It is very important to keep your nose piercing clean so as not to delay healing and to avoid developing infections. Fortunately, this takes little time and even less effort - so no excuses! Start with the first step that follows.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Part 1: Cleaning the Nose Piercing
Step 1. Clean your piercing twice a day
Nose piercings should be cleaned twice a day - once in the morning and once in the evening - until the hole has completely healed. Poor cleaning could make it dirty and infected, while excessive cleaning could lead to irritation and delay the healing process.
Step 2. Make a saline solution
The easiest way to keep your piercing clean is to use a saline solution. To prepare it, simply dilute a quarter of a teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt in about 240 ml (one cup) of warm water. Alternatively, you can buy a ready-made sterile one directly at the pharmacy.
Step 3. Wash your hands
Before touching the piercing it is essential to wash your hands well with antibacterial soap. This is to prevent hand germs from coming into contact with the piercing (which is essentially an open wound), causing an infection.
Step 4. Wet a cotton ball in the saline solution
Take a clean cotton ball and dip it in the saline solution. Gently press the ball against the piercing and hold it in place for 3 to 4 minutes. Be careful when removing the cotton, as some filament may get stuck in the ring or glitter.
Step 5. Blot the area with a clean tissue
After cleaning, gently pat the area around the piercing with a cotton swab, tissue or small piece of paper towels to dry. To do this, avoid using the towel, as many bacteria nest in it and also its fibers could get stuck in the ring or in the glitter.
Step 6. Use a cotton swab to remove the scabs
It is also advisable to clean the inside of the piercing to remove scabs and prevent the skin from tearing, creating inflammation.
- To do this, dip the tip of a clean cotton swab into the saline solution and use it to rub the back of the ring or diamond inside the nostril.
- Be careful not to rub too hard to prevent the glitter from coming out of the hole.
Step 7. Use a small amount of lavender essential oil to speed up healing
Lavender essential oil lubricates the piercing and reduces the fragility of the tissues, facilitating healing. After cleaning, apply a small amount to the piercing using a cotton swab.
- Spin the diamond or turn the ring to apply oil to the hole; afterwards, remove the excess with a clean handkerchief (otherwise it could irritate the skin).
- Lavender essential oil can be found in any supermarket, herbalist's shop, or pharmacy. Make sure that the bottle has a label that certifies its quality and purity.
Method 2 of 2: Part 2: Things to Avoid
Step 1. Avoid using harsh antiseptics
Aggressive antiseptics such as Amuchin, bacitracin, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol or tea tree oil should not be used to clean the nose piercing as they may irritate and / or damage the skin and slow healing.
Step 2. Avoid applying makeup over the piercing
Make-up should not come into contact with the piercing, as it can clog the hole and cause infection. The same goes for sun creams and all other cosmetics.
Step 3. Do not remove the piercing until it has healed completely
Nose piercing holes can close within hours if the ring or diamond is removed.
- Reinserting the diamond into the hole after it has started to close can cause pain, inflammation and infection.
- For this reason it is important not to remove the ring or diamond from the hole until it heals completely, which can take 12 to 24 weeks.
Step 4. Avoid baths, hot tubs and swimming pools
You should avoid submerging the piercing in swimming pools, baths or tubs with hot water, as they are sources of bacteria that can cause infections. If this is not possible, it would be best to cover the piercing with a water resistant plaster (available in any supermarket) to protect it.
Step 5. Avoid sleeping on unclean pillows
Dirty pillows are another potential source of germs, so it's important to change your pillow cases regularly.
Step 6. Avoid touching the piercing all the time
Avoid touching or playing with the piercing as much as possible: only touch it during the cleaning phase, after having washed your hands well. There is no need to twist or turn the ring or diamond during the healing process.
Advice
- Never touch your nose with dirty fingers to avoid infections.
- A nice hot shower can help soften the crusts around the piercing.
Warnings
- Always use a new, clean cotton swab to scrub the inside of your nostril to avoid spreading germs from one area of your nose to the other.
- Don't get the scabs off your nose (irresistible as it may be!), As it could cause an infection.
- Do not use silver components. Silver should be avoided as it can oxidize and create a permanent stain on the skin, called argyria. In addition, allergic reactions can develop.
