Q&A for How to Heal a Nose Ring and Take Care of Infections

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Question

Is it normal for me to have to force the pin through my nose piercing and sometimes having blood and pus three weeks after the piercing? I have to change the piercing frequently because they aren't allowed at school.

Community Answer

This is probably because the piercing hasn't healed yet. By removing and putting it back in several times a week, the nose is closing up over the piercing leaving you to re-pierce through the skin all over again.

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Question

Is it normal to have redness and pain around the pierced nose after a week?

Community Answer

Yes, your nose may just be healing. If it persists, see a doctor.

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Question

I had to take my nose piercing out, it was hurting way too bad because I got it done with a gun. Will my nose be okay since I took out the piercing, or will the bump get worse?

Community Answer

Keep it clean and make sure you wash your hands before touching it. Guns are not recommended, because you can't clean them as well as a needle. To get rid of the bump, try a sea salt solution or an aspirin paste.

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Question

Will a small tear in my nose piercing heal on its own?

Community Answer

Yes. Just make sure that you continue to clean the piercing site as normal. If it show signs of infection, then you should seek medical attention, but in the meantime, just clean it as usual.

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Question

My piercing is two days old. My nose is still bleeding and the ring is sinking inside my nose. Is that normal?

Community Answer

The piercing is having initial swelling, which can happen. It's not an infection. Go back to your piercer, who should provide you with a longer bar so your piercing has room to swell. It will go down after a week or so, at which point, you can change the jewellery back to something shorter. Be sure to regularly clean your piercing, and if you do spot signs of an infection, seek medical attention.

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Question

My nose ring hurts when I touch it after I got it pierced almost 2 weeks ago. Is this normal? What can I do?

Community Answer

It's still healing, it will hurt a bit. Keep the area clean and give it time to heal.

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Question

Am I more likely to get an infection in a new nose piercing if I catch a cold right after I get it?

Community Answer

Yes, since the bacteria will be more present. Be careful blowing your nose to reduce the risk of irritation. Wash your hands before touching the piercing and clean the ring twice as much. Infections won't last long if you clean it with the saline solution or use a salt water compress.

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Question

My nose is peeling and is red on the side and crusty. It has been 5 weeks, could this be an infection?

Community Answer

Rub coconut oil on your nose to stop the peeling. A sea salt and water mixture will reduce redness. If the symptoms don't go away, consult a doctor.

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Question

I have a keloid in my nose next to where my nose was pierced with a piercing gun. Should I take it out and get a new piercing on the other side?

Community Answer

Don't do this. The keloid can appear again on the other side of your nose and can leave a scar on both sides. To get rid of the keloid, soak your nose in warm water for 5 minutes. Mix aspirin with sea salt and a little bit of water so that it becomes a paste. Apply it on your nose and leave it on overnight (or at least for a few hours). Wash it off with warm water again. The keloid should reduce in size within a few days.

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Question

What products should I use to stop my piercing from swelling and itching?

Community Answer

Just ice it and keep cleaning it - or you can do a tea compress.

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Question

What can I do if my three month-old piercing is infected after switching the original stud for a ring?

Community Answer

Wash it three times a day with soap and warm water. If it doesn't get better within a week see a doctor

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Question

My nose stud is a week old and it can get painful or red. Is this normal?

Community Answer

It's going to take some time to heal completely and can feel sore and somewhat "red" in the first week or two. If the reddening or pain is getting worse instead of better, you probably have an infection and need to see a doctor.

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Question

My nose piercing kept getting caught in the blanket when I'd sleep, and it got swollen and had a bubble - is it infected or is that normal? Will it go away?

Community Answer

It is infected. By catching the blanket on it every night you are opening it up more and increasing the chance of bacteria getting into the piercing. The infection should go away if you follow the correct steps but if it persists, I would recommend removing the jewelry and/or consulting a doctor.

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Question

I got my piercing months ago, and it still bleeds and hurts. What should I do?

Community Answer

Definitely talk to your doctor about it. This sounds like an infection, but even if it isn't, it's better to be safe than sorry.

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Question

How do I use salt to take care of a nose ring infection?

Community Answer

You can dissolve salt in water to create a saline solution. Use a cotton swab to rub it on infection, or just to clean your piercing.

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Question

How can I tell if my piercing is infected?

Community Answer

You will see that it has yellowish-green pus is coming out, redness, itchiness, pain, etc. If there is whitish-yellow pus after getting it pierced, it is normal for the time it is healing. Redness should last around 2-4 weeks as well. If you think it is severely infected you should see a doctor.

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Question

How can I prevent my stud from falling out while I am sleeping?

Community Answer

Put a bandage on your nose to stop it from coming out, or sleep the other way around.

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Question

How do I recognize signs of an infection?

Community Answer

Look for pus as well as redness and swelling.

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Question

Can I get an infection a few months after my nose was pierced, when I change my stud?

Community Answer

Yes. Your piercing can always get infected, no matter how long you have had it pierced.

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Question

Why does my nose ring sink inside my nose?

Community Answer

If the piercing is new, it may just be a sign of healing. If the piercing is not new, see a doctor for advice.

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Question

I have had my piercing for two weeks or so and it's red and painful. Is it normal for it to be like that still? Is it infected?

Community Answer

It sounds like a minor infection. Keep it clean with soap and saline solution and avoid contact. If it doesn't get better in a few days, consult a doctor.

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Question

Can I change my nose ring to a gold one 3 days after piercing?

Community Answer

After it's been pierced, you will need to leave it until it heals. If you really want it changed, visit your piercer to see if s/he will change it for you in a safe manner.

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Question

How do I change a nose piercing?

Community Answer

If you can't do it yourself, visit a piercing shop to let them do it for you.

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Question

I have a bump around my nose that I got after putting in a hoop. How do I get rid of it?

Community Answer

Clean it regularly, and if it doesn't get better after a few days maybe try a different ring.

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Question

Could my new nose piercing be infected if it is slightly sore, but there's no discharge or itching?

Community Answer

It is not likely infected, as there would be discharge or redness to the area. It is likely just helming which is why it is sore.

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Question

If my piercing has gotten red and puffy and smells bad, is it infected?

Community Answer

Definitely. See a doctor or try the home remedies mentioned in the article. The doctor is your best option.

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Question

I have had a nose ring for about 4 weeks, and feels fine, but it doesn't look right. My skin is red and raised around it. What should I do?

Community Answer

See a doctor for advice. It may be infected.

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Question

Can I eat anything after getting my piercing?

Community Answer

Yes, but it is best to wait 1 or 2 hours so that you don't irritate the piercing.

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Question

I waited more than the 6-8 weeks to change out my piercing, but when I did change it out, there was some blood and a red bubble formed around the new piercing and is now slightly sore. What should I do?

Jennifer olwol

Community Answer

6 months is when you can change your piercing, but you will need to heal your piercing by using sea salt and warm water to clean it.

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Question

How do I treat my piercing infection that's on my nose?

Community Answer

Read the article or go to the doctor.

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