Bushra Griffith
Septum piercings can often develop a distinctive odour, which some people describe as septum funk, a smell that is similar to cheese or the bottom of a foot. This is due to a build-up of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria, which can be dislodged by moving the jewellery in the piercing. While this can be worrying, it is a normal part of the healing process and is usually only noticeable to the person with the piercing. To prevent and reduce this smell, it is recommended to clean the piercing regularly with a sterile saline solution, especially during the healing process, which can take 2-3 months or longer. It is also important to keep the piercing dry and avoid touching it too much to aid the healing process and reduce the smell.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of the smell | Build-up of skin oils (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria inside the fistula |
| Prevention | Use jewellery made from borosilicate glass, solid gold, or titanium |
| Cleaning solutions | Sterile saline solution, warm water and glycerin soap, sea salt soaks, piercing aftercare spray |
| Cleaning schedule | Twice a day until fully healed, then a few times a week; sterile saline solution once or twice a week |
| Other tips | Keep piercing dry, avoid touching it, avoid pools and other bodies of water |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Clean your septum piercing with a sterile saline solution
A septum piercing can develop a cheese-like odour due to a build-up of skin oils (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria. While this is a common issue, it can be prevented or minimised by maintaining good piercing hygiene.
Sterile saline solution is an effective and gentle way to clean your septum piercing and prevent odour. Saline solution is a mixture of salt and (usually distilled) water. It is important to use sterile saline solution, as non-sterile solutions may contain additives like moisturisers and antibacterials, which can irritate the piercing. Saline solution made with distilled water will last longer and can be made in larger batches.
You can buy saline solution online, at a drugstore, or make your own. If you are making your own, be sure to follow a trusted recipe. One recipe recommends mixing 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with 8 ounces of distilled water. Bring the water to a boil, let it cool, then pour the solution into a clean spray bottle or cup. You can also make a larger batch by adding 8 teaspoons of salt to 1 gallon of distilled water. This can be stored for up to a month.
To clean your septum piercing with saline solution, you can either spray the solution directly onto the piercing, or soak it for a few minutes in a cup filled with the solution. Let the solution sit for 30-60 seconds, then gently move the jewellery back and forth to dislodge any trapped debris. Finally, use a clean gauze pad or tissue to pat the area dry. It is important to always wash your hands before touching your piercing.
Brie Cheese: A Buttery, Creamy, and Rich Flavor Experience
You may want to see also
Avoid getting piercings caught on things
It's important to take care of your septum piercing to prevent unwanted smells. The odour is likely due to a build-up of skin oils (sebum), dead skin cells, and bacteria inside the fistula. This build-up can occur even if your piercing is fully healed. To prevent this, you can use a sterile saline solution to clean your piercing regularly. This will help remove any built-up sebum, bacteria, or dead skin, keeping your septum fresh and odour-free. Remember to rinse with clean water afterward to avoid salt residue. Additionally, consider the type of jewellery you are using. Bacteria can build up on non-hypoallergenic metals or porous jewellery. Opt for jewellery made from materials like borosilicate glass, solid gold, or titanium, which are safer and help prevent the build-up of bacteria.
Now, to address your concern about avoiding getting piercings caught on things, here are some detailed instructions:
Be Mindful of Your Surroundings: Always be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards that could catch your piercing. This includes items such as clothing, furniture, and other people. Take extra care when reaching for objects or moving through tight spaces.
Secure Your Piercing: Ensure your piercing is secure and properly fastened. Regularly check that the jewellery is tightened and fastened securely. This will reduce the risk of it getting caught or falling out.
Choose Appropriate Jewellery: Opt for jewellery with a suitable design and size for your piercing. Some piercings may be more prone to catching depending on their style or length. Discuss this with your piercer to find the best options that minimise the risk of catching.
Cover or Remove Your Piercing: If you're engaging in activities where there's a higher risk of your piercing getting caught, consider covering it with a protective cap or bandage. Alternatively, if possible, remove the jewellery temporarily and store it in a safe place. Just ensure that the piercing is healed enough to do so.
Avoid Touching or Playing with Your Piercing: Try not to touch or play with your piercing unnecessarily. The more you fiddle with it, the higher the chances of it getting caught on something. Additionally, touching your piercing can introduce bacteria, leading to potential infections.
Keep Your Hair Managed: If you have long hair, consider tying it back or styling it in a way that minimises the risk of it getting tangled in your piercing. This is especially important when engaging in physical activities or sleeping.
By following these instructions, you can significantly reduce the chances of your piercings getting caught on things and causing discomfort or damage. Remember always to be mindful of your surroundings and take the necessary precautions to protect your piercings.
Cheese-like Veggies: Surprising Taste Bud Twists
You may want to see also
Choose the right jewellery for your piercing
While choosing the right jewellery for your piercing, safety should be the primary factor. Even the most stunning piece could put your piercing at risk. The jewellery must be of the appropriate length or diameter for your unique anatomy and the placement of the piercing. Rings are best for some areas, straight or curved bars for others, and specialty jewellery for specific placements. For instance, a nostril screw or labret stud.
