Engaging in various forms of body piercing, such as nose piercing, is an art that has been followed since ancient times across several cultures. Today, it has become a trendy way of expressing yourself, and is being opted for by members of the younger generation, both men and women. As a fashion statement, a nose piercing does not involve only the nostrils, but also nasal septum piercing and bridge piercing. However, methods of cleaning a nose piercing, and undertaking methods of nose piercing healing are almost similar. Here, we bring you all the nose piercing healing information you need, so that you can help it heal quickly, and without any trouble.
Tips to Aid Nose Piercing Healing
To begin with, do not have your nose piercing done by means of a piercing gun. It is not considered suitable as a means for piercing your nose, and can in fact, cause severe infections and keloids. Having the piercing done by means of a sterile needle is definitely a safer option, though slightly more painful than a piercing gun. Also, choose a piece of nose jewelry you know will suit your skin. For instance, if you are allergic to silver, a silver piece of jewelry in your nose can cause an allergic reaction that can be painful. Your nose piercing healing time lasts anywhere between three months to twelve months, depending on the amount of cartilage that has been pierced.
Nose Piercing Cleaning Procedure
To clean your nose piercing, begin with washing your hands thoroughly with an antibacterial soap. While cleaning, wet the piercing with a few drops of water, and then put some drops of antibacterial soap on it. Work up a lather using a cotton swab, and try to remove any crusted discharge that may have collected around the piece of jewelry. Rotate the piece of jewelry while the piercing is still lathered, so that the soap enters your piercing and eliminates any bacteria that may have collected on it. Rinse the soap out completely, allow it to dry naturally. Do not use a towel as it may carry bacteria that may lead to the development of an infection. This piece of information is extremely important so that you do not develop an infection that may be dangerous.
Other Tips on Nose Piercing Cleaning and Healing
During this time, you must follow certain care instructions to prevent the development of infections.
- To clean your nose piercing you must follow a daily care routine. This involves using an antibacterial soap, that contains ingredients such as chloroxylenol or triclosan, to clean the piercing and avoid any nose piercing healing problems.
- Never touch your piercing with unwashed hands, as they carry bacteria that can lead to a nose piercing infection. Always rinse your hands with an antibacterial soap before you are ready to clean your piercing. Also, never touch your piercing unnecessarily.
- Your piercing should be cleaned only once a day. Excess cleaning can also do more harm than good.
- Do not use an alcohol swab, hydrogen peroxide or tea tree oil to clean your nose piercing. Only use an antibacterial soap.
- To quicken the healing process, eat foods rich in vitamin C, or take a vitamin supplement after consulting your doctor.
- In case you experience pain, or notice redness or a thick discharge from your piercing, it is possible that you have developed a nose piercing infection that needs to be treated immediately. Contact your doctor or piercer if you notice such symptoms.
- Sometimes due to an infection, you may notice the development of a bump, healing of which will depend on what your piercer describes it to be. Usually it is a sign of the development of an infection. Don't try any of your own treatment methods, as you may be at risk of worsening the problem.
- Even if you notice an infection, do not try to remove the piece of jewelry from your nose yourself. Have it removed only after consulting your doctor or piercer.
- Try to avoid swimming to aid your nose piercing healing, especially in oceans or while it is raining heavily. You may swim in a pool that has been thoroughly treated with chlorine, but only for a short time period.
- If you smoke regularly, it may affect the time taken for your nose piercing healing. It will delay the entire process, and if an infection is caused, healing it will take further time. Drop this habit if you want to get a piercing not only on your nose, but any other body part.
- Lavender oil is known to aid the healing process of piercings. It should be used diluted with either coconut, olive or almond oil and then used. When applied on the piercing, the piece of jewelry should be rotated continuously, so that the oil penetrates into the piercing and quickens the healing process.
