Nose Piercing FAQ

Though nose piercing has been a part of the traditional culture of countries like India and Africa for many years, it was somewhere in the 1960s and 70s that they became a fad among young girls and women all over the world. The nose piercing is one among the different types of body piercings and is said to be the second most popular after navel or belly button piercing.

Usually nose piercings are done on either side of the nose, however there are people who also do it on the dividing wall between the nostrils, which is known as 'nasal septum piercing'. As the popularity of these piercings have increased in recent years, more and more people are opting for them. However, many people have a lot of questions before as well as after they have got their nose pierced.

A: Nose piercing should always be done from a professional nose piercer. The person usually uses a ring or a stud and pierces the nose with the needle, which is sterilized. This is the safest way of piercing the nose and is less likely to get infected.

Nowadays, many people go in for gunshot piercing because it is cheap, but this method of piercing is not completely safe and can lead to a variety of problems. Our nose, unlike our ear lobes are made of thick tissues. If the gun piercing studs are not very sharp, there are chances of scarring on the skin.

Also, as these guns are not sterilized, there is a risk of getting infected by diseases like hepatitis, HIV, etc. Moreover, the stud of a gun piercing is usually very tight leaving no room space for cleaning and healing, leading to severe complications.

A: Nose piercing may hurt a little, however this depends on one's tolerance level. You may feel little pain when the needle pricks into your nose, however this does not stay for more than 2-3 days. The most important thing one must remember is that one should not be too terrified before going to the piercing studio. There have been cases when people have passed out due to too much excitement or fear.

A: The metal used for the piercing should be chosen very carefully. The healing process depends on the type of metal used. It is said that piercing with a low quality metal can cause some problems. The usual metals used for piercing are gold, stainless steel, titanium, or niobium.

Many people also change their nose ring frequently, before it is fully healed, leading to infections or the pierced hole to shut. The healing period can range from 3-6 months. You have to ask the piercer about how long you will have to wait to change your stud.

A: In the initial few days after getting your nose pierced, it is likely that you experience swelling, redness, and also some pain. This usually goes away in some time. However, if this stays for a long time, it is a matter of concern. Some people use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to treat an infection, but it can actually increase irritation and also the chances of scarring. Hence, it should be totally avoided. One should consult the doctor for proper treatment.

A: Some work places can have a problem with employees sporting nose piercings. This makes the situation a little problematic, because if you do not wear the nose ring, there are chances that the hole might get blocked. However, you can hide it by inserting a skin-colored retainer in it, or by applying a little make up. While these are good ideas to hide nose piercings, they are also more likely to cause infection and scarring on the area that is pierced.

Nose piercings can surely enhance the way you look, but you have to take care to avoid the dangers of piercing your nose. If you are a minor, you have to take the permission of your parents before going in for a nose piercing. Besides, you should not in any circumstances do a piercing at home or from an inexperienced person. This can lead to severe scarring and infection. Research about body piercing studios in your area and choosing one only after checking the safety measures they use is the best way to find a reliable place to pierce your nose.