Patrick Oconnell
Septum piercings can develop a distinctive odour, sometimes described as a septum funk or septum stench, which can smell like cheese. This is due to a number of factors, including the accumulation of nasal mucus, sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria in the moist, warm environment of the nose. While this smell is typically only noticeable to the person with the piercing, it can be prevented by maintaining a good cleaning routine, using materials like glass, titanium, or silicone, and keeping the piercing dry.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Commonness | Very common |
| Detectability by others | Only detectable by the person with the piercing |
| Preventability | Can be prevented by choosing high-quality, implant-grade pieces, maintaining a good cleaning routine, and keeping the piercing dry |
| Persistence | Usually goes away with regular cleaning or after the piercing is fully healed |
| Causes | Healthy discharge trapping dead skin cells, bacteria, boogers, old soap, and other organic material; nasal mucus; poor-quality metals; non-hypoallergenic metals |
| Indication | Sign that the piercing is healing |
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What You'll Learn
It's normal for a septum piercing to smell during the healing process
It's not uncommon for a septum piercing to smell during the healing process. The septum piercing goes through the fleshy tissue between the nostrils, and it's normal to experience some smell as the piercing heals. This is due to an accumulation of oils, dead skin cells, and bacteria around the jewellery. The proximity of the piercing to the nose makes the smell more noticeable. However, it's important to maintain good hygiene practices and regularly clean the piercing to prevent any unpleasant odours.
While some people may never experience a smell, others may find that their septum piercing emits a faint odour, especially when the jewellery is moved. This is typically not a cause for concern and can be managed with proper cleaning. However, if the smell persists or becomes stronger, it may indicate an infection, and it is recommended to consult a professional piercer or a healthcare provider.
The type of jewellery used can also impact the smell. Choosing high-quality, implant-grade materials, such as implant-grade titanium, is recommended to minimise odour. Solid gold piercings, for example, those made of 14 karat or higher gold, are less likely to contain alloys or nickel, which can affect the smell and durability of the jewellery. Additionally, certain materials, such as stainless steel, may be more prone to smelling, especially when combined with sweating.
Stretching the septum piercing can also influence the smell. Some individuals have reported that their piercing no longer emitted a strong odour after stretching, while others have noticed a stronger smell during the stretching process. It is important to consult a reputable piercer when considering stretching to ensure it is done safely and to minimise the risk of odour or infection.
Overall, while it is normal for a septum piercing to have a slight smell during the healing process, maintaining good hygiene practices, choosing appropriate jewellery materials, and consulting professionals for stretching or other modifications can help manage any odour and ensure a healthy healing process.
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The piercing's odour is likely only noticeable to you
Don't worry, it's normal for a septum piercing to have an odour. In fact, it's a sign that your piercing is healing as it should. The odour is likely only noticeable to you. This is because the piercing is in your nose, so you're more likely to smell it than others.
The odour, known as "septum funk", is caused by a combination of factors. Firstly, the piercing creates an open wound that traps dead skin cells, bacteria, and other organic material. This mixture, along with nasal mucus, can accumulate on the jewellery, creating an unpleasant smell. The warmth and moisture inside the nose provide an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive, further contributing to the odour.
Additionally, the type of jewellery you wear can influence the smell. Jewellery made from non-hypoallergenic metals such as nickel, copper, or brass can cause skin reactions and produce more bacteria, leading to a foul smell. Poor-quality metals or certain materials like steel can also be more prone to causing a bad odour. On the other hand, materials like glass, silicon, and organic materials like wood are considered more smell-free or smell-safe.
To minimise or prevent the odour, maintaining a good cleaning routine is essential. Clean your piercing twice a day during the healing process and a few times a week after it has healed. You can use Q-tips with warm water and soap, or a recommended antiseptic solution. Remember to also clean the jewellery by soaking it in warm, soapy water if needed. Keeping the piercing dry outside of cleaning and showering can also help, as water can contain microorganisms that irritate or infect the piercing, leading to a stronger or longer-lasting smell.
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The smell is caused by a build-up of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria
Don't be alarmed if your septum piercing smells like cheese. This phenomenon is known as "septum funk" and is a common occurrence for many people with septum piercings. The cheesy odour is caused by a build-up of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Sebum is a natural oil produced by the skin to protect and moisturise it. In the case of a septum piercing, sebum can mix with dead skin cells, old soap, and other organic material, resulting in a pungent smell.
The good news is that this smell is typically only noticeable to you, as the piercing is located inside your nose. While it may be bothersome, rest assured that others around you are unlikely to detect the odour. This smell is often a sign that your piercing is healing as expected. However, it's important to maintain good hygiene practices to minimise the odour and ensure proper healing.
