Obtaining a new piercing requires diligent aftercare, and professional piercers consistently recommend sterile saline solution for cleansing. This simple combination of salt and water is gentle on healing tissue, flushing the wound area without causing irritation or cell damage. Knowing where to source this specific type of sterile saline is the first step toward successful healing.
Identifying the Right Product
Selecting the correct saline solution is important, as not all products labeled “saline” are suitable for piercing aftercare. The ideal solution is a sterile, pharmaceutical-grade wound wash containing only purified water and 0.9% sodium chloride. This isotonic concentration has a salt level similar to that found naturally in the human body, which prevents stinging or drying out the delicate wound.
Avoid products with added ingredients, even those that sound beneficial, such as tea tree oil, iodine, preservatives, or fragrances. Contact lens solutions, for example, often contain chemicals like boric acid that are too harsh for an open wound and can delay healing. The preferred packaging is a sterile, pressurized aerosol can. This delivers a fine mist while maintaining sterility inside the container, which is superior to bulk bottles of saline that risk contamination once opened.
Purchasing Saline in Physical Stores
For immediate needs, sterile saline wound wash is readily available in several physical retail locations. Pharmacies and drugstores, such as Walgreens or CVS, are reliable sources and typically stock the product in the first aid aisle. Look specifically for products labeled “Sterile Saline Wound Wash” or “Wound Cleansing Spray” to ensure you are getting the proper formulation.
Major retailers and supermarkets, including Walmart or Target, also carry these products, usually within their health and wellness or first aid sections. When shopping here, carefully check the ingredient list to confirm the 0.9% sodium chloride and lack of additives. Professional piercing studios are an excellent source, as they often stock piercer-recommended brands like NeilMed or H2Ocean. These brands are specifically formulated for piercing aftercare, and buying from a studio allows you to ask specific usage questions.
Specialized Online Vendors
For convenience, bulk purchasing, or access to specific brands, online vendors offer a wide selection of appropriate saline solutions. General e-commerce platforms, such as Amazon, stock many sterile saline wound wash brands, often at competitive prices. When ordering from these larger platforms, confirm the product’s expiration date and check the seller’s credibility to avoid counterfeit or expired items.
Specialized piercing supply websites and online stores recommended by professional piercers often carry high-quality, dedicated aftercare products. Brands like NeilMed Piercing Aftercare and Steri-Wash are frequently found on these sites and are formulated to meet high standards for wound care. These sources are useful for finding smaller, travel-sized cans or for ordering larger quantities to last through the entire healing period.
Making Your Own Solution
While some older advice suggested mixing a homemade sea salt solution, piercing professionals no longer recommend this practice. The primary concern with a do-it-yourself solution is the difficulty in achieving true sterility, as tap water or non-sterile containers can introduce bacteria to the healing site. Commercially prepared, sterile wound wash should be used due to the inherent risks of home preparation.
An incorrectly measured ratio of salt to water is another significant issue, as a solution that is too strong will dry out and irritate the piercing, potentially interfering with the healing process. If commercial sterile saline is absolutely unavailable as a last resort, a mixture of 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt dissolved in 8 ounces of warm, distilled water is the basic ratio often cited. However, this solution is not sterile and must be discarded after 24 hours to prevent bacterial growth.