The size, style, material, and quality of the initial piece of jewellery all affect your ability to heal. The material worn in a healing piercing should be able to withstand the heat and pressure of autoclave sterilization. It should be inert and compatible with the body so it doesn't cause irritation, allergies, or infections. The most common irritation culprit is nickel, a metal that's used in many alloys. Nickel is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis, resulting in red, itchy, scaly patches on the skin. If you are looking for a hypoallergenic metal, niobium may be a perfect fit. Like titanium, niobium is biocompatible, and it provides plenty of shine and impressive structural integrity.
Titanium is a lightweight metal that is ideal for people with nickel sensitivity. It is also biocompatible, meaning your body won't recognize it as foreign and form a reaction against it. It is often used as the metal of choice for surgical implants. Borosilicate glass, solid gold, or titanium are the safest materials to help prevent "septum funk". If you don’t like the silver tone of untreated titanium, remember that you can have it anodized in virtually any colour you like, including rainbow. Gold should be at least 14k to ensure it is biocompatible and doesn’t contain nickel. Anything over 18k is too soft for new jewellery because the surface is too easily damaged.
Surgical steel is made of a variety of alloys, but only a few specific grades have been proven biocompatible. Platinum can be a worthwhile investment for people seeking a prestigious yet hypoallergenic piece of body jewellery. However, it can be pricey. Sterling silver often markets itself as hypoallergenic, but it is usually made from 92.5% silver and 7.5% of another metal, usually copper, which has the potential to act as a skin irritant.
Gouda vs Blue Cheese: Similar Taste?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Keep your piercing dry
Keeping your septum piercing dry is an important step in preventing unwanted smells. Think of your piercing like an open wound—you wouldn't want it to be soaked for long periods of time. The drier the piercing, the faster it will heal and the less it will smell.
While your piercing is healing, it is especially important to keep it dry. This means steering clear of pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water like lakes and rivers. Try to avoid excessive splashing in the bath or shower as well. The water contains microorganisms that can irritate or infect your piercing, leading to a stronger or longer-lasting smell. Generally, the older a piercing is, the better it holds up in water.
It is also important to keep makeup, sunscreen, and other facial products away from your piercing. Apply your moisturizers and cosmetics very carefully around your nose and upper lip. When products linger on your piercing, they can cause inflammation or infection (which can cause further smell), or they can combine with your sebum buildup. Putting any unnecessary pressure on your piercing (including from hats, hoods, headphones, headbands, and hair) can also negatively affect the healing process.
If you are a side sleeper, try using a donut pillow to keep your ear elevated while you sleep. This will help to keep your piercing dry and reduce the risk of infection or irritation.
Cheese-like Substance on Newborns: What, Why, and When?
You may want to see also
Practise good hygiene
Practising good hygiene is essential to prevent and minimise "septum funk". Here are some tips to maintain good hygiene and address the cheese-like smell:
Firstly, it is important to keep your septum piercing clean, especially during the healing process. Clean your piercing twice a day while it is healing, and a few times a week after it has healed. Use a sterile saline solution or a clear glycerin soap to wash the affected area. You can also add sea salt to your warm, soapy water solution to prevent infection and combat unpleasant odours. Additionally, use a Q-tip or cotton swab with warm soap and water to clean the jewellery itself.
It is also recommended to soak your piercing in a sterile, salt-soak solution once a day. This can be continued even after the piercing has healed to maintain good hygiene. Remember to rinse your piercing and the inside of your nose with warm water after cleaning to remove any residue.
Keep your septum piercing dry outside of cleaning and showering. Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water, as they contain microorganisms that can irritate or infect your piercing, leading to a stronger or more persistent smell. The drier the piercing, the faster it will heal and stop smelling.
In addition to keeping your piercing clean and dry, avoid touching it unnecessarily. The less you touch your piercing, the faster it will heal and the less likely it is to develop an odour. Also, be mindful of any pressure placed on the piercing, such as from hats, hoods, headphones, or hair, as this can impact the healing process.
Finally, if you find that the smell persists despite your best efforts, the issue may be with your jewellery. Bacteria can build up on non-hypoallergenic metals or porous jewellery. Consider switching to materials like borosilicate glass, solid gold, or titanium, which are safer choices to prevent the funk.
By following these hygiene practices, you can effectively address the cheese-like smell associated with your septum piercing and maintain good piercing hygiene.
Blue Cheese Aversion: Why Some People Shudder
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The smell is caused by a buildup of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria in the fistula. This buildup is dislodged when you move your piercing, releasing the odour.
The best way to prevent and get rid of septum funk is to stick to a consistent cleaning schedule. Wash the area with warm water and a clear glycerin soap. You can also add sea salt to the water to prevent infection.
Keep your piercing dry outside of cleaning and showering. Avoid pools, hot tubs, and rivers, especially while your piercing is healing. The drier and cleaner it is kept, the faster it will heal and the less it will smell.
The type of jewellery you use can also cause septum funk. Avoid non-hypoallergenic metals or porous jewellery as bacteria can build up on these. Instead, use borosilicate glass, solid gold, or titanium.
For most people, septum piercings will stop smelling after 2-3 months when the piercing is fully healed.
