The Medusa piercing, also known as a philtrum piercing, is placed in the indentation directly above the center of the upper lip. Many people with this type of piercing experience an unpleasant odor, often described as “piercing funk,” which is a common and usually harmless occurrence. This smell is a normal biological byproduct, not necessarily a sign of a problem, but understanding its source is the first step toward addressing it.
Understanding the Normal Causes of Piercing Odor
The odor, often described as cheesy or slightly sour, arises from the accumulation of various organic materials within the fistula, the healed channel of tissue surrounding the jewelry. The body continually sheds dead skin cells (keratin), which mix with natural oils (sebum).
The Medusa piercing’s location means it is constantly exposed to these skin products, creating a buildup around the jewelry. Lymph fluid, a clear or pale yellow discharge that aids in healing, also contributes as it dries and crusts on the jewelry. This mixture of sebum, keratin, and lymph fluid is then broken down by normal skin bacteria that thrive in the warm, moist, and low-oxygen environment of the piercing channel.
These bacteria, which are often anaerobic, produce volatile organic compounds as they metabolize the collected debris, resulting in the distinctive odor. Since the jewelry is non-porous, it traps the material against the skin, creating an ideal environment for this breakdown to occur.
Identifying Signs of Infection Versus Simple Irritation
A mild, cheesy odor is typically a sign of normal buildup, but a change in the smell or the presence of other symptoms can indicate infection or severe irritation. Normal discharge is usually clear, whitish, or pale yellow lymph fluid that may dry to a crust. An infection, however, often presents with a distinctly foul odor accompanied by a thick, discolored discharge that is typically greenish or dark yellow.
Distinguishing between simple irritation and a bacterial infection involves assessing the severity and type of localized symptoms. Irritation, caused by trauma, poor quality jewelry, or over-cleaning, may cause mild redness, slight swelling, and tenderness. Infection symptoms include throbbing pain, excessive swelling, and warmth radiating from the piercing site.
Serious signs of infection include red streaks spreading outward from the piercing or systemic symptoms like fever or swollen lymph nodes. If you notice a sudden, intense malodor accompanied by significant heat, severe pain, or greenish discharge, seek advice from a medical professional for potential antibiotic treatment. Consult a piercer if the jewelry material might be the cause of persistent irritation, as materials like sterling silver are not suitable for long-term wear.
Effective Cleaning and Maintenance Strategies
Addressing the odor requires consistent hygiene, focusing on both the external piercing site and the internal oral environment. For the exterior, a sterile saline solution is the recommended cleaning agent to gently flush away accumulated debris. Avoid harsh chemicals like alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or strong soaps, as these can dry out the tissue and exacerbate irritation, potentially worsening the odor problem.
Inside the mouth, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is necessary to control bacteria that can migrate through the piercing channel. Rinsing with an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouthwash multiple times a day, especially after eating, helps keep the internal jewelry clean. Alcohol-based mouthwashes should be avoided because they can irritate the healing tissue and cause discoloration.
For fully healed piercings, the jewelry itself can be a major source of odor buildup and should be thoroughly cleaned routinely. Carefully removing the jewelry and washing it with a mild, unscented soap and water allows for the removal of trapped debris and bacteria. Selecting implant-grade materials, such as titanium, can also help mitigate odor by offering a smoother, less porous surface that harbors fewer bacteria than lower-quality metals.