If you’ve recently gotten a belly piercing, you’re probably wondering how to properly care for it to prevent infection and ensure a speedy recovery.
One popular method is using a salt solution to clean the piercing, but not all salts are created equal. You may have heard of using kosher salt for this purpose, but is it safe?
In this article, we’ll explore the dos and don’ts of cleaning your belly piercing with salt and provide you with all the information you need to keep your piercing healthy and happy.
So, let’s dive in!
Can I Use Kosher Salt To Clean My Belly Piercing?
While kosher salt may seem like a good option for cleaning your belly piercing, it’s not recommended. Kosher salt, like table salt and Epsom salts, contains iodine which can be harmful to healing wounds.
When it comes to cleaning your belly piercing, it’s important to use non-iodized sea salt. This type of salt is free of additives and dissolves easily into a solution. It’s also important to make sure the solution isn’t too salty, as this can be irritating to the piercing and the surrounding skin.
To make a safe and effective salt solution for cleaning your belly piercing, mix non-iodized sea salt with fresh, preferably distilled water. The ratio should be no more than two teaspoons of salt per cup of water. Test the solution by putting a dab on your finger and tasting it with the tip of your tongue – it should be no saltier than a potato chip.
Once you have your solution, dip a cotton swab or clean gauge into it and gently rub around the piercing until the area is clean. You can also soak the area with saline water for 10 minutes before washing with fresh water and drying with a soft tissue. Repeat this process twice a day to keep your piercing clean and healthy.
Why Salt Is Used To Clean Belly Piercings
Salt is used to clean belly piercings because it has natural antibacterial properties and can help to reduce inflammation. When a new piercing is made, it creates an open wound that is susceptible to infection. Salt water solutions can help to keep the area clean and free from bacteria, which can prevent infections from developing.
Additionally, salt water solutions can help to promote healing by increasing blood flow to the area. This increased blood flow can help to bring nutrients and oxygen to the wound, which can speed up the healing process. Salt water solutions are also gentle on the skin and do not contain harsh chemicals that can cause irritation or dryness.
The Importance Of Choosing The Right Type Of Salt
Choosing the right type of salt is crucial for cleaning your belly piercing. As mentioned earlier, table salt, kosher salt, and Epsom salts contain iodine which can be harmful to healing wounds. Iodine can irritate your piercing and cause further infection, which can delay the healing process.
Non-iodized sea salt is the best option for cleaning your belly piercing. This type of salt is free of additives and dissolves easily into a solution. It’s also gentle on the skin and won’t cause any irritation or harm to your piercing.
Using the wrong type of salt can not only delay the healing process but can also cause pain and discomfort. It’s important to read the label and make sure that the salt you’re using is non-iodized sea salt. This will ensure that you’re using a safe and effective solution for cleaning your belly piercing.
What Is Kosher Salt?
Kosher salt is a type of salt that is used in Jewish cuisine and is named after the process of making meats kosher. It is a coarse-grained salt that is made by compacting granulated salt to form irregularly shaped flakes. Kosher salt contains no additives, but it does contain iodine, which can be harmful to healing wounds. This is why it’s not recommended for cleaning belly piercings. Instead, non-iodized fine-grain sea salt is the best option for cleaning piercings as it dissolves easily and doesn’t contain any harmful additives.
How To Properly Clean Your Belly Piercing With Salt
Cleaning your belly piercing with salt is an effective way to keep it clean and prevent infection. Here’s how to do it properly:
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before touching your piercing.
2. Mix non-iodized sea salt with fresh, preferably distilled water. The ratio should be no more than two teaspoons of salt per cup of water. Test the solution by putting a dab on your finger and tasting it with the tip of your tongue – it should be no saltier than a potato chip.
3. Dip a cotton swab or clean gauge into the solution and gently rub around the piercing until the area is clean. Alternatively, you can soak the area with saline water for 10 minutes before washing with fresh water and drying with a soft tissue.
4. Repeat this process twice a day to keep your piercing clean and healthy.
It’s important not to over-clean your piercing, as this can slow down the healing process. Also, avoid using any lotions, oils, or perfumes on the piercing as these can trap bacteria inside the wound and slow down healing.
If you notice any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, yellow or green discharge, or pain when you touch the site, contact your doctor immediately. With proper care and cleaning, your belly piercing should heal within a year.
Other Tips For Maintaining A Healthy Belly Piercing
In addition to using a non-iodized sea salt solution to clean your belly piercing, there are other tips you can follow to maintain a healthy piercing.
First and foremost, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your piercing or jewelry. This will help prevent the introduction of bacteria that could lead to infection.
Avoid using harsh cleansers, antibacterials, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide on your piercing as these ingredients can be irritating and dry out the area, which can impede the healing process.
Be sure to remove any dry crust that forms around the piercing using a Q-tip moistened with warm water. Do not use your fingers as this can cause pain and further irritation.
When washing your piercing with soap and water, make sure to get suds into the holes of the piercing. You can do this by placing a cup of soapy water over the piercing and gently swinging it around.
After cleaning, be sure to dry the area thoroughly using a disposable paper towel or napkin. Avoid using a bath towel or cloth as these can harbor bacteria that could lead to infection.
Lastly, avoid playing with your piercing as this increases the likelihood of introducing bacteria into the area. And while swimming in the ocean may seem like a good idea, it’s important to note that even though the sea is salty, it can still harbor bacteria that may infect your piercing.
By following these tips and using a non-iodized sea salt solution to clean your belly piercing, you can ensure proper healing and prevent infection.
