The distinct, unpleasant smell from a nose piercing is a common occurrence. This odor is a byproduct of the body’s normal biological processes interacting with the jewelry, which traps the resulting material. It is not related to poor sanitation or the presence of feces. Understanding the scientific reason behind the smell can alleviate concern and provide direction for effective solutions.
The Biological Origin of the Odor
The odor, often called “piercing funk,” originates from the skin inside and around the nose, which is rich in sebaceous glands. These glands secrete sebum, an oily substance that helps lubricate and waterproof the skin. Sebum is a mixture of fats, waxes, and squalene.
The piercing channel, or fistula, is a tunnel of healed skin that constantly sheds dead skin cells, primarily keratin. This shed keratin mixes with the naturally produced sebum around the jewelry, creating a semi-solid buildup. This accumulation is commonly referred to as “nose cheese.”
The smell is caused when bacteria, which naturally live on the skin, break down this combination of sebum and dead cells. This anaerobic decomposition releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are perceived as the strong, foul odor. Since the jewelry blocks the material from naturally shedding, the concentration of these VOCs becomes much higher than on unpierced skin.
When the Smell Signals Infection
While a mild, intermittent odor is normal for a healed piercing, it is important to distinguish this from the smell that signals a genuine infection. Normal “piercing funk” is isolated to the odor itself, presenting with little pain, heat, or significant discharge. This is a hygiene issue, not a health one.
An infected piercing presents with a combination of symptoms that go beyond a simple bad smell. Warning signs include intense throbbing pain, significant swelling that does not subside, and the area feeling noticeably hot to the touch. The most telling sign of a bacterial infection is the presence of thick, yellow, or green pus that has a distinctly foul smell. If you experience these accompanying symptoms, consult a healthcare professional.
Eliminating the Unpleasant Smell
The most direct way to eliminate the odor is to improve your daily cleaning regimen. For a healed piercing, gently clean the jewelry and the piercing site at least once a day using a sterile saline solution or a mild, non-perfumed soap. Avoid harsh chemicals like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the skin and disrupt the bacteria balance.
The type of jewelry material plays a significant role in odor accumulation. Porous materials, such as acrylic, silicone, or low-quality metals, have microscopic imperfections that can trap bacteria and sebum easily. Switching your jewelry to a non-porous, high-quality material can reduce the severity of the odor. Implant-grade titanium, solid gold (14k or 18k), or niobium are excellent choices because their smooth, non-reactive surfaces make it difficult for the odor-causing material to adhere.
If your piercing is fully healed, you can safely remove the jewelry during cleaning to wash both the jewelry and the fistula. If the piercing is still healing, gently clean around the jewelry without removing or twisting it. Consistent, gentle cleaning prevents the buildup of the material that causes the “piercing funk.”