Septum piercings involve piercing the small strip of tissue between the nostrils, known as the columella. While many individuals enjoy these piercings without incident, infection is a common concern. Fortunately, minor infections can often be addressed with careful home treatment. Understanding the signs of an infection and knowing how to respond can help manage the situation effectively.
Recognizing an Infected Septum Piercing
Distinguishing between a healing septum piercing and an infected one is important. During initial healing, mild tenderness, redness, slight swelling, and clear or yellowish fluid that dries to a whitish crust are common, indicating the body’s natural healing process.
An infected septum piercing presents with more pronounced symptoms. Look for increased pain or a throbbing sensation, significant swelling that persists, and persistent redness that may spread. A key indicator is thick, discolored discharge, often yellow or green, which may also have an unpleasant odor. Other signs include increased warmth around the piercing, a persistent bump, or, in more severe cases, fever or chills.
Steps for Home Care
For minor septum piercing infections, home care can aid healing. First, wash your hands with soap and water before touching the piercing.
Prepare a saline solution by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt into 8 ounces (240 ml) of warm distilled or boiled water, stirring until dissolved. Using too much salt can irritate the piercing.
Apply this solution to the infected area two to four times daily. Submerge the tip of your nose in a cup of the solution for 10-15 minutes, or soak a clean cotton ball in it and hold it against the piercing. This cleanses the area and softens crusting. Gently remove softened crust with a clean, saline-dampened cotton swab, avoiding picking.
Avoid harsh antiseptics like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or strong soaps, as these can irritate and delay healing. Do not remove the jewelry from an infected piercing unless advised by a professional, as this can trap bacteria and lead to an abscess.
When to Consult a Professional
While home care is effective for minor infections, certain symptoms require professional medical attention. Seek immediate care if you notice red streaks radiating from the piercing, indicating a spreading infection.
Severe or worsening pain, significant swelling, or a large, painful abscess also warrant medical consultation.
Fever or chills accompanying piercing symptoms suggest a systemic infection requiring professional treatment. Consult a healthcare provider if home remedies show no improvement within 24 to 48 hours, or if discharge becomes persistently thick, green, or foul-smelling. Delaying help for serious infections can lead to complications.
Preventing Recurrence
After an infection resolves, diligent aftercare prevents future issues. Regularly clean your septum piercing, even after it appears healed, using sterile saline solution or mild, fragrance-free soap as recommended by your piercer.
Avoid touching the piercing unnecessarily, especially with unwashed hands, to prevent introducing bacteria. Minimize irritation by choosing high-quality jewelry like surgical stainless steel or titanium.
Be mindful of activities that could snag or pressure the piercing, such as getting dressed or blowing your nose forcefully. Avoid submerging the piercing in communal water sources like swimming pools or hot tubs until fully healed, which can take two to three months, and up to six to eight months for complete healing. Consistent hygiene and proper aftercare contribute to the piercing’s long-term health.