Septum piercings involve a perforation through the thin tissue just behind the tip of the nose, specifically the columella. Proper care during healing is important to avoid complications, and understanding infection signs is key to maintaining the piercing’s health.
Key Signs of Infection
Infected septum piercings often present with noticeable symptoms that worsen. Pain extending beyond initial tenderness is a key indicator. This discomfort can be sharp, throbbing, and intensify when touched or moved.
Significant swelling and redness spreading beyond the immediate jewelry area is another concerning sign. Unlike mild healing swelling, infection causes diffuse inflammation, making the nasal tip feel firm and distended. The affected tissue may also feel warm, indicating increased blood flow.
Perhaps the most definitive sign of an infected septum piercing is unusual discharge. This discharge is often thick, opaque, and discolored (yellow, green, or grey). A foul odor from the site is also a strong indicator of bacterial presence, unlike normal clear or whitish lymphatic fluid. In severe cases, systemic symptoms like fever or chills can develop, signaling infection spread. Red streaks radiating outwards suggest lymphangitis, requiring immediate medical attention.
Differentiating Normal Healing from Infection
Distinguishing the normal healing process from an infection is important. During typical septum piercing healing, mild tenderness is common, especially in the first few weeks. Slight initial swelling should gradually decrease.
Normal healing involves the production of clear or whitish lymph fluid, which can dry to form crusts around the jewelry. These crusts are simply a byproduct of healing and are easily removed with gentle cleaning. Unlike infection, these symptoms are usually mild, localized, and consistently improve over weeks or months. The absence of significant pain, spreading redness, discolored pus, or systemic symptoms like fever indicates healthy healing.
Common Causes and Prevention
Septum piercing infections frequently arise from inadequate hygiene practices. Touching the piercing with unwashed hands introduces bacteria into the healing wound. Improper aftercare, like using harsh antiseptics (alcohol or hydrogen peroxide), can irritate tissue and disrupt healing, increasing susceptibility to bacterial invasion.
Physical trauma to the piercing, such as snagging jewelry or bumping the nose, can also damage tissue and create an entry point for pathogens. To prevent infection, consistent, gentle cleaning with sterile saline is important. Avoid unnecessary manipulation or rotation of jewelry to minimize irritation and trauma. Protecting the piercing from impacts and maintaining overall hand hygiene are key preventative measures.
What to Do Next
If a septum piercing infection is suspected, it is generally advised not to remove the jewelry. Removing it prematurely can cause the piercing to close, potentially trapping the infection and leading to a more severe abscess. Instead, continue gentle cleaning with sterile saline solution as part of your regular aftercare.
Applying a warm compress to the affected area for a few minutes several times daily may help reduce localized swelling and discomfort. However, if symptoms like persistent, worsening pain, spreading redness, thick discolored discharge, or fever develop, seeking professional medical advice is important. Consulting a doctor or reputable piercing professional can ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.