Change your piercing as early as 2 months if necessary (like if you need a horseshoe you can flip and hide for work). Consider having your piercer do it this early. [2] X Research source Your septum is fully healed when it’s no longer painful or swollen, does not crust over, and doesn’t show any signs of infection. Septum piercings should go through the soft tissue under the cartilage between your nostrils. Piercings that go through the cartilage take longer to heal. Signs of infection include redness or tenderness, swelling, prolonged bleeding, pus or other fluid discharge, or a change in skin color around the piercing. [3] X Research source
Steer clear of surgical steel, which shouldn’t be left in your body for long periods of time, as well as copper, brass, or anything that’s plated or coated.
Rinse your jewelry thoroughly if you cleaned it with saline or soap, and make sure there’s no debris still clinging to the metal. Let the jewelry air dry or wipe it dry with a clean paper towel.
Wear rubber gloves if you’re struggling to get a good grip on the jewelry. If you have a hinged segment clicker (a hoop with a hinge and a seam), rotate the hoop so the hinge and seam hang below your nostrils. Pull the seam apart and rotate the ring to remove. [8] X Research source
For hinged segment clickers, pull the seam apart and then rotate the hoop through the piercing hole. Push the seam back together to fasten it. [10] X Research source Work slowly and carefully for your first jewelry change. It will get easier the more you do it!
Try not to pick at any scabs or crust that form during healing, either. Some crusting is normal and can be rinsed away with saline or saltwater. If you have to touch your septum piercing, always wash your hands with hot water and antibacterial soap for at least 20 seconds beforehand. [12] X Research source
Lightly rotate or twist the jewelry a few times while it’s still wet to make sure your flesh isn’t sticking to the post. Use store bought sterile saline or make your own at home (mix ¼ tsp (1. 5 g) of sea salt dissolved in 8 fl oz (240 mL) of boiled water). Stay away from hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or rubbing alcohol for cleaning. These harsh chemicals will kill healthy, new cells and slow down your healing.
Remember, a piercing is like an open wound. Your chances of infection are lower when it isn’t kept wet for long periods of time. Generally, the older a piercing is, the better it holds up in water.
Don’t use your new piercing as a reason not to apply sunscreen, though. A nasty burn on your nose could irritate the new piercing too. Rinse your piercing with clean water and spray it with saline in case you do accidentally get makeup on it.
Consider starting a multivitamin or Vitamin C supplement to boost your body’s healing powers.
