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To all of us who’ve made the bold decision to sport a nose piercing, keeping it clean is like, super important. A good chunk of folks with piercings (not counting ears) have run into infections or other pesky problems (1). This just screams to us why keeping it clean should be top priority.
Our cleaning game plan? Just stick to a saline solution or mild soap that smells like nothing, and do this twice a day. Say no to any mean cleansers, those stinging alcohol-based solutions, or goopy ointments, since they might just slow things down.
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Plus, munching on the right kinds of foods can speed things up. Think about chomping down on stuff with anti-inflammatory perks, loads of omega-3, and antioxidants. Keep that water bottle handy too, and maybe skip the big boozy nights to keep things calm and cool (2).
Healing Process
Healing a nose piercing isn’t like waving a magic wand—it can take from a few weeks to quite a few months (3). Knowing what goes down during healing gives us the upper hand with aftercare. Here’s the lowdown:
| Healing Phase | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Inflammatory Phase | 3 to 5 days | Spot some swelling and maybe redness |
| Proliferative Phase | Up to 6 weeks | New tissue starts setting up shop |
| Maturation Phase | Up to 6 months | Tissue is fully healed and gets stronger |
(4)
All through these phases, cleaning remains our best buddy. Washing with saline at least twice daily keeps things nice and healthy. Following this road can dodge those piercing pitfalls and make sure all is good in the piercing hood.
Need more pointers on caring for your new bling? Check out our pieces on how to get rid of a piercing bump and how long does it take for a nose piercing to heal.
Tips for Cleaning Nose Piercings
Keeping a nose piercing happy and healthy involves a bit of regular care, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. Here’s how we keep those infections at bay and ensure a smooth healing ride.
Proper Cleaning Procedure
- Wash Your Hands: First things first—scrub those mitts with soap and water. It’s the best way to keep bacteria away from your piercing.
- Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Stir 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt into warm distilled water. This gentle saline solution is like a superhero shield for your piercing. (3)
- Clean the Piercing: Soak a cotton ball or a piece of paper towel in the saline stuff, and give the piercing a gentle wipe. No twisting or jiggling the jewelry required. (5)
- Rinse the Piercing: Splash some distilled water on it to wash away any leftover salt.
- Dry the Piercing: Dap it dry with a clean paper towel. Cloth towels? Yeah, they’re like a bacon buffet for bacteria—avoid them.
Cleaning Products and Solutions
A few trusty sidekicks can make looking after your piercing a breeze. Here’s what we suggest:
Saline Solution: Mixing sea salt with distilled water is the secret sauce for twice-a-day cleaning. Just keep it milder than your jalapeño salsa to avoid any irritation. (2)
Fragrance-Free Soap: Mild, scent-less soap is a good backup for the saline solution. Steer clear of harsh stuff like alcohol-based cleaners which can slow down healing (4).
Cotton Balls or Paper Towels: You’ll need these for applying the saline solution. They’re like the robin to your saline’s Batman—clean and disposable.
Keeping your jewelry clean is just as important as the piercing itself:
- Clean the Jewelry: Give your nose bling a regular scrub-down to banish oil and gunk. This helps dodge infections—score! (3)
| Cleaning Step | Frequency | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Washing | Before every clean | Antibacterial soap works wonders. |
| Saline Solution Soak | Twice daily | Keep it comfortably warm—your nose will thank you. |
| Rinsing the Piercing | Post-cleaning | Distilled or sterilized water keeps unwanted guests at bay. |
| Jewelry Cleaning | Weekly | Use a gentle brush if needed, but tread lightly to avoid bothering the piercing. |
| Drying the Piercing | After rinsing | Always go for a fresh, disposable paper towel, no germy towels allowed. |
These steps paired with the right goodies will let your nose piercing heal like a champ. For more thoughtful tidbits, peek at our piece on how to get rid of piercing bump or glance at how long does it take for a nose piercing to heal.
