The septum is the “wall” that divides your nostrils.
If you have decided to have your septum pierced, you may mistakenly think the piercer will go through the cartilage; however, this isn’t the case. Usually, they will hit a “sweet spot,” which is a softer area located between the bottom of your nose and the cartilage.
You can locate this area by putting a finger in each nostril, pinching the septum, then dragging your fingers in a downward motion.
If you have this area pierced, it is important to know the right septum piercing aftercare.
Keep the Area Clean
It’s recommended that you mist your septum piercing three to six times each day using a saline rinse. This is necessary for the entirety of the healing process.
You also need to do two full sea salt solution soaks each day. Antiseptic piercing sprays aren’t right for everyone but can be beneficial if you have issues with your piercing.
Handling Crust on the Septum Piercing
Crusting is considered a normal part of the healing process within one to two weeks after the area is pierced. Beyond that, it will be less crust and more boogers.
It’s easy to remove the built-up crust using plain warm water and tissue.
Pat the area dry after to make sure it stays as dry as possible.
Jewelry Cleaning
You may wonder if additional cleaning is needed for the jewelry. In most cases, the saline soaks will be enough to keep it clean while you are healing.
After you are completely healed, take the jewelry out and wash it using soap and water or put it in boiling water to sanitize it.
Make sure your hands are clean before putting the jewelry back in.
Avoid Touching the Piercing as Much as Possible
It was advised that you twist the jewelry in the piercing to ensure the hole healed in the past. However, it is now known that this causes the pierced skin to irritate and rip.
If you twist the piercing, the healing time will increase.
Some people get septum piercings because they believe it is easy to hide them. In some cases, this is true. However, if you get a septum piercing to hide it, it probably means you are using a retainer.
Retainers can be flipped up and into your nose if you don’t want the jewelry to be seen.
While you can flip it up or down occasionally, it’s best to avoid doing this as much as you can.
It’s essentially the same thing as twisting and can cause irritation. If you must flip, leave it flipped up for a while before you move it again.
If you are worried about the piercing being seen, leave it flipped up for most of the healing period.
Along with irritating the tissue and making tiny tears, twisting and touching the jewelry allows bacteria into the space. This increases the risk of infection.
Maintain Overall Good Health
Getting a good amount of quality sleep, eating a healthy, balanced diet, remaining hydrated, and avoiding other people’s germs is beneficial when your septum piercing is healing.
Tending to these things and ensuring good overall health will help improve your immune system. When this happens, it means your body can focus all its attention on healing the pierced area.
When it comes to avoiding other’s germs, make sure you wash your hands often. Learning the right way to wash your hands is a must.
Avoid Traumatizing Your Septum Piercing
If you must blow your nose while your septum piercing is still healing, be sure to do so gently and into a clean tissue. Never reuse a tissue, either.
Make sure you don’t play with the jewelry either. If you touch it too much, it can cause trauma (as mentioned above).
If you plan to kiss someone, don’t smash your nose into their face. Also, avoid any level of trauma to the piercing, so you don’t halt the healing process.
Avoid Things That Will Thin Your Blood
Most piercings will bleed from time to time early in the healing process. Sometimes, this is caused by the crusties or dried lymph that keep the jewelry from moving. If it is suddenly torn loose from the tissue, it can cause bleeding.
Bleeding may be an issue at some point, so don’t use anything that will thin your blood. This includes alcohol, aspirin, and too much caffeine.
Avoid Letting Bacteria into Your Septum Piercing
It’s not possible to completely avoid bacteria unless you live in a bubble. However, you can take steps to reduce the bacteria and other harmful microorganisms that contact your septum piercing.
To avoid swimming pools, baths, and other communal water while you are still healing.
It’s also important to wash your hands regularly (as mentioned above). Taking steps to reduce bacteria will help you avoid a serious infection.
Now You Know the Proper Septum Piercing Aftercare
As you can see, there are more than a few tips that can help you with septum piercing aftercare. If you get a septum piercing, you must avoid issues by using the tips above.
Failure to ensure proper care may result in a serious infection or worse.
Are you searching for other helpful resources and information? If so, make sure to read some of the other blogs on our site. We post often to help you stay informed about the latest information in the industry.
