BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Body Art Nose Piercing

So I got my nostril pierced yesterday. I'm pretty happy I finally got it. Anyways, I have a nose screw in my nose and was just wondering how it is they work. They didnt tell me how I would change it in the future with it. ALSO, the guy who did it told me that instead of buying something to clean it with to mix distilled water with 2 tablespoons of sea salt. I couldnt remember how much water so if anyone has any ideas? lol. Any other comments or tips or piece of advice you care to give, I'de love that! thanks!

<--Kate--<<

Whoever did your nose go back to the guy and ask questions I know we are here to give advice or whatnot... trust me if you don't you'll regret it(I got my tongue pierced twice first time I lost 25 pounds in 4 days it sucked). Hey no question is a stupid question. not calling you stupid it just wouldn't be a smart choice. I hope your nose is ok

I got mine done twice now. I was told both times, by different piercers, not to use anything accept antibiotic ointment. I took my nose screw out and applied it to the ring, then put it back in. I washed my face really well each day too, because the oils on your face can cause an infection, so be careful.

If you've never had a nose piercing before, may I suggest that you try both the kinds of jewelry currently available (studs and screws) to find your best suit and stick with it early on. It's hard to switch back and forth, becuase the different types are sized very differently and it either hurts or falls out. Personally, I find screws are easier, don't aggrivate my nose, and don't hurt coming in and out (I take mine out a lot). GOOD LUCK!

Hi, Kate --

I had mine done about 5 weeks ago and am very happy with it. I also have a nose screw, and while I found it intimidating at first, I ended up appreciating it pretty fast.

Here's what my piercer told me:

1. Clean the piercing twice a day with antibacterial soap *only.* No ointments, no alcohol . . . the first prevents oxygen from flowing through the piercing (which inhibits healing), and the second is too drying. I've been using Dial liquid soap and a Q-tip. I put the soap on the Q-tip, rub it around the piercing outside *and* in, and then rinse it with warm water. (If you have a ball stud, you can hook it with your fingernail to pull it slightly away from your nose and really get the hole).

2. Follow with the sea salt rinse, as your piercer suggested. I think the formula is 1/8 teaspoon to 4 ounces of water, but don't hold me to that. I've been kind of guesstimating and it's worked out fine. I was told to do this for 2 weeks, but have continued it for almost the whole 5 -- I figure it can't hurt. Besides, I'm used to following the Q-tip & soap with the salt rinse.

I did get two separate, very minor infections, but both cleared up very quickly with careful attention. Again -- NO ointment or alcohol. I just cleaned it with the antibacterial soap 3x/day instead of twice. Infections cleared in 2-3 days.

If you haven't already accidentally pulled the screw out (this happened to me the first week, while drying my face off with a towel!), rest assured that it's actually pretty simple. Imagine a regular post earring; your nose screw is like that, with a rounded "bend" and extra length of metal at the end. When it's time to change your stud, you simply (gently) pull it out until you hit the bend, then rotate the stud and pull it the rest of the way. This may sound confusing, but you'll see what I mean as soon as you try it.

Myself, I'm getting anxious to change the stud, but am worried about doing it too soon. I bought a teeny one this afternoon (it's not a screw, so I'm skeptical it will only stay in), but am thinking I'd better wait the full 8 weeks before I change it. I had my navel done THREE times and finally had to give up . . . my body kept rejecting it. Don't want the same thing to happen here!

you can change it.. but then you need 2 woory about hypertrophic scarring and keloiding..????? http://jasonandthepunknecks.com

Hey, gang! I was in Vegas for the Bella editor gathering, so thanks to everyone who chimed in here with a reply. As you can see by reading down the thread, there's a lot of conflicting info out there on noses.

- If you have a question about your piercing, ask your piercer! That's part of what you pay for when you get pierced. They are supposed to supply you with all the info you need BEFORE you get pierced. If you don't feel you can talk to them, either don't get pierced, or go find someone who is willing to take the time to educate you. You owe this much to yourself.

- If you can help it, don't change the jewelry that's in your nose until the piercing is at least 3 months old. Changing jewelry does not automatically lead to the build-up of scar tissue (keloids) but it can add to overall irritation and that sometimes helps cause bumps of scar tissue to form.

- Older convention was to put antibiotic ointment on all new piercings. This has switched over the years. It's recommended now that unless you actively have an infection, do not use an antibiotic ointment. Some people react to them, and it's overkill on your body if the medically-active ingredients aren't required.

- To mix your own saline, the ration is 1 teaspoon sea salt to 1 quart warm water. Shake or mix well. Try and use a natural sea salt and not table salt, as it won't have iodine added, which some people have a sensitivitity towards.

H2ocean
www.h2ocean.com I highly recommend it. I use it myself.

I got my first ear piercings almost 30 years ago, and have had body piercings for about 16 now. I have never used some sort of pre-packaged, specialty body piercing aftercare product, and I've never had an infected piercing.

I don't recommend using fancy prepared piercing care products unless you have a ton of money to spend. Most of what you pay for is their packaging and marketing costs.

Having looked at the site, they put forth a great front for seeming like they are medically researched, but all of their data is biased and slanted towards boosting their sales.

They seem medically researched because their main product (the one for piercing care, the original product) is, simply put, saline solution, which is exactly what you get when you mix sea salt and distilled water.

I agree with Rae here... My ears have been pierced for over twenty years, and my tattoos are edging up to the 15 year mark. I've rarely used over-the-counter products on my mods at all (Lubriderm for my tattoos is the only exception).

Nose screws are a great option for a nose piercing. They look a little scary at first but its pretty simple to put them in, just twist it right in slowly.