Healing and Preventing Infected Nose Piercings
Nose piercings have been a popular form of self-expression for centuries, spanning cultures and traditions across the globe. This form of body modification isn’t just about aesthetics; it carries historical significance and has evolved into a fashion statement embraced by people of all ages. As nose piercings continue to gain popularity, understanding the different types, aftercare, and healing processes is essential for anyone considering this timeless accessory.
In this oneHOWTOarticle, we'll provide clear and actionable steps to help you heal and prevent an infected nose piercing.
Is your nose piercing infected?
Before we explain how to treat an infected nose piercing, it’s important to know how to identify the symptoms of an infection so you can address it promptly.
After getting your nose pierced, it's normal for the area to be slightly red and swollen for the first two or three days. Here are the main signs that your nose piercing might be infected:
- Persistent redness and swelling: if you’ve followed aftercare instructions but notice that redness and swelling persist beyond the initial healing period, an infection may be developing.
- Abnormal color: infected skin around the piercing may appear red and darker than usual.
- Increased pain and swelling: an infection often causes heightened pain and swelling around the piercing, even if it’s deeply placed.
- Pus formation: an obvious sign of infection is the presence of pus, which can be yellow, green, white, or mixed with blood.
- Advanced symptoms: in severe cases, an infection can lead to systemic symptoms like fever, nausea, and dizziness.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor for proper treatment to clear the infection.
Intrigued by nose piercings? There’s one more type you should know about, the Nasallang. Get the full scoop in our follow-up article.
How to treat an infected nose piercing
When you notice that your nose piercing is infected, it's important to treat and disinfect it several times a day by following these steps and tips:
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your nose, and wear latex gloves when cleaning the wound to prevent further contamination.
- Wash the infected area with warm water and antibacterial or neutral soap. Avoid using alcohol, as it can cause severe itching and dry out your skin.
- Use your fingertips or a cotton swab to apply the antibacterial soap, gently moving the jewelry to clean all around it. Take your time and perform these movements carefully to avoid aggravating the infection.
- Pat the area dry with gauze, being careful not to rub the skin.
- Prepare a saline solution by dissolving 1 tablespoon of salt in half a glass of warm water. Apply this solution to the infected area using a syringe, dropper, or cotton swab. If you prefer, you can buy a saline solution from a pharmacy.
- Allow the area to air dry, and avoid touching the piercing once it's clean.
- After cleaning and disinfecting, apply a small amount of antibiotic cream directly to the infected area. This cream will help fight the bacteria causing the infection.
If the infection does not improve within a couple of days, consult your doctor promptly. They may prescribe stronger medications, such as oral or topical antibiotics, including fusidic acid, erythromycin, clindamycin, or mupirocin.
Now that you know how to care for your piercing, find out which jewelry options can elevate your look. Explore more in our follow-up article
How to prevent a nose piercing from getting infected
One of the most effective ways to prevent infection is to visit a qualified professional for your piercing. They will use the proper tools and ensure everything is fully disinfected and safe.
Additionally, it's essential to keep the pierced area clean. Avoid frequently touching or playing with the jewelry, as this can cause irritation or introduce bacteria. Keep these key tips in mind:
- Wash the area several times a day with neutral or antibacterial soap.
- Avoid touching the piercing unless you are cleaning it.
- Use a little alcohol to disinfect the piercing every three or four days.
- Apply a cold compress during the first few days to reduce swelling, which can help prevent infection.
If you found these tips helpful, you'll definitely want to check out how to handle infections in other types of piercings. Discover more in our related article.
Will an infected nose piercing heal on its own?
An infected nose piercing may heal on its own if the infection is mild and proper care is taken. However, it’s important to act quickly to prevent the infection from worsening.
If the infection doesn't improve within a few days, or if it worsens—showing signs like increased redness, swelling, pain, or pus—it’s crucial to see a doctor. In some cases, untreated infections can lead to more serious complications, so medical intervention might be necessary to fully clear the infection.
If you're focused on healing your nose piercing, you'll want to know the typical healing times for other piercings too—discover more in our related article.
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