't Twist or Turn: Resist the urge to twist, turn, or play with your jewelry. Excessive movement can irritate the healing tissue and prolong the healing time.
* Be Patient: Healing takes time! Remember that every piercing is unique, and healing times vary depending on the piercing type and your body's natural healing process.

Remember, if you have any concerns about your piercing, such as redness, swelling, discharge, or pain, don't hesitate to reach out to your piercer or a medical professional. They can assess the situation and provide appropriate guidance.
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Cleaning the piercing. Keep the piercing clean by gently cleaning the area around it with a saline (salt water) solution twice a day, preferably after washing or bathing. To do this, submerge the area in a bowl of saline solution (1/4 teaspoon of sea salt per egg cup of warm water) for a few minutes at a time.read more >>