I vividly remember the day I got my nose pierced. I was so excited to finally have the piercing I had always wanted. But a few days later, I started to notice that my nose was red, swollen, and painful. I had no idea what to do and was starting to get worried.

Image: nextfitlife.com

If you find yourself on the same boat, remember: you aren’t alone. Nose piercing infections are common, but they can be easily treated if you catch them early.

What is an Infected Nose Piercing?

An infected nose piercing occurs when bacteria enter the wound and causes an infection. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including poor hygiene, improper aftercare, or even just bad luck.

Symptoms of an Infected Nose Piercing

The symptoms of an infected nose piercing can vary, but some of the most common include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Pus or discharge
• Crusting
• Fever
• Chills

Treating an Infected Nose Piercing

If you think your nose piercing is infected, it is important to see a doctor right away. They will be able to prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do at home to help relieve the symptoms:

• Clean the piercing with a saline solution twice a day.
• Apply a warm compress to the piercing for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Image: americanceliac.org

Preventing Nose Piercing Infections

The best way to prevent nose piercing infections is to follow proper aftercare instructions. Here are a few tips:

• Wash your hands before touching the piercing.
• Clean the piercing with a saline solution twice a day.
• Avoid touching or playing with the piercing.
• Keep the piercing dry and clean.
• Avoid swimming or soaking the piercing in water.
• If you experience any pain, redness, or swelling, see a doctor right away.

Expert Advice

In addition to the tips above, here is some expert advice on how to care for an infected nose piercing:

**Dr. Anthony Youn, board-certified plastic surgeon and author of The Age Fix:** “The most important thing to do when you have an infected nose piercing is to see a doctor right away. They will be able to prescribe antibiotics to clear up the infection. In the meantime, you can clean the piercing with a saline solution twice a day and apply a warm compress to the piercing for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day.”

**Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City:** “It is important to avoid touching or playing with the piercing, as this can introduce bacteria. You should also keep the piercing dry and clean. If you experience any pain, redness, or swelling, see a doctor right away.”

FAQs

**Q: How long does it take for a nose piercing infection to heal?**

A: With proper treatment, most nose piercing infections will heal within a few days.

**Q: Can I remove the piercing if it is infected?**

A: No, you should not remove the piercing if it is infected. Removing the piercing can trap the infection inside the wound, which can make it worse.

**Q: Can I continue to wear my nose ring if my piercing is infected?**

A: No, you should not wear your nose ring if your piercing is infected. The nose ring can irritate the piercing and make the infection worse.

What To Do With An Infected Nose Piercing

Conclusion

Nose piercing infections are common, but they can be easily treated if you catch them early. If you think your nose piercing is infected, it is important to see a doctor right away. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do at home to help relieve the symptoms.

Do you have any questions about nose piercing infections? Leave a comment below and I’ll be happy to answer them.