Hello, I'm a certified piercer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. I've seen a lot of piercings, both well-cared for and those struggling with irritation or infection. One of the most common questions I get is about what salt to use for cleaning. It's a great question, and one that deserves a thorough answer.

Firstly, let's be clear: **you shouldn't use any type of salt directly on your piercing**. Salt crystals are abrasive and can irritate the delicate skin around your piercing, potentially hindering healing and even increasing the risk of infection.

**The best way to clean your piercing is with a saline solution.** This is a sterile, pre-made solution available at most drugstores and online. It's formulated to mimic the body's natural pH balance and is gentle enough for even the most sensitive piercings.

Here's why saline solution is the best choice:

* Gentle and non-irritating: Unlike salt crystals, saline is formulated to be gentle on the delicate tissues surrounding your piercing. It won't cause any additional irritation or inflammation.
* Sterile and effective: Saline solution is sterile and formulated to kill bacteria, making it ideal for cleaning your piercing and preventing infection.
* Easy to use: Saline solution comes pre-mixed and ready to use. Simply soak a cotton ball or gauze pad in the solution and gently wipe around the piercing.

Now, you might be wondering why table salt is often recommended, even though it's not ideal. The reason is that many people think it's a budget-friendly alternative to saline solution. However, it's crucial to understand why using table salt is problematic:

* Iodine and other additives: Table salt often contains iodine and other additives that can irritate your piercing and hinder healing.
* Contamination risk: Unless you boil your water and carefully sterilize the salt, you risk introducing bacteria into the solution, increasing the risk of infection.
* Inconsistency: You'll need to carefully measure the salt and water to get the right concentration, which can be difficult and inconsistent.

Here's a breakdown of the different types of salt and why they're not suitable for piercing care:

* Table salt: Contains iodine and other additives that can irritate the piercing.
* Sea salt: Contains minerals and impurities that can irritate the piercing.
* Epsom salt: Is known to have a drying effect, which can actually worsen irritation and delay healing.

Remember, **the most important factor is using a sterile, pre-made solution like saline.** It's the most effective and safest way to keep your piercing clean and promote healing.

Here are some additional tips for cleaning your piercing:

* Clean your piercing twice a day. This will help remove any debris and keep the area clean.
* **Use a clean cotton ball or gauze pad each time.** Avoid using the same cotton ball or pad for multiple cleanings.
* **Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel.** Don't rub or scrub the piercing.
* **Avoid touching your piercing with dirty hands.** Wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning your piercing.

Finally, if you experience any signs of infection, like redness, swelling, pain, or discharge, **contact your piercer or a doctor immediately**. They can assess the situation and recommend the best course of treatment.

Remember, proper care is crucial for a successful piercing healing journey. Choose the right products, follow your piercer's instructions, and don't hesitate to ask for help if needed. Good luck with your piercing!
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Turn it nightly. Thus, one clean T-shirt will provide for clean sleeping surfaces. If you cannot purchase saline solution, make your own. Soak piercing with warm water and non-iodized sea salt,(Sea salt without iodine, this is usually added as a supplement.read more >>