So, you’ve gathered the courage up and gotten yourself a nose piercing. Facial piercings are an upward trend that many people choose to engage in. Piercings can provide a sense of identity and personal freedom. It can set people apart from others. But it’s important that you properly take care of your piercing to avoid any pain to you further down the road.

How Long Does the Healing Process Take for a Nose Piercing?

Piercings will vary from person to person, but typically, the healing process will take anywhere from three to six months. During this time, there are a few things that you can do to best help take care of your nose:

• Choose your metal wisely. When first getting your nose pierced, be careful about which metal you choose. Different metals will cause certain reactions. It’s best to stay with a minimum of 14k gold or titanium, as these are higher grade. Avoid anything cut with nickel as many people have reactions to nickel. The type of piercing you choose is important, as well. Nose piercings can be a stud or a nose ring, but a stud is best to use first. Once your nose has healed, it’s safe to switch to a nose ring.

• Don’t touch it! In general, we should avoid touching our faces. This can be difficult to do, but it is especially important during your piercing healing time. As the pierced area is already sensitive and reacting to new materials in the environment (i.e., your piercing) it’s best to leave it alone to allow your body to heal itself.

• Make saline your best friend. Saline solution is wonderful for piercings. It is clean and cool to help soothe your nose. Use this often during the healing process to help reduce the risk of any infection to your shiny new piercing. Use a q-tip or cotton ball to dab around the area.

What Should I Do if My Nose Ring Gets Infected? 

Even the best intentions can still lead to an infection. You’ll know it’s infected because the area around your nose ring will be red, raw, and sore. If this does happen, increase your use of saline solution to help clear everything out. Avoid wearing makeup so you do not further irritate the skin. If your infection doesn’t clear, see a doctor for some antibiotics.

Facial piercings can seem overwhelming but are very manageable with the right knowledge and dedication.