Is your nose piercing infected?

So, you finally made up your mind and pierced your nose. Congratulations! Now it's time for post-operative care. By now you should have a saline solution ready and you should have listened to all the instructions provided by your piercer.

However, despite all your precautions, it's possible that a new piercing in the mirror looks a little red, hot, or painful to the touch. Maybe the area is a little swollen or is causing pain that over-the-counter medications just can't compete with.

Is any of this normal?

Infections are a very real risk with any new piercing. You and your piercer can take all the necessary precautions and you may still end up with one of them. This is normal - this is normal with new open wounds, and technically what your body thinks is a piercing until it heals.

So how do you recognize a nose piercing infection and what steps should you take after that? Pierced Co has put together this handy care guide to help you understand nose piercing infections and how to treat them.

As always, if you have any questions, concerns, or are willing to learn more about any type of piercing, feel free to contact us. We would like to help.

Causes of a Nose Piercing Infection

Let's talk a little about the science: most infections are caused by bacteria entering the wrong places. If your stylist uses a piercing gun, for example, your piercing can take more tissue damage and introduce more bacteria—it's almost impossible to completely sterilize a piercing gun.

FUN FACT: At Pierced, we only use professional sterile needles, never "guns"

Another case occurs when bacteria enter the wound through pools, bathtubs, or other large bodies of water. All kinds of bacteria live in these waters - it is better to keep them dry.

Touch is another no-no. That's why we tell you to wash your hands - bacteria, bacteria, bacteria. But this doesn't just apply to you. Be sure to tell others, especially partners with whom you have a close relationship, that they cannot touch or kiss the area until it is completely healed.

Allergic reactions to metal can also cause infection. Many people cannot tolerate nickel, and surgical titanium is almost always a safe bet. If you already have a piercing, think about the metals you usually use.

Preventive steps to avoid nose piercing infection

We've all heard the saying: an ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure. It's popular because it's true! While infections are a big risk, every step you take to prevent them can help keep them at bay.

The first step is to get to know your piercer and trust him. Maintaining hygiene in the piercing salon is essential to protect yourself. Your piercer should be more than willing to explain everything their salon does to reduce this risk, such as using sealed packages of hollow needles instead of a piercing gun.

Make sure you follow all the care instructions for your piercing and feel free to do some more research beforehand. Keep a saline solution handy, or prepare warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt to make your own cleaning saline solution.

Always wash your hands before caring for your piercing. Do not use anything that may leave fibers, such as cotton swabs, instead use an eyedropper or simply pour water over the puncture site. You can use a dry paper towel to blot the solution.

Our favorite piercing products

Infection Recognition

Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of having an infection is realizing that it is, in fact, an infection. Of course, some infections are obvious, but others are more subtle. Most of the symptoms can easily be mistaken for a natural reaction to the piercing:

• pain
• redness
• swelling
• Colorless or smelly pus
• Fever

See what we mean? Most of them are pretty inconspicuous on their own. But in combination or to an excessive degree, you may have an infection. If you develop a fever, do not self-medicate and see a doctor as soon as possible - a fever means that the infection has spread beyond the piercing.

However, mild infections can be treated at home. If there is no improvement after a few days, you can go to the doctor or emergency center for a quick checkup.

If you suspect you might have an infection but don't want to spend a co-pay on suspicion, check with your piercer - they know what to look for and can tell you if the reaction is normal or if you should probably clear your throat. surcharge.

Treating an infection

While an infected nose is certainly not fun, the good news is that the treatment is fairly simple. In fact, your regimen is pretty much the same as your normal post-op care routine: wash your hands, clean your piercings, and don't remove your jewelry (unless your doctor specifically instructs you to do so, of course). So what's the difference? You should wash your piercing twice a day and be careful not to leave any cotton fibers on drying.

No matter what, don't fall for the following:

• Alcohol
• Ointment antibiotic
• Hydrogen peroxide

All three of the above are harsh on your skin, and can actually cause more cell/tissue damage, which can slow down the healing process and possibly make things worse.

Remedy for bumps and healing of nose piercings

Many people swear by tea tree oil when it comes to treating an infection or simply treating a bump at a piercing. Before you try, you should be aware that some people experience allergic reactions. However, if tea tree oil works for you, it can greatly shorten the healing process or dry out the pierced bump and remove it.

Before applying the oil to the nose, check the reaction. Simply apply a diluted amount on your forearm and wait 24 hours. If you don't feel any irritation or see any swelling, you can apply tea tree oil to the piercing.

Saline and sea salt solutions are also favorites among piercers and medical professionals alike. This solution is natural, economical and easy to prepare. Best of all, it does not irritate the skin and creates an isotonic environment that can speed up healing and eliminate bacteria.

Completion of the healing process

Now that you've cured the infection, your piercing should heal normally. Remember that if the infection does not go away after a few days of treatment, you may need to see a doctor. Some infections are stubborn little vermin that go deep under the skin; Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic or other medication to help get rid of it.

Feel free to use Advil, Aleve, or other medications you like to help relieve pain and swelling while you're treating an infection. Let's face it, they can be quite painful. You still need to be able to go about your business without constant reminders of the infection.

Our favorite nostril piercings

The article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of a licensed medical practitioner. If you experience signs of an infection, contact your healthcare provider or doctor for treatment.