Dealing with an unpleasant septum-piercing smell is a common problem for nose-piercing enthusiasts. This pesky issue can leave you feeling self-conscious and even hinder your ability to fully enjoy your stylish new accessory.
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In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes of that funky odor and offer practical solutions to keep your septum piercing fresh and clean. Say goodbye to embarrassing smells as you follow our tips on proper aftercare, home remedies, and when to seek professional help. So stick around and let’s dive into eliminating those unwanted odors once and for all!
Understanding The Causes Of Unpleasant Septum Piercing Smells
Septum piercings can cause bad smells. This is because bacteria, dead skin, and oils from the skin mix with the jewelry material.
Bacteria Buildup
Bacteria can cause bad smells when you have a septum piercing. Our bodies have lots of small germs that can grow in and around the nose piercing. The warm, wet area inside your nose is a great place for bacteria to spread quickly.
My friend got their septum pierced. They took good care of it while it was healing. But after it was healed, they stopped taking care of it. Then they noticed an ugly smell coming from their piercing.
My friend went to a piercer for advice. The piercing had healed on the outside, but there were germs inside the nose that caused bad smells. The piercer said to use saline solution to clean it regularly and this made the smells go away.
Dead Skin Cells And Oils
Dead skin cells and oils can build up around your nose piercing. Our skin is always shedding dead skin cells, which can collect around your jewelry and make it smell bad if you don’t clean it often. Oils from our skin also make the area smelly. This is why septum piercings sometimes have bad smells.
It is important to keep your septum piercing clean. You can do this by washing it regularly with a saline solution. This will help remove bacteria, oils, and dead skin cells without hurting the area around the piercing. Don’t touch or pick the pierced area as much as you can because this will lead to more dirt and oil getting in there.
Do not take off your jewelry to clean it, even if it feels tempting. As long as you follow the care instructions for cleaning, there is no need to take off the jewelry until it is completely healed. Taking off the jewelry can be bad for healing and won’t help with cleanliness or bad smells.
Jewelry Material
One major factor behind that unpleasant septum smell is the material of your piercing jewelry. Certain metals react to your body’s natural oils and sweat, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and causing bad odors. Some people may also have allergies or sensitivities to specific materials, which can result in an irritated, smelly septum piercing.
It is important to get jewelry that won’t cause problems. Get jewelry made of materials like stainless steel, titanium, niobium, or gold (14 karats or higher). Don’t buy silver jewelry because it can react with your skin and isn’t strong enough for new piercings.
When you change the jewelry in your piercing, make sure it is safe and won’t cause your skin to get irritated. Spend more money on better quality jewelry so that it won’t smell bad and you can look great wearing it.
Preventive Measures To Avoid Smells
To stop bad smells from septum piercing, make sure to clean the area often with saline solution. Don’t touch or pick at the piercing. Use jewelry that is good quality and won’t cause a reaction. Wait until it has healed before changing it.
Cleanse Regularly With Saline Solution
Cleaning your septum piercing regularly with saline solution is a crucial step in preventing unpleasant odors. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
2. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with 8 ounces of warm distilled water in a clean cup.
3. Soak a cotton ball or pad in the solution, making sure it’s completely saturated.
4. Gently hold the soaked cotton ball or pad against your piercing for 5-10 minutes.
5. Rinse your piercing and surrounding area thoroughly with plain distilled water.
6. Pat dry gently with a clean paper towel.
Make sure you cleanse your septum piercing daily until it’s completely healed, which usually takes about 6-8 weeks. After that, you can reduce the cleaning frequency to once or twice a week to maintain cleanliness and prevent smells from returning.
Avoid Touching Or Picking At The Piercing
It can be tempting but do not touch or pick at your septum piercing. This can cause bad smells and infections. Bacteria from your fingers can get into the wound and cause an infection that smells bad. Picking at the scabs or crusts makes it easier for bacteria to get inside the wound.
It’s important not to touch or play with your new piercing. Even if it feels uncomfortable, do not touch it. Wash your hands before cleaning the piercing and use a special solution recommended by the piercer. This will help make sure that your piercing heals correctly without any irritation.
Finally, remember always to keep your hands away from touching or picking up in any way possible from a fresh septum nose piercing. You should take care of your septum piercing. Bacteria can get inside and cause a bad smell. Wash your hands before touching the piercing, and clean it with special saline solutions as recommended by a trained professional. Use jewelry that is made from safe materials, and give your piercing enough time to heal up fully.
Use High-quality Jewelry Made From Non-reactive Materials
If you want to stop bad smells from your septum piercing, use jewelry that is made out of good materials. Here are some examples of materials you can use:
1. Titanium: This metal is light and won’t cause an allergic reaction, making it good for people with sensitive skin.
2. Niobium: Like titanium, niobium won’t make you have an allergic reaction and can be a good choice if you are usually sensitive to other metals.
