All of you whoโ€™ve undergone nose piercing may have already started to feel some kind of discomfort. Iโ€™m sure the nose pin is looking fantastic on your face. But, what about the discomfort or pain youโ€™re having due to it? May be the pain is due to nose piercing infection.

You may suffer from bleeding, bruising, swelling, and redness around that area for several weeks. No worries. Itโ€™s quite common. However, many people also develop bump after the piercing. If the bump is causing immense pain, contact your doctor immediately.

What are the Causes of Nose Piercing Infection?

Piercings through cartilage are more likely to cause infection. In case of ear piercing, the ring is pierced through the flesh of earlobes. Therefore, the chances of infection is comparatively low here. Moreover, your nose has staphylococcal organisms, which can trigger infection.

Septal hematoma causes bleeding in the septum. Septum is the cartilage and flesh separating one nostril from another. You may have painful infection due to septal hematoma too. Apart from it, some other causes of nose piercing infection are:

a) Poor technique of piercing

b) Allergic reaction to the metal of the jewelry

c) Improper method of cleaning the piercing

d) Touching the pierced region with unwashed hands

e) Not following aftercare instructions properly

f) Keloid

g) Granuloma

Nose piercing keloid is a type of raised scar that is firm. Its color is darker than the surrounding skin color. Keloids can lead to tenderness, itching, and pain.

Granuloma is caused by infection-causing virus or bacteria. Sometimes, allergic reaction to the jewelry item can also trigger the formation of granuloma.

What are the Symptoms?

Some commonly and not so serious symptoms are:

1. Inflammation and redness

2. Itching

3. Nasal congestion

4. White colored pus oozing from the piercing site

5. Burning sensation around the piercing site

If youโ€™re observing the following symptoms, donโ€™t ignore.

1. Unbearable pain

2. Unusual tenderness at the pierced area

3. An unpleasant odor is coming out of the pierced site

4. Fever

5. Nausea

6. Dizziness

Donโ€™t go for removing the jewelry as soon as you start observing these symptoms. Removing the nose pin immediately after the infection may worsen the condition. As you remove the jewelry, the pierced area will close trapping the harmful bacteria inside it. Better, you visit your piercer or a doctor.

How Long Will Nose Piercing Infection Take to Heal?

Nose piercing infection may take a long time to heal. You may need to wait for several weeks to get the infection healed completely. Actually, it depends upon the individualโ€™s symptoms and condition.

Whatever the extent of your infection is, you should start to see positive results within 2-3 days of the treatment. However, if the condition isnโ€™t improving, get in touch with your piercer. The piercer is the best person to guide you in the healing process.

What to Avoid to Cure Infection Fast?

You should avoid:

1. Picking the formed crust around the pierced site

2. Spinning the pin when the region is dry

3. Applying topical ointments on the affected area

4. Avoid applying makeup to that area

5. Keep yourself away from swimming pools and hot tub water

6 Never sleep on a dirty pillowcase

7. Donโ€™t remove the nose stud or pin before going to sleep.

8. Avoid applying face wash or any type of cream near and at the pierced region

Never pop your nose-piercing bump. Avoid popping even if there are pustules. Your popping can create a more severe infection, affecting your overall health. If the itching is severe or if you canโ€™t resist your popping habit, ask for a remedy from your piercer.

How to Prevent Nose Piercing Infection?

Saline solution

Cleaning the pierced site daily helps a lot to prevent infection. Use saline solution to clean the area thoroughly. You can make the saline solution yourself. Or, buy sterile saline solution from market.

Steps to clean nose pierced site with saline solution.

a) Wash your hands with soap before you start cleaning.

b) Dip a cotton ball in the solution.

c) Press the cotton ball gently at the pierced site.

d) Hold the position for 2-3 minutes.

e) Remove the cotton ball slowly and carefully so that it doesnโ€™t get caught in the nose stud.

f) Now, take a clean paper towel to pat the area dry.

g) Apply little amount of lavender oil to the area to speed up the healing process.

Clean the area twice daily to prevent infection. Donโ€™t use strong antiseptic creams to heal. Apart from using saline solution, you can use the ointment your doctor has prescribed.

Doctors sometimes prescribe antibiotics. Complete the course even if the infection is healed after taking few antibiotics. If you donโ€™t complete the course of antibiotics, infection is likely to happen again.

Are There Any Home Remedies to Heal Nose Piercing Infection?

Some of the safe home remedies to get rid of nose piercing keloid or bumps are:

Warm Compress

Fluids can get trapped under the pierced skin causing bump. Applying warm compress will help you to drain out the fluid.

Take some hot water into a bowl. Soak a clean washcloth in it. Press it gently on the affected site and hold for few minutes. Donโ€™t apply force while pressing the washcloth. Otherwise, scarring may occur.

Wear Hypoallergenic Jewelry

Many nose studs or rings have metals that can cause allergy. If you observe red itchy rashes are appearing after the piercing, it may be due to allergy. If youโ€™re allergic to the metal used in the jewelry, choose jewelry made of surgical steel or titanium material.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is effective in shrinking nose piercing bump. Though more researches are needed to prove its effectiveness, yet it is a safe option. However, go through customer reviews while buying tea tree oil from the market or online.

Saline Solution

Sea salt solution also helps to clean the pierced area and to quicken the healing process. Furthermore, it also heals inflammation caused due to bumps. Unlike sea salt, table salt can cause irritation. Therefore, try to use iodine-free salt such as sea salt. The saline solution can sting but it will go very quickly.

The Bottom Line

All donโ€™t suffer from nose piercing infection. But, itโ€™s always good to take precautions beforehand to prevent future complications. Make sure youโ€™re following piercerโ€™s instructions carefully. Also, check whether your piercer is using sterilized needle for the job. Pick a reputed piercer to avoid infection.

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