How to Clean a Pierced Nose

Keep your fresh piercing clean and healthy.

All piercings are open wounds and require a period of healing. Nose piercings take longer than other varieties to heal because the nose is made of cartilage, which heals more slowly than flesh. Because of this it is very important to properly clean the area to avoid infection. This process is quite simple, but it is important to do the job thoroughly.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Saline solution
• Cotton swabs
• Lavender oil

Instructions

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap.

2. Pour a small amount of saline solution into a clean cup.

3. Gently wipe the outside of your nose around the piercing with a cotton swab soaked with saline solution.

4. Clean the inside of your nose around the piercing with saline solution on the other end of the cotton swab.

5. Wipe the excess moisture away with a fresh cotton swab.

6. Apply a drop of lavender oil to the skin around the piercing to aid in healing.

7. Repeat this process three times every day.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not clean your nose piercing with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide. The mucus membranes are too sensitive for such a harsh cleanser.

• Do not apply makeup to your nose until the piercing has healed.

References

• Nose Ring Guide: Nose Piercing Aftercare Tips & Tricks
• How to Clean It: How to Clean a Nose Piercing