Piercings are all about style expressions, but they involve some responsibilities, such as proper care to avoid infections. Though such infections in a septum or nose piercing are uncomfortable and a cause for concern, with the right approach, they often respond. The guide is set to help you understand how to manage and prevent piercing infections.
Common Causes of Piercing Infections
Unsterilized tools or improper techniques may transfer bacteria onto the pierced area.
- Dirty hands alternatively allow the piercing to be contaminated. Touching or fiddling with the piercing repeatedly without washing hands can cause contamination.
- Improper aftercare can lead to skin irritation. Failure to routinely clean or use very strong products may irritate the skin.
- Some people are allergic to various metals that are often used in making jewelry, which can infringe upon commerciality as well as induce inflammation, hence causing infection.
- Trauma to the piercing: Rubbing, knocking, or pulling could all damage the piercing with minute tears that ease bacteria in.
Recognizing the Signs of an Infection
Infections can be identified by the following symptoms:
- Redness or swelling around the piercing.
- Pain or tenderness that persists or worsens.
- Yellow or green discharge, often with an unpleasant odor.
- Formation of a bump near the piercing site.
- Fever or feeling unwell in severe cases.
Steps to Handle an Infected Piercing
Wash Your Hands: Before even touching the piercing, clean your hands thoroughly.
- Clean the Piercing: With the help of saline solutions or piercing aftercare sprays, use it twice daily. Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide because these will irritate your skin.
- Do Not Remove Any Jewelry: Removing jewelry is only allowed when instructed; wearing it prevents closure of the hole, which would harbor an infection.
- Warm Compress: A warm cloth may assist in reducing swelling and promoting drainage.
- Check Symptoms Are Not Worsening: Assess the area for her improvement of infection.
Home Remedies for Minor Infections
- Saline solution: Non-iodized salt is dissolved in warm water. Soak the particular area in saline for a few minutes daily.
- Chamomile tea: Soak the chamomile bag in hot water; let it cool a little and then apply it to the site of the piercing to reduce swelling.
Turmeric paste: Make a paste of turmeric powder and water and apply it to the area, as it has great antibacterial properties.
When to Seek Medical Help
If the infection worsens or doesn’t improve after a few days of home care, consult a healthcare provider. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Intense pain or swelling.
- High fever.
- Red streaks spreading from the piercing.
- Persistent discharge or a foul odor.
Preventing Future Piercing Infections
- Go to a professional piercer: Use sterile gear and practice good hygiene.
- Follow advice on aftercare: Clean as instructed by the piercer.
- No unnecessary touching: Stop playing with the jewelry.
- Use good jewelry: Use hypoallergenic materials such as titanium or surgical steel.
- Protect the piercing: Watch out for clothing, makeup, and activities that may irritate the area.
Dos and Don’ts for Piercing Care
Dos:
- Do clean your piercing daily with saline solution.
- Do use a clean pillowcase regularly.
- Do eat a balanced diet to promote healing.
Don’ts:
- Don’t remove the jewelry prematurely.
- Don’t apply heavy creams or ointments to the area.
- Don’t ignore signs of an infection.
Conclusion
An infected septum or nose piercing can be a painful issue, but if attended to properly and promptly, most infections are cleared without complications. Most of these can be followed above and practiced by good aftercare practices, so you’ll heal and never experience such again.
FAQs
If my piercing gets infected, can I switch jewelry?
If an infection isn’t going away, leave the jewelry alone and put your faith in the opinion of the doctor.
Does pus always mean infection?
Not really. Clear or whitish fluid is part of healing, while yellowish or greenish discharge indicates infection.
