A septum piercing is placed in a precise location known as the “sweet spot.” This area is a thin, flexible strip of tissue just behind the bottom edge of the nasal septum cartilage, called the columella. Piercing through this spot is preferred because it involves minimal cartilage, allowing for a faster and less complicated healing process. Since any new piercing creates an open wound, learning to distinguish between normal healing and a genuine infection is the first step in managing complications.
Identifying Symptoms: Is it Irritation or Infection?
The initial phases of healing involve a localized inflammatory response that is often mistaken for infection. Normal irritation includes mild redness, a slight increase in warmth around the site, and localized tenderness that subsides over a few days. You may also observe a pale, whitish-yellow fluid, which is lymph fluid, that dries to form a crust around the jewelry. This crusting is a natural part of the healing process and does not signal a bacterial issue.
A true bacterial infection presents with distinct and more severe symptoms. A definitive sign is the presence of thick, opaque discharge that is yellow, green, or gray in color, often accompanied by a foul odor. The pain will likely progress from a mild ache to a persistent throbbing sensation, and the swelling will extend noticeably beyond the immediate piercing site. The area will also feel significantly hot to the touch, indicating a more aggressive inflammatory response.
Understanding the Pathway to Infection
A septum piercing infection occurs when pathogenic bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus or Streptococcus species from the skin’s surface, enter the open channel. This introduction of microbes can happen during the initial procedure if equipment is not sterile, though it is more frequently linked to aftercare practices. Touching the piercing with unwashed hands is a primary mechanism for transferring bacteria into the healing wound.
Physical trauma, such as snagging the jewelry or bumping the nose, can also introduce bacteria and tear the healing tissue, increasing the risk of infection. The skin flora naturally present in the nasal cavity may also colonize the new wound. If an infection is suspected, do not remove the jewelry. Removing the jewelry can cause the piercing channel to close, trapping bacteria and pus inside the tissue, which creates a closed abscess and worsens the infection.
Triage and Treatment: When to Consult a Professional
Immediate care for an irritated or mildly infected piercing should focus on consistent, gentle cleaning. Use a sterile saline solution, which can be purchased pre-mixed, to soak the area two to three times daily. Avoid using harsh chemicals like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or triple antibiotic ointments, as these can irritate the tissue further and delay healing. It is paramount to leave the jewelry in place to allow for drainage of the infected fluid.
There are signs that indicate the infection has become severe and requires immediate medical attention. If you develop systemic symptoms such as a fever, chills, or general malaise, the infection may be spreading beyond the local tissue. Other red flags include red streaks radiating outward from the piercing site, rapid, excessive swelling that impedes normal breathing, or debilitating pain. A doctor will perform an assessment and may prescribe an oral antibiotic to treat the bacterial infection. If an abscess has formed, a medical professional may need to drain the pus before starting antibiotic therapy.