3. 14k Gold: Many kinds of gold can cause irritation, but 14k gold is usually safe and will look nice in your septum-piercing jewelry.
When you get a septum piercing, be sure to choose jewelry that won’t make your skin react or have bad germs. This will help keep the piercing area clean and fresh.
Adequate Healing Time
When you get a septum piercing, it is important to give it time to heal. If you don’t wait for it to heal, you may get an infection or bad smell. Normally, the piercing will take 6-8 weeks to heal completely. It might be different for each person depending on their body type and how well they take care of it.
It is important to wait until the recommended time before changing or removing jewelry after getting a septum piercing. If you do not wait, bacteria can get in and cause irritation, swelling, and bad smells. Be patient when taking care of your piercing and eventually it will be healed with no bad smell and look great.
Once your septum piercing has healed, it’s extremely important to maintain cleanliness through regular cleaning with saline solution in order to prevent any additional infections and repulsive smells. Don’t let how long ago you had your piercing done be an excuse for not following proper aftercare routines – sticking to these techniques will help keep bad odors away!
Proper Aftercare For Smell-Free Septum Piercings
To keep your septum piercing clean, you should do some special things. Clean it every day with sea salt solution or antiseptic soap. Stay away from irritants and chemicals, and make sure it is dry. Read more to find out what else to do.
Cleaning Frequency And Technique
It is important to clean your septum piercing every day. Clean it twice, once in the morning and once at night. Use saline solution which you can make by mixing warm distilled water and non-iodized sea salt in a cup or glass. This will help stop bad smells and help the piercing heal.
When cleaning your septum piercing, get a cotton swab or ball and put it in some saline solution. Gently wipe the area around the piercing with this. Do not use soaps, alcohol-based solutions, or hydrogen peroxide as they can hurt your skin.
If you are not feeling good while cleaning your piercing, try using a special kit from the drugstore. It is made for people with piercings or sinus problems. Always wash your hands before touching the piercing so that bacteria do not grow there. Doing these things will help your piercing heal properly and without any bad smells!
Avoiding Irritants And Chemicals
It is important to take care of your septum piercing so it does not smell bad. Avoid things that could cause infection or irritation, like makeup, lotion, hydrogen peroxide, and alcohol.
Before touching your piercing, you should wash your hands. Don’t use hairspray or get it near swimming pools. Wear cotton clothes instead of polyester near the piercing site.
If you’re not sure if a substance is safe for your septum piercing, don’t use it. It’s better to be safe than sorry when taking care of your piercing.
To keep your septum piercing healthy and free of bad smells, try not to be around anything that might irritate or harm it. If you have any questions about your piercing, ask a professional piercer for help.
Keeping The Piercing Dry
To stop your septum piercing from smelling bad, keep it dry. Moisture can make bacteria grow, and that causes smells. Don’t get the piercing wet in the shower or when washing your face. If it gets damp, use a clean towel to gently pat it dry.
Additionally, Avoid activities that make you sweat a lot, like exercise or going to the sauna. If you do get sweaty near your piercing, use a soft tissue to wipe it away.
Taking care of your septum piercing is important. Keep it dry and clean it regularly with saline solution. This will help you avoid any problems and make sure it heals quickly. It will also keep your piercing from smelling bad or getting infected.
Home Remedies For Treating Smells
Home remedies such as tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide can effectively eliminate unpleasant septum-piercing smells. Want to learn more about these natural remedies and how they work? Keep reading!
Tea Tree Oil
I’ve personally found that tea tree oil is an effective natural remedy for keeping my septum piercing smelling fresh and clean. This essential oil has powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help eradicate any bacteria buildup in the piercing area, which can be a significant cause of unpleasant smells. However, it’s important to use this oil sparingly since using too much of it can dry out the skin around the piercing and slow down the healing process.
In addition to its odor-fighting abilities, tea tree oil is also great for treating nose-piercing bumps. To do this, I typically dilute a few drops of tea tree oil with water or saline solution before applying it to the bump with a cotton swab or clean fingertip. Chamomile tea and sea salt solutions are also effective remedies for treating these pesky bumps on your nose piercings.
Overall, I think tea tree oil is an excellent option to incorporate into your regular aftercare routine if you’re looking to keep your septum piercing free from unpleasant odors and irritation. Just remember always to dilute it properly before application!
Apple Cider Vinegar
I’ve learned that apple cider vinegar can also be used as a home remedy to treat smells related to unpleasant septum piercing. Here are some steps on how to use it effectively:
1. Mix equal parts of unfiltered, raw apple cider vinegar with distilled water in a small bowl.
2. Soak a clean cotton ball in the mixture and gently apply it to your septum piercing.
3. Leave the solution on for a few minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.
4. Repeat this process 2-3 times a week until the smell disappears.
It’s important to note that using too much vinegar can cause irritation and dryness, so make sure to dilute it properly and avoid overuse. Additionally, if you experience any allergic reactions or worsening symptoms, stop using this method immediately and seek professional help.
