A septum piercing passes through the small strip of tissue, often called the “sweet spot,” located between the cartilage and the bottom of the nose. While this placement often heals relatively quickly compared to other cartilage piercings, it is still a fresh wound highly susceptible to external contaminants. Maintaining strict hygiene is paramount during the initial recovery phase to support the body’s natural healing process and prevent complications like irritation or infection. The routine use of an appropriate cleaning product is the most effective way to flush the piercing channel and encourage successful healing.
Selecting the Proper Saline Solution
The primary product for cleaning a new piercing is a sterile saline wound wash. This solution is specifically formulated to be isotonic, meaning it has a salt concentration of 0.9% sodium chloride mixed with purified water, which matches the body’s natural fluid balance. Check the product label to ensure the only ingredients listed are 0.9% sodium chloride and water, as any additives like moisturizers or antibacterials can cause irritation or delay healing.
It is advised to purchase a commercially prepared, sterile spray rather than attempting to mix a solution at home. Creating a homemade salt solution makes it difficult to achieve the precise 0.9% concentration necessary, often resulting in a mixture that is either too strong or too weak. A solution that is too salty can excessively dry out the delicate surrounding tissue. Furthermore, an improperly prepared solution may not be sterile, potentially introducing harmful bacteria to the open wound.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Technique
Before beginning the cleaning process, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds to prevent the transfer of bacteria. Position your head so that you can easily access the piercing, often by tilting it slightly backward. Take the can of sterile saline spray and apply a generous mist directly to the entry and exit points of the piercing, fully saturating the area.
The goal of spraying is to use the pressure of the mist to irrigate the piercing channel and flush out any debris or lymph fluid, which dries to form crusting. Allow the saline solution to remain on the piercing for a moment to soften any dried material clinging to the jewelry. If crusting is noticeable, avoid the impulse to pick at it or force it off, as this can tear the fragile new tissue and cause irritation.
To address stubborn crusts, you can gently soak the area by cupping the saline solution in your hand or letting warm water run over the piercing during a shower to loosen the buildup. After soaking or spraying, gently pat the area completely dry using clean, disposable, non-woven gauze or a paper towel. Avoid using cotton balls or swabs, as their fine fibers can unravel, snag on the jewelry, and leave irritating residue behind.
Post-Cleaning Care and Healing Guidelines
The recommended cleaning frequency for a fresh septum piercing is two to three times per day, evenly spaced throughout the day. Cleaning more often than this can over-dry the skin and lead to irritation, which ultimately prolongs the healing period. This cleaning regimen should be maintained throughout the entire initial healing phase, which lasts about six to eight weeks, though full internal healing can take several months.
To ensure uninterrupted healing, several behaviors must be avoided. Never touch the jewelry unless you are actively cleaning it, and do not rotate or twist the jewelry, as this disrupts the forming tissue inside the channel. Avoid using harsh chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or medicated ointments, as these substances damage the healing cells and prolong the recovery. Refrain from submerging the piercing in stagnant bodies of water, like bathtubs, swimming pools, or hot tubs, for at least the first two months, as they harbor bacteria that can lead to infection.