The body piercing industry in the United States is currently worth almost 600 million dollars.
People love getting pierced, after all. And nose piercings are some of the most popular options.
Nose piercings are a popular form of body art, but proper aftercare is essential to avoid complications such as infections, swelling, and scarring. Here are some important things you need to know about nose piercing aftercare.
Clean Your Piercing Regularly
Use a saline solution to clean your piercing at least twice a day. Before you start the piercing cleaning process, wash your hands to avoid introducing bacteria to the area.
You can make your own solution by mixing a quarter of a teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of warm water. Soak a clean cotton ball or Q-tip in the saline solution.
Gently clean around the piercing with the soaked cotton ball or Q-tip. Make sure to clean the front and back of the piercing. Rinse the piercing with warm water to remove any remaining saline solution.
Next, you’ll need to pat the piercing dry. Clean your new piercing at least twice each day or as recommended by your piercer. They can also give you other piercing tips for maintenance.
Avoid Touching Your Piercing
Avoiding touching your piercing is important during the healing process because your hands carry bacteria, and touching your piercing can introduce harmful germs to the area.
This can lead to infections, irritation, and slow down the healing process. Even if you wash your hands, there is still a risk of introducing bacteria to the piercing site.
Touching your piercing can also cause trauma to the area, which can cause pain, swelling, and prolong the healing process. It’s important to leave the piercing alone as much as possible during the healing process to avoid any complications.
If you need to touch your piercing for cleaning or change your jewelry, make sure to wash your hands first. Avoid touching the piercing unnecessarily, and if you do accidentally touch it, clean the area with a saline solution.
Avoid Using Harsh Products
You need to avoid using harsh products on your piercing because they can cause irritation, dryness, and slow down the healing process. Harsh products can be too hard on the delicate skin around the piercing site and can cause damage to the skin cells.
Alcohol and hydrogen peroxide, for example, can dry out the skin and disrupt the natural healing process, which can delay the healing process and increase the risk of infection. Antibacterial soaps can also be too harsh and strip the skin of necessary oils, which can cause dryness and irritation.
Be Careful When Changing Your Jewelry
It’s important to wait until the piercing has fully healed before changing your jewelry. This can take several weeks to several months, depending on where the piercing is and your body’s natural healing process. Consult with your piercer for specific healing times.
When changing your jewelry, make sure to use good jewelry that is appropriate for your piercing.
Avoid using cheap, low-quality jewelry or pieces that are too heavy or tight, as they can cause irritation and damage to the piercing site. If you’re looking for options, check out these cute nose rings.
When removing or inserting jewelry, be gentle and avoid pulling or tugging on the jewelry. Use a gentle twisting motion to remove the jewelry, and gently guide the new jewelry into the piercing site. If you experience any resistance, do not force the jewelry and seek professional help.
Avoid Sleeping On Your Piercing
It’s important to avoid sleeping on your new piercing because the pressure and friction from your pillow can cause trauma to the piercing site, leading to irritation, swelling, and prolonging the healing process.
Trying to sleep on your back is the easiest way to avoid putting pressure on your new piercing. This can be difficult if you’re used to sleeping on your side or stomach, but it’s important to try to adjust your sleeping position until the piercing has fully healed.
If the position is uncomfortable, try using a travel pillow to support your neck and head while keeping your ear or nose off the pillow. This can help to reduce pressure on the piercing site.
Wearing bulky clothing such as hoodies or hats can also put pressure on the piercing site while you sleep. Opt for loose-fitting clothing that won’t rub against the piercing.
Watch for Signs of Infection
Watch for signs of infection after getting a new piercing. A little bit of redness and swelling is normal in the first few days after getting a piercing, but if it gets worse or spreads beyond the piercing site, it could be a sign of infection.
Some pain or tenderness is expected during the healing process, but if the pain is severe or getting worse, it could be a sign of infection.
Some discharge is normal during the healing process, but if it’s yellow or green and has a foul odor, it could be a sign of infection.
If you develop a fever or chills after getting a piercing, it could be a sign of an infection spreading. If your piercing is taking longer than expected to heal or is not healing at all, it could be a sign of infection.
Be Patient
Nose piercings can take several months to fully heal, so be patient and follow your aftercare routine diligently. Avoid swimming, sauna, or steam rooms, and excessive sweating for the first few weeks or until the piercing is fully healed.
Piercing Aftercare: Now You Know
By following these piercing aftercare tips, you can help ensure that your nose piercing heals properly and stays healthy. If you have any questions or concerns about your piercing, ask your piercer ASAP.
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