Frederic Melton
A smelly septum piercing, also known as septum funk, is a common occurrence and is usually the result of a buildup of organic material, such as dead skin cells, bacteria, or dried blood, trapped in the healthy discharge of sebum (an oily, waxy substance produced by the body to moisturize the skin). While the smell can be unpleasant and likened to cheese or feet, it is typically not a cause for concern and does not indicate an infection. Regular cleaning of the piercing, both during and after the healing process, can help minimize the smell and prevent future odours.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Buildup of organic material, including sebum, dead skin cells, bacteria, and dried blood |
| Normal | Yes, it is a sign that the piercing is healing |
| Cleaning | Clean piercing twice a day during healing, a few times a week after healing |
| Water | Keep piercing dry outside of cleaning and showering, avoid pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water |
| Makeup and skincare | Keep makeup, sunscreen, and other facial products away from the piercing |
| Jewelry material | Glass or titanium jewelry may reduce smell |
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What You'll Learn
It's likely a buildup of organic material
A septum piercing emitting a cheesy odour is likely due to a buildup of organic material. This is a common occurrence, and you are not alone in experiencing it. The odour is usually caused by a combination of healthy discharge from the piercing and dead skin cells, bacteria, or dried blood. This buildup can also trap sebum, an oily, waxy substance produced by your nose tissue to keep the skin moisturised. While sebum is odourless on its own, it can contribute to the cheesy smell when mixed with other organic material.
To minimise this buildup and reduce the smell, it is important to maintain good hygiene practices. Clean your piercing regularly, especially during the healing process, which typically lasts for 2-3 months. It is recommended to clean your piercing twice a day during this period and a few times a week after it has healed. However, avoid over-cleaning, as this can also be counterproductive. Once a day should be sufficient.
When cleaning, you can take out your jewellery and let the steam and water from the shower flush your nose. Just be mindful to keep your piercing dry outside of cleaning and showering. Avoid 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. Keeping your piercing dry will also help it heal faster.
The type of jewellery you wear can also make a difference. Cheap stainless steel or acrylic jewellery is more likely to result in a stronger smell compared to glass or titanium options. Glass, in particular, is highly recommended by those with septum piercings as it feels great and minimises the cheesy odour.
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It's not infected, it's healing
Septum piercings are a popular form of body modification, but they can sometimes be a source of concern for those who have them. One common issue is the development of a strong, cheese-like smell during the healing process. While this may be worrying, it is important to remember that this is normal and does not necessarily indicate an infection.
The "septum stench," as it is commonly known, is caused by a combination of factors, including the presence of mucus, discharge, and sebum in the piercing channel. The human nose naturally produces mucus, and when it mixes with the dead skin cells and oils that accumulate in the piercing, it can result in a pungent, cheesy odour. This is especially common during the stretching or healing period, when the piercing is more susceptible to irritation and the production of these substances may be increased.
To minimise the smell, it is important to maintain good hygiene practices. This includes regularly cleaning your jewellery and piercing with a saline or sea salt water solution. However, it is important not to overclean the area, as this can irritate the piercing and delay the healing process. Once a day should be sufficient for cleaning, and you can simply remove your jewellery in the shower and let the warm water and steam flush your nose. Additionally, the type of jewellery material you choose can impact the smell, with glass or titanium tending to be less stinky than cheap stainless steel or acrylic.
While the cheese-like smell is typically not a cause for alarm, there are other signs and symptoms to watch out for that may indicate an infection. These include yellowish or smelly discharge, a thickening lump, or worsening pain. If you experience any of these issues, it is important to seek medical advice promptly to ensure proper treatment and prevent further complications.
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Keep piercings dry to reduce smell
It is normal for septum piercings to have a cheese-like smell, especially during the stretching and healing periods. This is mainly due to the accumulation of dead skin cells. To minimize the smell, it is important to keep your piercing clean and dry.
Keeping your piercing dry is crucial to reducing the cheese-like smell and promoting proper healing. Here are some tips to keep your piercings dry and reduce the chances of infection:
- Avoid submerging your new piercing in water, such as pools, baths, and the ocean. Showering is generally considered safe, but it is important to keep your piercing clean and rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
- When drying the piercing area, gently pat it with clean, disposable paper products. Avoid using cloth towels as they can harbor bacteria and potentially snag on your jewelry, causing injury.
