Nose piercing is a trendy form of self-expression, a style upgrade, or a symbolic gesture. However, the cool factor can be compromised when faced with the not-so-cool risk of infection, especially when the piercing is front and centre on your face.

Infections are a common hiccup in the world of piercings, affecting nearly 1 in 4 individuals with non-earlobe body piercings. The good news is the nose boasts a robust blood supply, aiding in speedy healing. Most infections related to nose piercing is minor and can be effectively managed with simple at-home treatments.

 I’m trying to figure out: Is my nose piercing getting better, or is it infected?

After getting a nose piercing, it’s common to encounter mild pain, redness, and crust formation from clear fluid. Thankfully, with adequate attention and care, these symptoms usually diminish within a few days as part of the natural healing course. However, it’s crucial to be vigilant for signs of infection in any pierced area, including the ears, belly button, or nose. If you observe persistent pain, increased redness, swelling, thick yellow pus, or an unusual warmth around the piercing, these could indicate an infection. In such cases, it’s advisable to seek prompt attention and guidance from a healthcare professional or piercer to address the potential issue.

Distinguishing between a piercing infection and an allergic reaction

It’s essential to differentiate between a piercing infection and an allergic reaction when you notice redness and irritation around your nose piercing. We note that metal piercing allergies are more prevalent than infections. Allergic reactions typically manifest as an itchy, rash-like response marked by small, raised red dots surrounding the piercing site. Nickel, a typical metal in jewellery, is a frequent culprit for such allergic reactions, affecting up to 20% of individuals. If you’re experiencing redness and itchiness, it’s worth considering the possibility of an allergy and exploring alternative jewellery options.

Infection treatment of nose piercing

If you think there might be an infection, it’s advised to take the following steps:

• Ensure you clean your piercing with soap and water twice a day, making sure to dry it with a paper towel afterward.
• After each cleaning session, apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment or cream to the pierced area.
• If you’re feeling pain and noticing redness, you might find relief by taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, like ibuprofen, to alleviate these symptoms.
• Additionally, using a cold compress can be beneficial in reducing inflammation around the piercing.
• Together, these measures play a vital role in ensuring the correct care and comfort throughout the healing journey of your piercing.

These measures can contribute to the care and potential improvement of the infected area.

How to prevent nose piercing infection?

Preventing an infection begins with selecting a reputable place for your piercing, and self-piercing is strongly discouraged. It’s important that the individual conducting the nose piercing wears gloves and utilises sterilised tools. If the setting doesn’t meet cleanliness standards, it is recommended to choose another place for the piercing.During the initial week after getting your nose pierced, which poses the highest infection risk, maintaining cleanliness is paramount:

• Ensure the cleanliness of your piercing by using soap and water twice daily, followed by gentle drying with a clean towel or paper towel.
• If you have an antibacterial solution, apply it around the piercing after washing to enhance cleanliness.
• Reduce contact with the piercing, and if necessary, ensure your hands are clean when touching it.
• After washing, delicately turn the piercing to release it from the surrounding skin, avoiding this action when the piercing is dry.
• Refrain from swimming in pools for at least a week and avoid lake swimming until the piercing has completely healed to support an uncomplicated healing process.

These steps collectively contribute to the overall care and well-being of your newly pierced area.

Who’s at risk for nose piercing infections?

Specific individuals face an elevated risk of developing infections following a nose piercing. This risk is heightened if you have particular health conditions, including:

• Diabetes: Poorly managed diabetes leads to higher blood sugar levels, providing a breeding ground for bacterial growth that can result in infections.
• Weakened Immune System: Those with compromised immune systems struggle to fend off infections effectively when the body’s defence mechanisms are not functioning optimally.

If you fall into these health categories, it’s crucial to take extra precautions to maintain the cleanliness of the area around your nose piercing. Your healthcare provider might also recommend the use of an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment as a preventive measure against infections.

It recognises the Signs: When is it time to dial your healthcare provider for that nose piercing?

If your nose piercing still hurts or worsens despite taking care of it at home, it’s essential to see your doctor early. They can help better with severe infections.An infected nose piercing can sometimes cause problems like scars or make the hole bigger. It’s rare, but the infection could also spread to other parts of your face or even into your blood.

Your doctor might suggest using an antibiotic cream you can buy without a prescription, or they might give you pills to take. They can also determine if your nose reacts to an infection or if you might be allergic to something. If it’s an allergy, changing to a better-quality metal for your piercing could fix the issue.

To keep it simple for nose piercings:

• Clean it well in the first week to avoid infections.
• Try using antibiotic cream if you see more redness, pain, or pus.
• If it still doesn’t get better, let your doctor know. Taking good care of it means your piercing will heal faster, and soon, you’ll be showing off your new look!