Introduction:
Nose piercing had evolved from ancient times when it was a cultural practice to this modern world where it is done for an excellent aesthetic appeal. If one has an idea of getting his nose pierced, know how to maintain it after piercing, or it would lead to a severe risk of infections. Several problems can occur with a nose piercing, like pain, tenderness, pus discharge, and a burning sensation around the site.
What Are the Types of Nose Piercings?
Knowing about various types of nose piercings is essential as different types take different times to heal.
The different types of nose piercings are:
- Septum piercing, also called under-nose piercing, is done along the nasal septum, which is the bite between the nostrils.
- Nostril piercing is done on the side of the nose, usually on the supra-alar creases.
- High nostril piercing is done below the nostrils, almost eight millimeters above the edge of the nose.
- Bridge piercing is done only over the tissue, not puncturing the cartilage and bone, pierced close to the eyes.
- Vertical tip piercing, also called Rhino piercing, resembles septril piercing, which is done vertically from the center of the tip of the nose.
- Septril piercing is done on the septum, which is one of the most complicated nose piercing.
- Nasallang piercing, a long needle, pierces both the side of the nose and the septum as well.
How Long Does It Take for the Piercing to Heal?
As we know, different types of piercing take different times to heal. However, they may be six to twelve months, depending on the kind of piercing and the individual’s daily care. For example, a septum piercing would take six months to heal. However, for a bridge piercing, it would take 8 to 12 months, and for a nasallang piercing, it only takes four to six months.
How Does a Nose Piercing Infection Occur?
Poor hygiene practices are found to be the prominent reason for infection to occur.
- Using unsterilized instruments for piercing.
- Not cleaning the site after piercing.
- Wrong products used for cleaning the area.
- Allergy to the jewelry worn.
How to Identify if Nose Piercing Is Infected?
Generally, one can notice specific symptoms after nose piercing, such as mild pain, redness, and swelling, which is entirely normal and not to be worried about. But symptoms beyond these indicate the presence of infection.
The signs and symptoms of an infected nose piercing are
- Extensive pain.
- Throbbing.
- Bad odor.
- Pus-filled piercing bump, which is characterized by pus oozing from the site. White pus indicates mild infection and yellow or green pus indicates severe illness.
- Blood bubble over the piercing which is also called pustule, pimple, or piercing blisters are small bubble present over or near the piercing which is caused due to localized infection.
Who Are All Contraindicated for Nose Piercing?
Individuals with particular health concerns are not allowed to pierce their noses. They are:
- Individuals infected recently.
- Individuals who are allergic to the metals in jewelry.
- Individuals with bleeding disorders.
- Individuals with diabetes as they take a longer time to heal.
- Individuals who cannot maintain good hygiene.
How to Avoid Infection of Nose Piercing?
- Choosing the best nose piercing studio with sterile instrument practices is the first step in avoiding infection.
- Clean the site with water or saline solution before and after bed.
- Until the skin around the piercing heals, do not apply skin care products over it, as they may irritate the skin.
- Avoid touching the site, as hands may carry bacteria to the site.
- As water also can harbor bacteria, avoid swimming until the piercing heals.
- Be patient until the piercing heals.
How to Treat Infected Nose Piercing?
- Warm Compression: Soak a clean cloth in warm water and compress gently on the affected area.
- Salt solution: Mix salt in water and apply it to the affected area.
- Clean the Site: Use antiseptic solutions such as betadine, isopropyl alcohol, and hydrogen peroxide to clean the site at least 3 to 4 times a day. Under the direction of a doctor, individuals can purchase hydrogen peroxide.
- Change the Jewelry: The inflammation around the piercing may be due to an allergy to metal jewelry like nickel. Changing the jewelry to gold or platinum is the best way to reduce inflammation.
- Avoid Scratching the Site: The infected area may be itchy but try not to scratch the site as it may hinder the healing process and progresses of the infection due to contamination.
- Clear the Debris Around the Site: After cleansing the site, there may be some debris of dry skin peeling off around the area. Remove those peeling skin to avoid further infection. This peeling Debris of skin can sometimes harden or discharge pus, so it is better to clear them when wet with a dry fabric.
- Take Antibiotics: If one notices any infection of the pierced site, it is better to take antibiotics to prevent bacterial build-up. In the case of mild infections, topical antibiotics would help, but in the case of severe conditions, oral antibiotics are the best way to reduce infection.
- Get Abscess Treated Immediately: If an abscess forms around the piercing, the patient should visit the physician immediately and get it treated with oral antibiotics. A small abscess usually resolves and heels under antibiotics. The physician would drain it and allow it to heal if it is more extensive.
When Can the Nose Piercing Be Changed?
The nose piercing should be changed only when the piercing is healed completely, which might take up to eight months. Before complete healing, it is not advisable to change the jewelry. When the piercing is healed and the jewelry is changed there should not be any pain, pus discharge, discomfort, or tenderness.
What Are the Home Remedies to Treat Infected Nose Piercings?
- Soap Water: An antibacterial soap would help keep the piercing away from infection. Clean the infected area with a cotton ball soaked in warm water twice daily to hasten the healing process.
- Turmeric Paste: It has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and is the best natural ingredient to prevent infection. Turmeric contains curcumin which enhances the healing process.
- Aloe Vera Gel: It can be used to refresh and soothe the skin. Aloe vera gel reduces the burning sensation and redness when applied to the affected area.
- Salt Water: It hastens the healing process by killing the growth of bacteria around the site of application. It can be used multiple times in a day to clear the infection.
- Ice: Take ice cubes in a clean cloth and place them on the infected area. Although it cannot treat the infection, it provides short-term relief from pain as they numb the area.
- Neem: It is similar to turmeric and has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which on application, leads to the killing of bacteria and promotes the healing process.
Conclusion:
The nose piercing infection is mainly due to negligence in taking care of the site. It takes around four to six months for the nose piercing to heal; until then, it has to be taken care of to prevent infections. Like the healing period of any wound is taken seriously, the healing period of nose piercing should also be on a serious note. Unfortunately, if the patient can notice any signs of infection on the site, the patient should visit a physician immediately to reduce the consequences of the condition.