To prevent and address the smell, it's crucial to establish a diligent cleaning routine for your septum piercing. Clean your piercing twice a day during the healing process, which typically lasts 2 to 3 months. Use sterile saline spray or soak a clean cotton pad in saline or piercing care solution to gently clean the piercing. Rinse the piercing and the inside of your nose with warm water, being careful not to use hot water. You can also try rotating or twisting the jewellery when it's wet to prevent it from sticking to your skin.
In addition to regular cleaning, keep your septum piercing dry outside of showering and cleaning. 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 the sooner the smell will dissipate.
The type of jewellery you choose can also impact the odour. Poor-quality metals, non-hypoallergenic materials, and certain materials like steel are more likely to cause irritation, reaction, and a bad smell. Opt for high-quality, implant-grade jewellery made from materials like titanium, glass, or silicone, which are considered more smell-safe. Additionally, keep your hands clean when handling your piercing to prevent germs from causing infections or irritation, which can contribute to the odour.
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The jewellery material may be causing the odour
A smelly septum piercing is a common occurrence and is usually the result of the body's natural response to a piercing in the nose. This phenomenon, often referred to as "septum funk," is characterised by a distinctive odour that some describe as resembling cheese. While it may be concerning, it is important to know that you are likely the only one who can smell it due to the piercing's proximity to your nose.
On the other hand, organic materials like wood, glass, and silicone are considered safer options in terms of odour. However, it is important to note that individual experiences may vary, as some people may find certain materials more prone to causing a bad smell, such as steel.
To address this issue, it is recommended to switch to jewellery made from hypoallergenic materials. Gold, sterling silver, titanium, or stainless steel are good choices as they can help alleviate the problem. Implant-grade titanium pieces are specifically recommended by some professionals.
Additionally, maintaining a good cleaning routine is crucial. Regularly cleaning both your nose and the jewellery can help minimise mucus accumulation and prevent odours. Using a saline solution to irrigate the nasal cavity can effectively flush out any mucus and keep the area clean. However, be gentle and avoid over-cleaning to prevent irritation and discomfort.
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Regular cleaning can help prevent the smell
A smelly septum piercing, also known as "septum funk", is a common occurrence. It is caused by the buildup of sebum, a waxy, oily substance produced by the body, which can trap dead skin cells, nasal mucus, and bacteria, resulting in an unpleasant odour. While this smell is typically described as cheesy or similar to feet, it can vary from person to person.
Regular cleaning can effectively prevent and address this issue. It is recommended to clean your septum piercing twice a day during the healing process, which typically takes 2-3 months, and a few times a week thereafter. This routine can help minimise or eliminate the buildup of sebum, dead skin cells, and bacteria, reducing the likelihood of an unpleasant smell.
To clean your septum piercing, you can use Q-tips soaked in warm water and soap or an antiseptic recommended by your piercer. Ensure you clean both sides of the piercing and rotate the septum ring to access the inner channel. Additionally, you can remove the jewellery, soak it in warm soapy water, and gently rub it with a soft cloth to eliminate any lingering odours.
The type of jewellery you wear can also impact the smell. Opt for high-quality, implant-grade materials such as titanium, glass, or silicone, which are less likely to cause irritation or react with your skin. Organic materials like wood are also considered smell-free. On the other hand, poor-quality metals, non-hypoallergenic metals (such as nickel, copper, or brass), and certain materials like steel may contribute to a foul smell.
In addition to regular cleaning, keeping your septum piercing dry can aid in reducing the smell. Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water, especially while your piercing is healing, as they can introduce microorganisms that irritate or infect your piercing, leading to a stronger or more persistent odour. The drier the piercing, the faster it will heal and stop smelling.
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Frequently asked questions
Septum piercings can smell like cheese due to a buildup of sebum, dead skin cells, nasal mucus, and bacteria. This is known as "septum funk" and is a common occurrence during the healing process.
To prevent septum funk, it is recommended to maintain a good cleaning routine. Clean your piercing twice a day during the healing process and a few times a week after it has healed. You can use sterile saline spray, saline solution, or a mild soap and water mixture. Keep your piercing dry outside of cleaning and showering, and avoid pools, hot tubs, and excessive splashing.
Materials such as glass, silicone, titanium, and implant-grade pieces are less likely to cause irritation or a bad smell. Poor-quality metals, non-hypoallergenic metals (nickel, copper, brass), and steel can react with your skin and lead to a foul odour.
