Two types of piercing are possible for the nose--a nostril and a septum. Septum piercings are a horizontal piercing located in the tip of the nose. A common misconception is that septum piercings go through bone or cartilage, but septum piercings really lie in a soft tissue between the skin and soft cartilage. Nostril piercings are located in the crease of the nostril on either side of the nose.
Cleaning Process
The aftercare of a nostril and a septum piercing is the same. You wash the nose piercing once a day in the shower, with a mild soap and warm water. While the piercing is laden with soap and water, use your fingers to remove any formed crusts on the nose jewelry. Rotating jewelry is an outdated practice and causes more trauma and harm than good to the nose piercing. You need to avoid rotating the piercing as well as touching the piercing with your hands. Only touch the nose piercing while cleaning. Changing your pillowcase often and avoiding foundation and powder makeup on the face--that collects in the nose piercing hole and causes irritation--aids in the healing of your nose piercing.
Swelling
Septum piercings experience swelling during the first two weeks. Nostril piercings can swell for up to six months; longer if you avoid cleaning the piercing. Avoiding alcoholic drinks and facial cleansing products that contain alcohol help to avoid excessive swelling. You can alleviate normal swelling during the healing period of a nostril or septum piercing by taking an anti-inflammatory medication.
Infection
Infection is possible in nostril or septum piercings if you neglect to clean the piercing or touch the piercing with dirty hands. Signs of an infection are red streaks coming from or around the piercing, odorous, thick exuding of fluids that are green or gray, and if pain, swelling and redness increases dramatically. You need to schedule an appointment with a physician immediately if you suspect your nose or septum piercing has an infection. Keep your jewelry in to keep the piercing hole open to allow the infection to drain. Removing your jewelry may result in the piercing closing and an abscess forming.
Time Frame
A nostril piercing takes at least six months and, sometimes, up to a year to heal completely. Changing your jewelry earlier in the healing period than six months will irritate the piercing and may cause additional swelling and irritation. Ask your piercer to look at your nostril piercing to determine if the piercing is ready for new jewelry. Septum piercings take six to eight weeks to heal; the full eight weeks should pass before attempting a jewelry change.
Changing Jewelry
You can change your jewelry when the nostril or septum piercing is finished healing. The best way to change your jewelry is to visit your professional piercer. Your professional piercer will provide a clean environment during the jewelry change and carries jewelry that is safe for your septum or nostril. Do not purchase your jewelry online or from any store that is not a professional piercing shop, for allergic reactions or infections can occur.
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