Nose piercings and jewelry come with hazards and risks during the healing period and after. If you care for your nostril piercing while following the advice of a professional piercer, you can avoid potential problems. Nostril piercing problems can be due to improper jewelry or aftercare, or trauma to your piercing. Always consult with your piercer and your physician if you encounter a problem with your nostril piercing.
Hypertrophic Scarring
Hypertrophic scarring on a nostril piercing is commonly confused with a keloid. Keloids are a red or pink type of scar tissue that grows inside, around and outside of a nostril piercing and are usually a hereditary and reoccurring issue, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Hypertrophic scarring is attached to the piercing channel and does not extend over the hole like a keloid. While the skin may be red, a hypertrophic scar on a nostril piercing is clear in color. Hypertrophic scarring on your nostril piercing is possible from powdered makeup building up inside the piercing channel, causing pressure, or inappropriate jewelry. If you constantly touch or play with a healing nostril piercing and jewelry, hypertrophic scarring can result. Another cause of hypertrophic scarring is if you try to hide your nostril piercing by placing a bandage over the jewelry; cutting the oxygen off from your piercing and creating pressure.
Piercing Pimple
A piercing pimple may grow next to your nostril ring and piercing during the healing process. The pimple next to your piercing may be red and itchy, and can release fluid if you attempt to squeeze or pop the pimple, according to the Association of Professional Piercers. Your piercer can provide treatment options of saline or sea salt soaks. The piercer may send you to your physician if the pimple continues to come back after treatment and disappearing. Due to bacteria, the piercing pimple may disappear with treatment and then reoccur a week or month later. Keep your nostril piercing ring and piercing clean on a daily basis and do not touch the piercing at any time other than cleaning to reduce the chances of growing a pimple next to your piercing.
Tearing
Your nostril piercing may suffer a rip or tear during the healing process or after. A string or strand from a pillowcase, shirt or washcloth or towel can catch on your jewelry. If you pull away from the string or strand before removing it from your nostril jewelry, the jewelry can be pulled out of your piercing, causing a rip or tear. While receiving a haircut, it is possible for the stylist to catch the teeth of a comb on your jewelry, causing a rip or tear to your piercing. Contact sports also are a hazard to nostril piercings. Removing your nostril jewelry before a sporting event or alerting a stylist to your jewelry can prevent ripping or tearing of your nostril piercing. You can avoid snagging your jewelry on clothing by pulling the neck of shirts out further than your nose and use your hands to wash your face instead of a cloth. After bathing, pat your face dry instead of rubbing a towel over your nose.
Member Comments
MentalOrgasm January 19
What can do if I have a tear but want to keep my nostril piercing?