A septum piercing is placed in the “sweet spot,” a thin, flexible area of tissue between the nostrils, often called the columella. This placement avoids the hard nasal cartilage, which would significantly extend the healing time. Because this location is highly exposed to air, movement, and nasal secretions, a proper cleaning routine is the most important factor for successful healing and preventing complications. Healing can take several months and relies entirely on creating a clean, undisturbed environment for new tissue to form.
Recommended Cleaning Agents
The only two products recommended for regular use are sterile saline solution and, occasionally, a plain, mild liquid soap. The ideal sterile saline solution is a packaged wound wash containing only USP-grade purified water and 0.9% sodium chloride. This specific concentration is isotonic, meaning it mimics the body’s natural salinity, allowing it to clean the wound without causing irritation or dehydration.
Avoid mixing salt solutions at home, as achieving the correct 0.9% ratio is nearly impossible and can lead to an overly concentrated mixture that dries out the piercing. Harsh antiseptics like rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide must also be avoided because they dry out the skin and damage healthy cells required for healing. Applying antibiotic ointments or creams is ill-advised, as these thick substances can trap bacteria and restrict oxygen flow to the piercing channel.
The Septum Piercing Cleaning Process
A fresh septum piercing should be cleaned twice daily; this frequency supports healing without causing irritation from over-cleaning. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before starting to prevent transferring bacteria to the piercing site. The preferred method for cleaning is using a sterile saline spray to fully saturate and irrigate the piercing.
Spray the solution directly onto the piercing, or for a more targeted application, saturate a clean piece of non-woven gauze or a cotton swab and apply it to both sides of the jewelry. If dried discharge, often called “crusties,” is present, allow the saline to soak to soften the material. Once softened, gently wipe the debris away without forcing or picking at it, which could tear the healing tissue.
If using a plain, mild, unscented soap for an occasional deep clean, ensure the piercing is thoroughly rinsed afterward to remove all residue. To complete the cleaning, gently pat the area completely dry using a clean, disposable paper product, such as non-woven gauze or a paper towel. Avoid cloth towels because they can harbor bacteria and their fibers can snag on the jewelry, causing trauma to the wound.
Critical Care Practices During Healing
Movement and physical trauma undermine the healing process, even with diligent cleaning. Never touch, twist, or rotate the jewelry unless you are actively cleaning the area with freshly washed hands. Moving the jewelry introduces bacteria and forces dried discharge back into the fistula, the channel of tissue forming inside the piercing. This movement can tear the fragile new skin, prolonging healing time and increasing the risk of irritation bumps.
Protect the piercing from external irritants like facial cosmetics, self-tanning products, and cleansers containing harsh chemicals or perfumes. When sleeping, avoid applying pressure to the piercing, and ensure pillowcases and bedding are changed frequently to maintain a hygienic environment. The initial jewelry must remain in place for the full healing period (typically three to five months), as removing it prematurely can cause the wound to close rapidly and risk infection.