by Snow Vandemore

Created on: May 24, 2010   Last Updated: May 29, 2010

Nose piercing does have its risks, as does any procedure that invades your body's natural environment.  But that doesn't mean that you can't enjoy one of today's trendiest fashion statements and remain healthy and infection-free.

Here are a few tips to follow in order to ensure you receive a clean nostril piercing and how you can keep it that way for many years to come.

1.  Have your nostril piercing performed by a reputable, experienced professional body piercer.  

There are many piercing shops that have sprung up seemingly overnight since the trend has become popular as well as socially acceptable, but that doesn't not necessarily mean that they provide safe and sanitary piercing services.    

Ask to see a current business license and health inspection report.  Contact the issuing local and/or state  office and ask whether the licensee has any outstanding complaints or health violations.  

2.  Look around the piercer's place of business.  Is it clean and well maintained?  When observing the piercer performing a piercing, is he or she wearing sanitary gloves and using new, sterilized equipment and supplies with each customer?  

3.  Ask to view pictures of the piercer's previous nostril piercings.  An experienced, successful piercer will generally maintain a portfolio of photographs of his work and will be happy to show you "before and after" pictures of his many satisfied customers.

4.  Ask the piercer if he or she has undergone any special training, has received any certifications of their chosen trade.  

5.  Do not, under any circumstances, agree to have your nostril pierced with a piercing gun.  This type of equipment is extremely damaging to tender body tissue and piercing guns cannot be sterilized. 

The piercer should be using one-time use, sterilized, stainless steel piercing needles - usually 14 or 16 gauge in size.  

6.  The type of piercing jewelry you use is just as important as the piercing itself to minimize infection and to promote healthy healing.  Choose a nostril screw, hoop or stud made from surgical steel, niobium or titanium of the appropriate gauge.  

Sterling silver or gold should only be inserted after the piercing has fully healed, which could take up to a year or more.  Do not remove the original jewelry until the piercing is fully healed, or you many not be able to re-insert it without damaging the tissue or causing infection.           

7.  Keep your piercing location clean.  Do not touch the pierced area with dirty hands and avoid applying makeup or any other personal care products, such as moisturizer or facial cleansing formulas to the area.  

You should gently clean the pierced area frequently with an antimicrobial soap, using a clean cotton swab, puff or square, discarding after use.  

By following these few helpful rules, your piercing experience should prove to be a pleasant one.
 

Learn more about this author, Snow Vandemore.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.