- Non-woven gauze or saline solution sprays are recommended for drying and cleaning the piercing. Avoid using cotton swabs/pads as the fibers can get caught under your jewelry and irritate the piercing.
- During the healing process, try to avoid sleeping directly on your fresh piercing(s). Sleeping on the piercing can trap moisture or bacteria, increasing the risk of infection and potentially leading to a stronger smell.
- Wash your hands before touching your piercing to avoid introducing bacteria to the area. Clean your piercing regularly, especially when you brush your teeth or take a shower, to establish a consistent hygiene routine.
- Clean your piercing with a mild, fragrance-free cleanser and water at least once a day. Avoid using antibacterial soaps or hydrogen peroxide as they can damage healing skin.
- After rinsing your piercing, ensure that you thoroughly dry the area to prevent excess moisture from getting trapped.
By following these steps, you can effectively keep your piercings dry, reduce the chances of infection, and minimize any unpleasant smells, including the cheese-like odor associated with septum piercings.
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Clean jewellery to minimise odour
To minimise odour, it is important to keep your septum piercing and jewellery clean. Septum piercings typically take around 2 months to heal, but this can vary from person to person. Some people won't fully heal for 8 months or longer. To prevent infection and ensure the piercing heals properly, you should clean it at least once a day, especially while it is still healing.
A good way to clean your septum piercing is to use a saline solution, which is a mixture of salt and water. You can buy this online or at a drugstore, or make your own at home. Using a Q-tip, gently clean the piercing with the saline solution 1-2 times a day, or 3 times a day as recommended by some piercers. You can also dip your nose into a shallow bowl of the solution, being careful not to breathe through your nose while submerged. If your piercing gets crusty, carefully clean it again, but be mindful of over-cleaning, which can dry out your skin and cause irritation.
Some people also recommend using a sterile saline spray (wound wash) to clean the piercing, or a solution like Alkalol, which can also help with allergies and sinus issues. It is also important to keep your jewellery clean. Make sure to thoroughly rinse, dry, and cool the jewellery before putting it back in. Additionally, the type of jewellery material matters. Cheap stainless steel or acrylic will be stinkier than glass or titanium.
Remember to always follow any specific aftercare instructions provided by your piercing professional.
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Material matters: glass or titanium are better than steel or acrylic
While there are many materials to choose from for a septum piercing, such as steel, titanium, gold, silver, glass, and acrylic, it is important to choose carefully as the wrong material can lead to irritation, trouble healing, or even infection.
Glass and titanium are considered better options than steel or acrylic for a septum piercing. Glass is approved for piercings that are healing and can be easily sterilized. Its smooth surface makes it ideal for the healing process, and it has a pleasant and fresh feeling. However, glass is delicate and could shatter, which could damage a piercing that is still healing. Titanium is also a good choice for new piercings as it is hypoallergenic, lightweight, durable, long-lasting, and nickel-free. It is also biocompatible, meaning your body won't recognize it as foreign and form a reaction against it. Titanium is so safe that it is often used as the metal of choice for surgical implants.
On the other hand, steel and acrylic are not as favourable. While steel is a common material for piercings and contains very little nickel, it is not always a foolproof metal. Cheap steel jewellery can be stinky and irritate the skin. Acrylic is not recommended as it presents more risks than benefits and is low quality. It can easily be scratched, creating grooves that catch bacteria and potentially causing infections.
Therefore, it is recommended to choose glass or titanium over steel or acrylic for a septum piercing, especially during the healing process, to avoid any potential issues.
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Frequently asked questions
A cheesy smell is often caused by a buildup of organic material, including sebum (an oily, waxy substance that keeps your skin moisturized), dead skin cells, bacteria, and other matter.
Yes, it is normal. Septum piercings can develop a smell as they heal, trapping dead skin cells and other matter, leading to what is commonly known as "septum funk".
No, don't worry. The "septum funk" is more obvious to you because it's in your nose, but the smell doesn't waft very far.
Clean your piercing regularly, especially during the healing process. Clean it twice a day while it's healing, and a few times a week after it has healed. Keep the piercing dry outside of cleaning and showering, and avoid pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water.
Yes, the material matters. Cheap stainless steel or acrylic jewelry will be more prone to smell than glass or titanium.
