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In This Article
Getting a new body piercing is an exciting thing.
For extra care, a warm sea salt soak may also be beneficial.
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Meet the Experts
Caring for a New Piercing
Cleaning your piercingshould be relatively easy.
Camp emphasizes that your hands should be clean before touching the piercing.
“I recommend either sea salt soaks or sterile saline sprays,” she says.
Typically, healing a piercing is more about not doing things versus specific do’s.
Instead, use warm water.
“Dont use aggressive cleaning techniques,” adds Nazarian.
Byrdie Tip
The location of your new piercing matters when it comes to aftercare.
A sea salt soak is effective at softening up and gently removing debris that can accumulate, says Faris.
It may also relieve inflammation, rinse the area, and flush out the wound as the piercing heals.
Can You DIY a Sea Salt Soak?
“I typically recommend store-bought,” she says.
When in doubt, purchased ready-made from the store."
Always start with clean hands when caring for your piercing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Soak the piercing in the mixture for five minutes.
What to Avoid
Proper care is crucial to preventing infection and ensuring a speedy recovery.
Here are a few don’ts to always keep in mind.
Do Sea Salt Soaks Work for Every throw in of Piercing?
However, “some areas are more difficult to soak, such as facial piercings,” says Nazarian.
For an area that could be hard to submerge, she suggests spray products.
How Long Does It Take Piercings to Heal?
Will Salt Water Get Rid of Piercing Infections?
Be sure to consult a medical professional if you experience any complications, such as signs of infection.
These include “increasing pain, redness, and oozing or discharge,” says Nazarian.
The Final Takeaway
A saline solution is a great way to keep a piercing clean and happy.
Use it daily to keep your piercing clean for a sound healing journey.
In a pinch, a mix of sea salt and water also works.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.Proper wound care: how to minimize a scar.
