Taking care of a new nose piercing is crucial to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. Here's a guide on how to properly care for your new piercing:
Cleaning Your Nose Piercing
Washing Your Hands: The First Step
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your nose piercing. This prevents the transfer of bacteria, which can lead to infection.
Cleaning Routine: Twice a Day
- Clean the outside of your nose piercing twice a day. Over-cleaning can irritate the piercing, so stick to this frequency.
- Do not remove the piercing stud when cleaning. This can cause the hole to close and trap bacteria.
How to Clean: Step-by-Step
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Use a mild, fragrance-free liquid soap. Harsh soaps can irritate the piercing.
- Apply the soap to the piercing area using your clean fingertips or a clean cotton swab.
- Gently rotate the jewelry to ensure the soap reaches all areas.
- Rinse thoroughly with running water, making sure to remove all traces of soap.
- Pat the area dry with a clean paper towel. Cloth towels can harbor bacteria.
Cleaning During Showers: Liquid Soap is Key
- When showering and washing your hair, use liquid soap on your nose piercing.
- Rinse thoroughly and gently with running water.
What To Avoid
- Avoid touching your piercing unnecessarily.
- Avoid using harsh chemicals or irritants, such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibacterial ointments. These can delay healing and cause irritation.
- Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, lakes, or oceans during the initial healing period. These environments can contain bacteria. If you must swim, cover the piercing with a waterproof bandage.
- Avoid wearing makeup or lotions near the piercing as these can clog the piercing and cause infection.
- Avoid sleeping on the piercing as this can cause irritation and delay healing. Use a travel pillow to keep pressure off the piercing while sleeping.
- Do not change the jewelry prematurely. Wait until the piercing is fully healed before changing the jewelry. This typically takes 2-4 months for nostril piercings.
Recognizing Infection
It's important to be able to recognize the signs of infection so you can seek treatment if necessary. Common signs of infection include:
- Excessive redness, swelling, or pain around the piercing.
- Yellow or green discharge from the piercing.
- Fever.
If you suspect your piercing is infected, consult a doctor or piercer immediately.
Healing Time
The healing time for a nose piercing can vary from person to person, but it generally takes:
- Nostril Piercing: 2-4 months
- Septum Piercing: 6-8 months
Be patient and continue to follow the aftercare instructions even if the piercing appears to be healed.
Summary
Proper care of a nose piercing involves frequent cleaning with mild soap and water, avoiding irritants, and maintaining good hygiene. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of infection and promote healthy healing.
