The phenomenon of a distinct, often unpleasant odor emanating from a healed piercing is a common concern known colloquially as “piercing funk.” This is particularly noticeable with a septum piercing because of its location, bringing the scent directly to the nose. This odor does not necessarily indicate an infection, but rather a need for routine maintenance. Understanding the source of the smell and implementing specific care routines can effectively eliminate this issue. The key to an odor-free piercing lies in a combination of proper cleaning techniques and the thoughtful selection of jewelry material.
The Biological Cause of Septum Funk
The source of the unpleasant odor is a natural biological process occurring within the fistula, the healed skin tunnel created by the piercing. Your skin constantly produces an oily, waxy substance called sebum from the sebaceous glands, which helps to lubricate the skin. This sebum, which is odorless by itself, mixes with shed dead skin cells, also known as keratin, that accumulate around the jewelry.
The tight space of the piercing channel creates a perfect environment for this mixture to collect. Bacteria naturally present on the skin then begin to break down this organic material. This breakdown process releases volatile compounds that contain sulfur, which is what produces the characteristic foul smell. The odor becomes most noticeable when the jewelry is moved, dislodging the accumulated buildup and releasing the scent.
Immediate Steps for Odor Elimination
To immediately address the odor, a thorough cleaning of both the piercing site and the jewelry is required. For a healed septum piercing, you can temporarily remove the jewelry to perform a more effective cleaning. Always ensure your hands are thoroughly washed with soap and water before touching your piercing or jewelry to prevent introducing new bacteria.
Jewelry Cleaning
Once removed, clean the jewelry separately using warm water and a small amount of mild, unscented liquid soap. Gently rub the jewelry to remove any visible buildup or residue, then rinse it completely under running water to ensure no soap film remains.
Piercing Site Cleaning
The piercing channel itself should be cleaned using a sterile saline wound wash solution. Apply the saline solution to the piercing site and gently agitate the fluid around the channel to flush out any trapped debris. Alternatively, a gentle wash with mild, unscented soap and warm water can be used on the piercing site. After cleaning, rinse the area thoroughly with clean water and pat the entire area dry with a clean, disposable paper product before reinserting the jewelry. This routine should be performed regularly, ideally a few times a week, to prevent the re-accumulation of odor-causing materials.
Long-Term Prevention Through Jewelry Selection
Long-term odor prevention can be significantly improved by the type of material your jewelry is made from. Certain materials possess a smoother, non-porous surface that discourages the adhesion and colonization of bacteria and the buildup of organic matter. Implant-grade materials are the best choices for minimizing the septum funk.
Specifically, implant-grade titanium, niobium, and glass are highly recommended because their smooth finish offers fewer microscopic irregularities where sebum and dead skin cells can collect. Materials like low-quality steel, acrylics, or silicone tend to be more porous, creating a better breeding ground for bacteria and worsening the odor issue. Choosing a non-porous, hypoallergenic material reduces the surface area available for bacterial adhesion.