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Body piercing provides a means to create a unique style statement, but is also used as a wonderful form of self-expression. However, in order to ensure that such piercing does not lead to any serious infections or other health issues, it is important to clean the pierced areas regularly. In fact, it is quite common for the pierced area to bleed, bruise and even swell somewhat. With proper cleaning and care, these issues tend to get resolved on their own after some time. Let us read to know how to use sea salt for piercings.
Does Sea Salt Work for Piercings?
- Sea salt is known to be extremely beneficial for piercing aftercare, especially for cleaning and healing the pierced area.
- This is because it helps in flushing out the piercing, draws out any discharge and also stimulates blood circulation besides soothing any irritation.(1)
What Kind of Sea Salt for Piercings?
- It is advisable to use only pure and non-iodized sea salt for all piercing aftercare.
- You should make sure that the salt you purchase contains only sodium chloride, even though a small amount of calcium phosphate or calcium silicate is permissible.
- Using any other form of sea salt can cause irritation of the piercing along with skin infections.(2)
How To Use Sea Salt for Piercings
The most common method of using sea salt for piercing aftercare is in the form of warm saline soaks. However, there are various other ways in which the compound can be used to care for the piercing and keep it healthy and infection free.
1. Sea Salt Spray for Piercings
The saline content of pure sea salt matches the saline concentration of human blood, which makes it an effective cleaning and healing agent.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of water
- ¼ teaspoon non-iodized sea salt
Preparation Time: 5 mins.
Procedure:
- Bring the water to boil and add the sea salt to it.
- Stir well to allow the salt to mix and let the mixture cool down.
- Pour the mix into a sterile spray bottle.
- Spray a generous amount of the mixture on the pierced area.
- Let the spray dry off naturally after a few minutes.
- Do not clean off the spray or the pierced area with cotton or cloth or even rinse it off.
How it works: Being isotonic, the spray does not harm the normal tissue but rather helps with its healing.
Repetitions: Twice a day.
Best time to Apply: Mornings and evenings.
Tips: Use it more frequently if the pierced area is inflamed or extensively bruised.
2. Tea Tree oil And Sea Salt for Piercings
The mild curative properties of sea salt help in healing the piercing while oil cleanses the area and rejuvenates the cells.(3)
Ingredients:
- ¼ teaspoon non-iodized fine-grained sea salt
- 2-3 drops Tea tree oil
- 1 cup of water
- Paper towel
Preparation Time: 5 mins.
Procedure:
- Take the water and heat it to a bearable skin touch temperature.
- Add the salt and the few drops of tea tree oil to the water
- Make a pad of a paper towel and place it in the solution till it becomes saturated
- Place the pad on the pierced area in the form of a compress
- Let the pad stay on for at least 10 minutes
- Remove the pad and rinse with fresh clean water
- Pat dry the pierced area
How it works: The salt and tea soak keeps the pierced area hydrated while also flushing out any fluid or cellular waste that might have accumulated in it.
Repetitions: Once or twice a day.
Best time to Apply: Before doing any physical task or taking part in a sports activity.
Tips: You can also add a few drops of chamomile oil to enhance the healing power of the soak.
[ Read: How to Use Tea Tree oil for Piercings ]
3. Sea Salt Paste for Piercings
The sea salt paste offers a soothing effect and helps reduce the bruising and inflammation of the pierced area.
Ingredients:
- 1-2 teaspoon water
- ¼ teaspoon non-iodized sea salt
- A small bowl
Preparation Time: 5 Mins.
Procedure:
- Take the salt in the bowl and add water to it.
- Mix the salt and water well to make a rough paste.
- Apply a generous amount of the paste to the pierced area
- Leave it on till the paste is dry.
- Then gently remove the dried paste without cleaning or rinsing off the area.
How it works: The paste proves effective by absorbing the excessive heat generated in the area causing the irritation and discomfort, besides killing any bacteria and germs.
Repetitions: Once every day.
Best time to Apply: Apply the paste before going to bed at night.
Tips: You can replace the plain water with rose water or even chamomile oil to get better results.
Sea salt is considered to one of the most effective natural remedies for healing almost any type of wound. When it is used in combination with other similar natural products, it naturally helps in keeping the piercings healthy and infection free. In fact, it is one of the most recommended aftercare products by professional piercing experts from across the globe.
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