How to Care for a Newly Pierced Nose

While a nostril piercing heals, the only way to avoid an infection or unnecessary pain or irritation is to care for your new piercing properly. In addition to cleaning it on a daily basis, keep your body in optimal health by cutting down on smoking, eating and sleeping well, and only touching your face when cleaning your nose. Taking all of these steps can help your nostril piercing heal without complications.

Wash your hands. Fold a clean paper towel in half twice to form a square 2. Squirt the paper towel with an additive-free saline solution until the paper towel is damp. Tip your head to the side, with the side of your nose that is pierced facing the ceiling.

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Press the damp paper towel onto your nostril piercing and jewelry. Hold the paper towel on your nostril for 10 minutes. Remove the paper towel and dispose of it in the trash. Do not touch your nostril jewelry or the skin surrounding the jewelry after soaking them with saline.

Wash your nostril piercing and jewelry in the shower once a day 2. Use your hands to wash the jewelry and the skin surrounding the piercing. Rub the soap on the jewelry--on the inside and outside of your nostril ring--to remove crust. Rinse the inside and outside of the nostril jewelry with water until no soap is present. Do not turn or twist your nostril jewelry inside your piercing, to prevent irritation or tearing.

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Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication if you experience pain or swelling during the healing period. Ask your physician before taking anti-inflammatory medications, if you have any health conditions or take other medications.

Change your pillowcase on a nightly basis during the healing period. Oils, dirt and bacteria from your skin and hair can build up on the fabric of your pillowcase, causing irritation to your nostril piercing. Wash off makeup and clean your hair free of styling products before going to bed.

Tips

Visit your piercer when your nose piercing has healed to change your jewelry.

Rinse your nostril piercing with saline or soap and water after sports, swimming or exercising if you cannot shower immediately following the activity.

Warnings

Never attempt to use harsh products, such as hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol, or medicated creams on your nostril piercing.