We all face challenges with flu and colds during seasonal changes. Since September is here and the weather is changing, it is particularly tricky for those who have septum piercing and nose rings.
A runny nose, which you are constantly wiping, can cause irritation in your piercing jewellery. Moreover, if you are wearing any delicate jewellery, it can be damaged. So here we have some easy tips to follow during the flu and cold seasons to recover fast with body piercings.
Be Gentle When Blowing Your Nose
When you are feeling sick and have the urge to blow your nose, remember your septum piercing can get in your way. You don’t want to irritate it so be gentle with piercing aftercare.
- Do not pinch your nose like you are trying to pull it off.
- Use soft tissues that won’t scratch your piercing.
- Instead of wiping a runny nose, just dab it to the point it gets cleaned.
- Try tilting your head slightly to one side. This can help you avoid putting too much pressure.
- If your septum or nose piercing is fully healed, use a retainer to save your jewellery.
Keep Your Piercings Clean
Now, when it comes to keeping your nose clean, you should be careful in flu season with piercings. The mucus can turn your jewellery grey, and nobody wants this.
- Use a neti pot or nasal rinse if your jewellery is new and you can’t take it off just yet. It will clean up the inside and keep you fresh.
- Apply a non-allergic moisturiser to keep your piercing from drying.
- Use a cotton swab to gently dab the area you want to clean. This way, you won’t exert extra pressure on it.
- Inhaling steam also cleans up everything real good. Plus it is good for the flu and a runny nose.
- A small, portable humidifier necklace can help keep your nasal passages moist.
- Cut a small piece of gauze and place it over your septum jewellery inside your nostrils.
Choose the Right Jewellery Materials
Porous materials are basically bacteria magnets. If you’re trying to play it safe, ditch the stone, silicone, or acrylic nose jewellery and swap it out for something solid like titanium or glass.
- Wear something smooth and simple like a plain nose hoop.
- Titanium and niobium are soft on the skin.
- Always have a backup set of high-quality septum jewellery on hand, especially during cold and flu season.
Use a Mini Humidifier
When you are in dry air, your cold and flu symptoms get worse. A mini humidifier can do you a lot of good in the dry winter season. Place it beside your table at work or home and keep your piercing moisturised. It will help reduce any scarring on your septum area.
Silicone Piercing Shields
If you’re sneezing and your nose won’t stop running, try silicone shields for your jewellery. They create a barrier to keep mucus away from your piercings, reducing the chances of irritation and infection.
Nasal Barrier Ointment
Slap a thin layer of nasal barrier ointment or petroleum jelly around the edges of your nostrils (but skip the piercing itself) to create a moisture barrier. This keeps your sensitive skin protected and stops gunk from building up around your jewellery.
Rotating Jewellery Cleaning Routine
Switch up your jewellery for cold and allergy season. Rotate between two or three pieces, and give each a thorough clean before switching them out. This keeps your piercing fresh and as clean as possible.
DIY Piercing-Friendly Face Mask
If you wear a mask for skincare, cut a small slit or sew a soft lining where the mask might rub against your septum or nostril piercing to reduce friction and irritation.
Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods
Chug water and load up on anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, and green tea. Staying hydrated and munching on these goodies can help ease your symptoms and speed up healing if your piercings get irritated.
Use a Nasal Spray with a Mist Setting
Grab a nasal spray bottle with a mist setting for a super gentle application. This way, you avoid blasting your piercings and still get your nasal passages cleaned out properly.
Create a Bedside Piercing Care Station
Next to your bed, set up a small station which has piercing care essentials like saline spray, soft cleanser, non-itchy tissues, and a trash can. This is great for all your nasal and piercing care during a flu attack. You can easily maintain this routine and keep going whenever you are under the weather.
When the seasons shift, and you catch a nasty cold, having a pierced nose can make it feel even worse. Hopefully, these tips will make things a bit easier so you can focus on getting better.