Getting a nose piercing is a great way to express your personal style and add a unique touch to your appearance. However, with any body piercing, it’s important to maintain proper hygiene and aftercare to prevent infections and ensure proper healing. One of the most important aspects of aftercare for a nose piercing is cleaning the inside of the piercing. Here is a detailed guide on how to clean the inside of a nose piercing:
How To Clean Inside Of Nose Piercing?
Step 1: Wash your hands Before touching your nose piercing or cleaning it, make sure to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and warm water. This helps prevent the spread of bacteria or infection to the piercing.
Step 2: Prepare a saline solution A saline solution is an effective and gentle way to clean a nose piercing. Mix 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with 8 ounces of warm distilled water. Stir until the salt is fully dissolved.
Step 3: Soak a cotton swab or ball in the saline solution Dip a cotton swab or ball into the saline solution and gently squeeze out any excess liquid. You want it to be moist but not dripping.
Step 4: Clean the inside of the piercing Gently insert the cotton swab or ball into the piercing and rotate it. Being careful not to apply too much pressure. This will help remove any dirt or discharge that has accumulated inside the piercing.
Step 5: Rinse the piercing Using a clean cotton swab or ball, dip it in warm water. And rinse the inside of the piercing to remove any leftover saline solution or discharge.
Step 6: Dry the piercing Use a clean and dry cotton swab or ball to gently pat dry the inside of the piercing. Avoid rubbing or twisting the jewelry, as this can cause irritation or injury.
Step 7: Repeat the process Repeat this process twice a day for the first few weeks after getting your nose piercing. And then reduce to once a day until the piercing is fully healed. Be sure to avoid over-cleaning the piercing, as this can cause irritation or slow down the healing process.
What Will Happen If You Don’t Clean The Inside of The Nose Piercing?

If you don’t clean the inside of your nose piercing regularly, there is an increased risk of developing an infection. When you get a nose piercing, a wound is created in the skin. Which makes it vulnerable to bacteria and other pathogens.
If the piercing is not cleaned regularly, bacteria can build up on the jewelry or inside the piercing, which can lead to an infection. Signs of an infected nose piercing include redness, swelling, pain, and discharge.
An infected nose piercing can be very uncomfortable and may take longer to heal. In some cases, an untreated infection can lead to more serious complications. Such as scarring, abscess formation, or even the need for surgical removal of the piercing.
How To Treat The Infected Nose Piercing?
If you suspect that you have an infected nose piercing. It’s important to take action immediately to prevent it from getting worse. Here are some steps you can take to treat an infected nose piercing:
- Wash your hands: Before touching your infected nose piercing. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water to avoid spreading any bacteria.
- Saline solution: Soak a clean cotton ball or pad in a saline solution (1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt dissolved in 8 ounces of distilled water) and apply it to the infected area for several minutes. Repeat this process two to three times a day to help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
- Avoid removing jewelry: While it may be tempting to remove the jewelry from an infected nose piercing, this can actually cause more harm than good. Removing the jewelry can trap bacteria inside the piercing, making the infection worse. If you’re concerned that the jewelry may be causing irritation, talk to your piercer about changing to a different type of jewelry.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: If the infected area is causing discomfort or pain, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help manage the symptoms. Always follow the recommended dosage instructions.
- Avoid irritants: Avoid using harsh soaps, perfumes, or other irritants around the infected area. These can further irritate the piercing and slow down the healing process.
- Consult a healthcare provider: If the infection does not improve within a few days or if you experience severe symptoms such as fever or chills, it’s important to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can provide antibiotics or other treatments to help clear up the infection.
How To Wear Nose Piercing?

- Choose the right jewelry: There are different types of nose piercing jewelry available, such as studs, hoops, and rings. Choose the type of jewelry that suits your personal style and preferences.
- Clean the area: Before inserting the jewelry, make sure to clean the area around the nose piercing with a saline solution to prevent any infection.
- Insert the jewelry: Hold the jewelry between your fingers and carefully insert it into the piercing hole. If you’re using a hoop or a ring, gently bend it to fit into the piercing. Make sure not to force the jewelry through the hole as this can cause damage to the piercing.
- Secure the jewelry: Once the jewelry is inserted, secure it by pushing the back or the end of the jewelry into place. Make sure it is secure enough so that it won’t fall out, but not too tight as to cause discomfort.
- Clean the jewelry: It’s important to regularly clean the jewelry to prevent any infection. Use a saline solution to clean the jewelry and the surrounding area, and avoid using harsh chemicals or alcohol-based solutions.
- Avoid irritation: Avoid touching or twisting the jewelry too much as this can irritate the piercing. Also, avoid sleeping on the side of the piercing as it can cause irritation and delay the healing process.
- Consult with a professional: If you’re new to nose piercing, it’s important to consult with a professional piercer who can guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.