A new septum piercing requires careful attention during the initial healing period, which typically spans six to eight weeks. Managing nasal congestion or a runny nose during this time can be challenging, as the piercing is essentially a fresh wound that is tender and prone to irritation. Utilizing the wrong technique when clearing the nasal passages can lead to pain, migration of the jewelry, or the introduction of bacteria that may cause infection. Proper technique and meticulous hygiene are required to ensure the sensitive tissue heals correctly.
Essential Precautions During Healing
Before attempting to clear your nose, prepare the environment and your hands to minimize the risk of irritation or infection. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least twenty seconds before touching your face or the piercing area. This step is paramount, as the nasal cavity is particularly susceptible to external bacteria.
When selecting a tissue, choose only soft, non-lotion varieties, as the chemicals in moisturizing tissues can be harsh on a healing wound. Avoid using abrasive materials like napkins or coarse toilet paper, which can cause micro-tears in the delicate tissue surrounding the piercing. Maintain a mindset of extreme gentleness, avoiding any movement, twisting, or rotation of the jewelry while blowing the nose.
Step-by-Step Safe Nose Clearing Techniques
The primary goal of clearing the nose with a new piercing is to remove mucus with the least amount of pressure and contact possible. Instead of aggressively pinching both nostrils, the safest approach is to clear one nostril at a time. Gently press the tissue against the outside of one nostril, applying light pressure closer to the cheekbone rather than directly on the septum or the tip of the nose.
Exhale very softly through the blocked side, using only the minimum force required to move the mucus. Blowing the nose forcefully increases air pressure within the nasal cavity, which can push against the delicate healing tissue and cause pain or trauma. To help dissipate pressure, slightly open your mouth as you blow, allowing some of the air to escape and reducing strain on the piercing site.
When wiping away the expelled mucus, use a downward motion, pulling the tissue away from the jewelry. For stubborn or dried mucus, gently dabbing the area or using a dampened cotton swab is preferable to aggressive wiping or rubbing motions. This technique prevents the jewelry from catching on the tissue and avoids snagging the fresh piercing.
Hygiene and Post-Blowing Piercing Care
Immediately after clearing your nose, the piercing and surrounding jewelry must be cleaned to remove any mucus residue, which can harbor bacteria and impede healing. Use a sterile saline wound wash specifically designed for piercings, rather than a homemade salt mixture, to ensure the correct 0.9% sodium chloride concentration. Homemade solutions may be too salty or unsterile, potentially causing irritation and drying out the tissue.
Gently spray or apply the sterile saline solution to the piercing site to flush away any remaining debris and clean the jewelry. Following this cleaning, it is necessary to dry the area completely, as moisture retention can promote bacterial growth. Use a clean paper product, such as non-woven gauze or a paper towel, to gently pat the piercing dry, avoiding reusable cloth towels which can harbor germs.
For periods of severe congestion, consider using alternatives to forceful blowing, such as inhaling steam from a shower or using a humidifier, to help loosen mucus. Reducing the viscosity of the nasal discharge makes it easier to remove with minimal pressure and contact, lessening the trauma to the new septum piercing.