A septum piercing passes through the thin, flexible tissue at the front of the nasal septum and requires an extensive healing period. The body’s natural response involves inflammation and minor discharge, which can easily be mistaken for an infection. Understanding the difference between expected healing symptoms and the signs of a genuine infection is important for proper aftercare and preventing complications.
Differentiating Normal Healing from Irritation
The initial healing phase for a septum piercing typically spans about six to eight weeks, though full tissue maturation can take several months. During this time, it is normal to experience localized discomfort, including mild tenderness and slight swelling in the first few weeks. These symptoms should gradually diminish over time.
A new piercing will excrete a minimal, thin, pale yellow or whitish fluid, which is plasma and lymph fluid, not pus. This fluid often dries around the piercing site, forming “crusties,” which are a natural byproduct of the healing process. Occasional itching can also occur as the tissue regenerates, and minor pain may be felt when the jewelry is accidentally bumped or moved.
Irritation, which is not the same as a bacterial infection, occurs when the piercing is subjected to undue stress or trauma. This stress might be caused by frequently touching the jewelry with unwashed hands, aggressive cleaning, or physical impact. Irritation can temporarily increase normal symptoms, but the discharge remains clear or pale, and the symptoms will quickly subside once the source of the irritation is removed.
Definitive Signs of Septum Infection
A true septum piercing infection is caused by the introduction of bacteria into the open wound and presents with distinct, escalating symptoms. The most telling indicator is the nature of the discharge. Unlike the thin, pale fluid of normal healing, an infection produces thick, opaque pus that is dark yellow, green, or gray.
This infected discharge is often accompanied by a foul odor, which differentiates it from the odorless discharge of a healthy piercing. The pain associated with an infection is not brief soreness, but a persistent, throbbing pain that intensifies over time and feels hot to the touch. This throbbing sensation is due to increased blood flow and pressure at the site of infection.
The inflammation and redness will also become excessive, spreading far beyond the immediate edges of the puncture site and making the entire nasal tip feel hot. In serious cases, a localized pocket of pus, known as an abscess, may form a painful, firm lump. If the infection has begun to spread systemically, you may also experience symptoms like fever, chills, or a general feeling of illness.
Immediate Steps After Identifying Infection
If you observe definitive signs of infection, especially escalating pain, foul-smelling discharge, or systemic symptoms like fever, the immediate priority is to consult a medical professional. A doctor can accurately diagnose the issue and prescribe oral antibiotics, which is necessary to prevent the infection from spreading to the nasal cartilage or other areas. Self-treating a genuine infection with only over-the-counter products is not sufficient and can delay proper healing.
It is important to resist the urge to remove the jewelry, as this can be dangerous. Removing the jewelry can cause the piercing hole to close rapidly, trapping the infection and pus inside the tissue, which may lead to the formation of a painful abscess. The jewelry must be left in place so that the infection can continue to drain, allowing the prescribed antibiotics to reach the infected tissue.
While awaiting medical advice, continue to clean the area only with a sterile saline solution twice a day, gently removing any crust or discharge. Avoid using harsh antiseptics like hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, or antibacterial soaps, as these irritate the compromised tissue and impede healing. Do not apply topical antibiotic ointments, makeup, or creams unless specifically instructed by your doctor, as these can clog the piercing channel and worsen the infection.