Baking Soda
Baking soda can help get rid of bad smells from septum piercings. To use, mix baking soda with warm water to make a paste. Put the paste on the jewelry and around it for 10 minutes. Then rinse off with clean water.
Baking soda can help keep your septum piercing from smelling bad. To make a solution, mix one cup of distilled water with 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt and 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda. Stir it until everything is dissolved before using it.
Baking soda can help to get rid of bad smells from a septum piercing. But it is important to also take care of the piercing correctly. This will help it heal better and reduce any risks or problems that could happen.
Hydrogen Peroxide
I do not recommend using hydrogen peroxide to clean your septum piercing unless you have an infection. Here are some reasons why:
1. Hydrogen peroxide can slow down the healing process of your septum piercing.
2. It can cause further irritation and discomfort.
3. Overuse of hydrogen peroxide may damage healthy cells, leading to scarring or delayed healing.
4. It can disrupt the balance of good bacteria on your skin, potentially making infections worse.
It’s best to use a gentle saline solution instead of hydrogen peroxide to clean your septum piercing every day. If you think it is infected, go see a doctor. Taking good care of your piercing will keep it healthy and stop it from smelling bad.
When To Seek Professional Help
If you experience persistent or worsening odor, signs of infection, excessive pain or swelling, pus or discharge, or changes in color or texture around your septum piercing, it is essential to seek professional help.
Persistent Or Worsening Odor
I know how annoying it can be when there is a bad odor coming from a pierced septum. Bacteria and dead skin cells can build up and cause the smell, even if you clean it regularly. If the smell does not go away or gets worse, it could mean you have an infection that needs help from a doctor.
Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on your piercing. They can make it sorer and stop it from healing. Use gentle saline solutions instead. Make sure you follow the instructions for the type of jewelry you have.
Our bodies are all different. If you get your body pierced, watch for changes like color, texture, or discharge. If you have a lot of pain or swelling and there is a bad smell, go to the doctor right away. It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your health!
Signs Of Infection
When you get a septum piercing, watch for signs of infection. These can be redness, swelling, or bleeding near the piercing. A discharge that is yellow-green or has a bad smell could also mean an infection. It’s normal to have some soreness and redness when you first get the piercing. But if these last beyond a few days, it could be serious.
If your septum piercing hurts a lot or is swollen, it might have an infection. Look for changes in color or texture too. It is important to take care of your piercing every day by cleaning it with saline solution and not using makeup or chemicals near it. This will help prevent infections.
Excessive Pain Or Swelling
If your nose piercing hurts or makes your nose feel swollen, it could mean you have an infection. Your piercing may not be taken care of correctly, or you may have touched it too much. It could also be from using jewelry that is not good quality. Along with the pain and swelling, there may also be pus, redness, and warmth around the piercing area.
If you have a septum piercing that is infected, it can cause serious problems such as blood poisoning or tissue damage. Seek help from a doctor if you see any signs of an infection. The doctor will give you medicine to make the infection go away.
Take good care of your new piercing. Use high-quality jewelry. This can help you avoid pain and swelling. You might also not have bad smells from the piercing.
Pus Or Discharge
A sign that your septum piercing is infected is when pus or discharge comes out of it. Pus looks thick and yellowish-white. Discharge may be thin and clear, or have a slight green color. If these substances come out, you need to get help right away.
If pus or discharge is not treated, it can cause scarring and damage to the body. Do not touch the area with dirty fingers or use harsh chemicals on it. Get help right away so you can get proper treatment and stay healthy.
People have different experiences when healing from piercings. Some people might not have any problems and others might have many. It is important to do research before getting a piercing so you know what is normal when it comes to healing and what needs medical help.
Changes In Color Or Texture
If your septum piercing smells, it could be because of changes in color or texture. Look for signs like redness, swelling, and discoloration. This might mean that there is an infection or allergy. If you see any of these signs, go to a professional piercer or doctor right away.
The skin around a healed piercing should be smooth and even. If you see bumps or if a liquid is coming from the pierced area, it means something is wrong. This could mean an infection or that your body doesn’t like the jewelry. It is important to take care of it right away.
The Bottom Line
If your septum piercing smells bad, don’t worry. There are things you can do to help. Buy jewelry that won’t cause a bad smell. Clean it regularly with saline solution. Taking care of your piercing will help keep it smelling fresh.
If the home remedies and medicines don’t work, go see a professional. They can help you with your septum piercing. Keep trying and you will be able to enjoy it soon!