Why is sea salt used to clean a piercing compared to regular?

Answer 1

Sea Salt is naturally derived by the evaporation of sea water leaving mineral rich salt. Once refined to remove unwanted ingredients it is available in many health food stores and domestic grocery stores. Iodized table salt is mined from the earth refined and usually has iodine added to the mix, available at most grocery stores. In body piercing the salt is not used to clean the piercing, it has no antibacterial qualities other than it's high caustic value when improperly used on piercings. This whole salt water and piercings thing got carried away years ago and is just a run away train. Saline solution is what they really meant to say. Saline solution is a water and salt solution of distilled water and 3% sodium (salt), used in hospitals as an I.V. to carry medications and rehydrate the body. Sterilized and in great quantities in the hospital, it is used to irrigate wounds and as an I.V. carrier. 3% Saline solution has been used to wash wounds because it is sterilized where domestic tap water may carry unwanted minerals and toxins into open wounds. Ultimately both forms of salt should not be used on any piercing because the concentrations of actual salt is too high and is actually caustic to the new forming tissue, most folks don't want to purchase premade saline solution and end up using contact lens solution which is another bad move. Check out the related links for more info.