Q&A for How to Clean a Septum Piercing

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Question

I want to get a septum piercing, but I will have to remove it during the day for my job. Will this affect the healing process?

Community Answer

You can't take the jewelry out while it's healing, as it will close and you won't be able to get it back in. Tell your piercer you need to hide it for work and they will give you a horseshoe-shaped piece of jewelry that they can flip up and hide. You will need to keep it in for the duration of the healing process.

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Question

Can I go to the pool on the first day of a piercing?

Community Answer

It's not recommended because of the germs in the pool, and the chlorine can irritate the piercing. You should wait until it's fully healed, about six weeks.

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Question

Can I use Dove soap to clean my septum piercing?

Community Answer

Because of the fragrance in most Dove soaps, it is not recommended (unless you use the fragrance-free sensitive skin one). Dial brand antibacterial soap is what's generally recommended with most piercings.

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Question

Can any type of salt work for the salt soak?

Community Answer

No, it must be sea salt. Table salt will dry out and irritate it.

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Question

If I had a cold, should I wait to get a septum piercing?

Community Answer

Yes, blowing your nose will hurt until the piercing is healed.

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Question

Is it safe to use antibacterial soap and water with a cotton swab for cleaning the piercing?

Community Answer

Yes, but use Dial brand antibacterial soap and warm water. Also, to avoid spreading germs, don't use the same side of the cotton swab twice. Make sure to get all of the soap off, and pat it gently with a clean tissue to dry it.

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Question

Does the sea salt water have to be boiled and cooled down in order to apply it?

Community Answer

I use boiled kettle water, then stir in a teaspoon of salt straight away, then leave it for a minute or so, then apply it with a Q-tip.

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Question

Is a hard, dry material buildup around the nostrils normal after this type of piercing?

Community Answer

This indicates dryness of your nose due to the wound. Clean it, keep the outside of your nose moisturized.

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Question

Can I use another kind of antibacterial soap to clean it with?

Community Answer

As long as it is anti-bacterial and fragrance-free.

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Question

Am I allowed to go in the sea with a septum piercing?

Community Answer

Yes, but you should wait for it to heal first.

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Question

What can be used to clean a septum piercing?

Community Answer

You can use Bactine spray, Dial brand anti-bacterial soap and water, or a sea salt soak. Many people say Bactine is bad, but I've used it on every one of my piercings and never had a problem with it!

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Question

How long does it take for the piercing to completely heal?

Community Answer

It can take approximately 6 weeks to 2 months.

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Question

Should I do anything differently if I have gotten a cold shortly after getting a septum piercing?

Community Answer

Use a cotton swab to clean out your nose and try to avoid hitting the piercing while doing so.

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Question

Can I use antibacterial soap to clean my septum?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as it's fragrance free and you use warm water.

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Question

Will the piercing get caught on anything (clothes, jewelry, etc.)?

Community Answer

It might. That's why you should wear a very small piece of jewelry while the piercing is healing, so that it's less likely to get caught and hurt the healing process.

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Question

Is it okay if I clean my septum piercing with witch hazel that has ethyl alcohol in it, or will it do more harm than help?

Community Answer

Alcohol will dry out the piercing. Fragrance-free antibacterial soap or saline (boiled water and sea salt) are always your best options.

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Question

For how many weeks do I have to clean my septum piercing?

Community Answer

I just got my septum done and both my piercer and research recommends 6-8 weeks before changing a new piercing, and you should maintain hygiene by cleaning it regularly (every couple of days) during this time.

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Question

For how many days after getting a septum piercing should I keep cleaning it?

Community Answer

You should clean it twice a day for the first six weeks using a saline solution (which is a cup of boiled water and a pinch of sea salt).

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Question

Will Vaseline help with cleaning a septum piercing?

Community Answer

Absolutely not. Use what your piercer suggests, or use saline solution or rubbing alcohol diluted with water.

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Question

Can I use peroxide if I do not have the soap or sea salt?

Community Answer

Hydrogen peroxide and alcohol will dry out your skin and make the healing process longer.

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Question

Can I use hydrogen peroxide to close up the piercing if I no longer want it, but just got it done?

Community Answer

Take out the ring or jewelry, keep it clean, and it should close up normally.

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Question

Am I allowed to swim in the ocean with a new septum piercing?

Community Answer

That is not a good idea. Wait until it is healed before swimming in the ocean.

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Question

is it okay to clean my piercing with Epsom salt?

Community Answer

No, it will dry it out and irritate it. Use only sea salt, not table or Epsom.

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Question

Can I use Lever 2000 with warm water to clean my septum piercing?

Community Answer

Only if your piercer recommended it, but sea salt soaks are usually best. Commercial cleaners are usually not necessary.

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Question

Can I ask smoke cigarettes while its still healing?

Community Answer

No. You should avoid smoking and other activities that can expose your face to bacteria. Do not smoke until the piercing has healed.

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Question

I got my septum pierced yesterday, and today it is a little yellowish around the holes. It's not red or painful, and there is no discharge/pus. I do have the ring flipped up. What should I do?

Community Answer

If you can avoid flipping the ring up, I highly recommend it. It can irritate the piecing and can possibly stretch out the piercing hole if not done very carefully (probably what caused the yellow tint around the holes).

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Question

How long does the healing process last?

Community Answer

Times vary, so ask your piercer for a precise answer. Usually, septum piercings heal within a few months.

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Question

Should I use peroxide, rubbing alcohol, and/or Neosporin for after care of my septum?

Community Answer

Only the Neosporin. Peroxide/rubbing alcohol will dry out the wound and cause an irritation.

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Question

Can I use saline solution instead of sea salt for a soak?

Community Answer

My piercer recommended that and gave me a bottle of sterile saline spray to apply with a Q-tip or gauze two to four times per day.

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Question

Can I use Himalayan pink sea salt with water to soak my piercing?

Community Answer

Sadly, no; it will irritate the piercing. Sea salt mixed with lukewarm distilled water for 10 to 15 minutes per day for 30 days would be better.

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