What is saline?
Saline is sterilised water with a salt concentration (0.9%) compatible with body fluids. It softens crusts and cleans the surface without harming the wound. Because it is simple, the risk of irritation is low; that is why it is the first choice for piercing aftercare.
What should you look for on the label?
- The ingredients should be only “sodium chloride” and water: 0.9% NaCl.
- There should be no preservatives, fragrance, antiseptics or “cleansing” additives.
- Sterile, closed system: a pressurised can or single-use ampoule prevents air and bacteria from getting in.
- Sterile wound wash sprays made for piercings contain the same ingredients.
Why not contact lens solution?
Contact lens solutions are designed for lenses and contain buffers or preservatives. These can cause dryness and irritation in a fresh wound. It is not enough for the label to say “saline”; check the ingredients.
Making salt water at home
If sterile saline is not available, the Association of Professional Piercers (APP) aftercare brochure describes, as a temporary solution, adding 1/8–1/4 teaspoon of non-iodised sea salt to 240 ml of boiled and cooled or distilled water. If the ratio is too salty it causes irritation; that is why this method is not as reliable as ready-made sterile saline and should only be a temporary fix.
How is it applied?
Spray onto the piercing from a short distance, wait briefly for it to soften crusts and pat dry with a clean paper towel. Don't let the nozzle touch the piercing or the jewellery.
Label reading guide
The ingredients list on the label is important for choosing the right product. What you are looking for is very simple: “0.9% sodium chloride” and “water”. If the product contains anything else, it is not ideal for piercing aftercare.
- Suitable: 0.9% sodium chloride, sterile, preservative-free, pressurised closed spray.
- Not suitable: “wound care” sprays containing antiseptics, alcohol, benzalkonium chloride, tea tree oil, aloe, fragrance or colourings.
- Caution: Eye drops, lens solution and nasal spray may contain different additives; choose ones made for piercings or labelled only as saline.
Closed pressurised cans stay sterile until the expiry date because they don't come into contact with air. Bottle-type solutions can become contaminated once opened; if you use one, follow the use-by period after opening and don't touch the opening.
How do you apply saline?
Spray onto the front and back of the piercing so that it surrounds the jewellery. Then wait a few minutes and, if the crust has loosened, gently remove it with clean paper. Soaking gauze in saline and pressing it lightly on the piercing also works for stubborn crusts. There is no need to turn the jewellery.
With cartilage piercings, keeping the area wet for a minute or two is enough for the solution to make sufficient contact. Pressing for a long time can unnecessarily soften the skin.
If saline isn't working
If swelling, redness or discharge increases despite regular saline aftercare, the problem is often not cleaning. The jewellery length, pressure, headphones, sleeping position or jewellery material may be the cause. Using more saline is not the solution; you need to find the cause. In this case, the right step is to see your piercer and, if necessary, a doctor.
Is it right to make saline at home?
Although making salt water at home may seem tempting, it is not recommended. When the ratio is off, the solution is too salty or too weak; because the container, water and spoon are not sterile, the piercing may be exposed to bacteria. Ready-made, single-use or pressurised sterile saline guarantees both the right ratio and cleanliness. Use an opened bottle within the period recommended by the product, don't let the tip of the cap touch your hand or the piercing, and don't use expired products.
Common mistakes
- Using contact lens solution
- Buying a “wound spray” with additives
- Mixing salt at home without measuring
- Using a bottle that has been open for a long time
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your piercer or doctor about your personal situation.
Official and reliable sources
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FAQ
Is a spray or an ampoule better?
A closed pressurised spray can is more hygienic because it doesn't come into contact with the open air. Ampoules are single-use.
Does the saline expiry date matter?
Yes. Don't use a product that has expired or been open for a long time.
Which product should I ask for at the pharmacy?
Ask for an “additive-free sterile 0.9% sodium chloride wound wash spray” and check the label.
This content is for general information only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.