A sea salt solution is a natural approach to clean the piercing, aid in healing, and minimize swelling that may be generating an ugly lump. 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon sea salt in 1 cup warm distilled or bottled water can be dissolved, rinsed with the solution, and gently patted dry. Repeat every hour until the salt water wash feels cool to the touch. Then rinse your jewelry regularly with freshwater and pat dry with a soft cloth. For best results, allow the salt water wash to act on the wound for at least 15 minutes before washing your jewelry. Then repeat every hour until the wash feels cool to the touch. This method can be used for any type of body piercing, but it's especially useful for ear piercings because the salt water wash helps drain bacteria out of the ear canal while also reducing pain and inflammation from an open wound. For an overnight effect, apply a bandage directly after cleaning your piercing with the salt water wash.