Nose Ring Infections

Defining your own personal style is something we begin to do at an early age. We choose our hairstyles, clothing and accessories with care in an effort to express our style. One of the most common ways to express personal style is through body piercings. From earrings to cartilage to tongues, there are dozens of different types of body piercings. Nose piercings are becoming more common and if the piercing is not done properly, it can result in complications.

Choosing the Right Piercer

• One of the first steps in avoiding painful infection from a piercing is to find the right piercer for your needs. Not all piercers are trained in the same manner and improper training could lead to damage when the needle is inserted into the nose. Check with the piercer of your choice to determine his training method and ensure that he completed an apprenticeship with a reputable piercer. Piercers should be licensed and a member of the Association of Professional Piercers.

Migration and Rejection

• As with all body piercings, nose rings can can migrate to be rejected by the body. In a migration, the jewelry pushes through the skin and can leave a gaping hole behind. Rejection occurs when the body fights off the jewelry and forces it out of the pierced hole. Common reasons for rejection and migration are allergic reaction to the type of jewelry used and incorrect angle of piercing.

Infection Risk

• Infection is the number one cause for the removal of a piercing and should be treated seriously. What may seem like a minor infection to begin with can quickly spread and worsen. Infection may range from discharge from the piercing site to bleeding and swelling. Infection of the nose can lead to long-term damage if not treated properly. Depending on the severity of the infection, topical ointments or antibiotics may be required to aid in the healing process. Nose piercings have a high chance for becoming infected because of their location and the tender area that is punctured during the piercing. If you have had trouble with piercings in the past, you may want to consider another form of self-expression.

After Care

• The key component in avoiding infection is taking care of the piercing site after the ring has been inserted. You can't just let it go and hope for the best. During the healing time, which can take a few weeks, clean the area frequently with a cotton ball soaked in salt water or hydrogen peroxide. Don't remove the ring during the healing period or mess with it a lot because that only increases the chances of infection. Rotate the piercing frequently to remove any build up that may accumulate on the inside or outside of the nose.

Considerations

• Even though you have your eye on a piece of jewelery that fits your style, it might not necessarily be compatible with the piercing site or your body. Only purchase body jewelry from a reputable dealer and never share body jewelry with a friend or family member. Take the time to consult with your piercer beforehand to determine any additional risk factors that may be associated with the piercing. Don't forget to stock up on cotton balls for cleaning.