How Do I Treat an Infected Nose Piercing?

Every body and every pierced nose is different. As a result, it can take up to two to four months on average for a nostril piercing to fully heal. You won't need to clean it as often once it has. But occasional cleaning is still essential to prevent infection and scarring.

Here's what you need for cleaning:

• A professional saline rinse like LobeLove™ takes the cake. Or you can try a DIY sea salt soak by mixing a pinch of sea salt with warm water.
• Cotton balls or thick cotton or linen cloths (But bear in mind cotton wool and thin cloths can snag on your nose rings and studs!)

Simply dip your cotton ball or cloth in the solution and gently clean your pierced nose. And this sounds really silly, but you can also submerge your nose in a cup or bowlful of solution for a soak.

Cleaning your nose ring or stud is just as important as cleaning your nose piercing itself. In fact, keeping your jewellery pristine is essential for removing any oil, dirt, or debris that might be lurking. You're basically rinsing away potential infection-causing bacteria.

For a new nasal piercing, clean the jewellery around and under the stud during your regular cleaning routine. Once healed and you start switching to different jewellery styles, it’s fine to clean your jewellery when you’re cleaning your nostril piercing. This can be with a saline solution or just regular soap and water.

FYI Silver jewellery will need an occasional clean with a professional silver cleaner to get rid of any corrosion that could irritate your pierced nose.

Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing and doing the right things. So, let’s run through a short but important list of no-no’s for happy piercings:

• Ditch the antiseptic - Over-the-counter stuff like Germoline, Savlon and Sudocrem can hinder healing. It can be tempting if you suspect an infection. But stick with saline rinses and seek professional advice if there’s no improvement.
• Hard pass on hydrogen peroxide - It’s known for its effectiveness against bacteria and viruses. But it will irritate your nose piercing like nobody's business.
• It’s no game - Don't play with and twist your nose ring or stud. It can aggravate your nasal piercing and even slow healing.
• Clean hands, happy pierced nose - Touching your nostril piercing with dirty fingers is a recipe for infection.
• Sharing isn’t caring - Never share nose rings and studs with others. It's a surefire way to spread bacteria.
• The force isn’t with you - Don't force it if your jewellery isn't going in smoothly. Instead, gently insert it in a clockwise motion until it’s sitting comfortably.
• Metal matters - Opt for high-quality nose studs and rings to avoid allergic reactions and skin sensitivities. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again – titanium. Also look for surgical grade steel and gold. And here’s a thought if you’re thinking about cutting corners with cheap and uncheerful jewellery. It’s more likely to break in your nose, which can lead to swallowing or inhalation without knowing – not cool!

All in all, it’s reassuring to know what you should be doing, not doing, and how to spot any warning signs. But how can you avoid pressing the panic button too soon?

Some mild soreness, redness, and crusting are totally normal. These symptoms should disappear in a few days with proper care. But can you really tell if it's an infection or just your nose piercing healing? Here are some red flags to watch out for:

• Heat - It’s not a good sign if the area around your nasal piercing feels hot to the touch.
• Pain - A little tenderness is to be expected. But it shouldn’t get much worse than that.
• Pus - Clear fluid is ok. But thick yellow pus is a major sign of infection.
• Redness - This is normal at first. But it could be a sign of infection if it worsens and / or spreads.
• Swelling - Some swelling is fine. But it’s perhaps best to see your GP or the nurse at your local surgery if it gets excessive or doesn't improve.

And here’s a real kicker. Fever doesn't usually accompany a mild infection. If you have one, seek immediate medical attention – it might be serious!

That’s infection covered. But what about allergies?

An allergy to the metal in your nose stud or ring might be the guilty culprit behind any redness and irritation. In fact, allergic reactions to nostril piercing can be more common than infections. But how are you supposed to know the difference?

Unlike infections, allergies tend to be itchy and look like a rash, with small red bumps around the nose piercing.

And now you know what you might be up against, the next question is how to tame the beast.

Simples! You pretty much keep on with a good solid aftercare routine. Additionally, there are a couple of other steps you can take if you suspect an infection, including:

• Chill out - A cold compress can help reduce inflammation.
• Pain relief - Take an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen to reduce pain and redness. Make sure to follow the instruction leaflet carefully or ask a pharmacist for advice if you’re going down the painkiller route.

And if all else fails, it’s time to get a healthcare professional involved.

See your GP if your symptoms worsen or don't improve with home treatment. After all, early intervention is key to avoiding more serious complications further down the line, which can include:

• Scarring - This can occur around the nasal piercing or leave an enlarged hole.
• Infection spread – Scaremongering aside, infection can spread to other areas of your face or even your bloodstream in rare cases.

Don't panic though. Your GP can prescribe oral antibiotics to clear up the infection. Moreover, they can also diagnose if you’re suffering with an infection or an allergy. If it's an allergy, the remedy should be as easy as switching to high-quality nose rings and studs.

Voila! All it takes is TLC and this Stretch It Body Jewellery guide to pre and post nose piercing care.

Now, it's time to deck it out with some seriously stellar jewellery, from titanium nose studs that won't irritate your skin, to endless nose ring options for a bold statement. And don’t forget to grab a bottle of amazing LobeLove™ spray for a blissful nasal piercing. Head over to our website  and explore the collection. Your perfectly pierced future awaits there.