AboutBrian Skellie Expertise I can answer questions in regards to and not limited to: jewelry safety, specifically material, shape, proportion, and related issues; aseptic technique and sterilization as it applies to piercing safety; ethical issues of technique and bedside manner; the aftercare and recovery process for piercings.
*Also available for live online video consultation.
Experience Body artist and founder of Piercing Experience, http://piercing.org/ and SciCan Authorized Dealer of STATIM Sterilizers and related infection control products
Organizations ASTM, AAMI, APP
Publications The Point Journal of the Association of Professional Piercers, USA Today, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Atlanta Magazine, Creative Loafing
Education/Credentials I regularly participate and teach in many APP educational programs. I keep current certifications for OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens, First Aid, and CPR.
Awards and Honors Best Freehand Piercer, Best of Atlanta
Past/Present Clients Tens of thousands of one on one client experiences as the founder of Piercing Experience in Atlanta, GA, USA http://www.piercing.org/
*Body jewelry design and safety expert: former Member ASTM committee F04(www.astm.org)and former Member AAMI (www.aami.org)
Research advisor and educator for the APP for over a decade(www.safepiercing.org) teaching advanced studio setup, sterilization and equipment management, freehand piercing, aseptic/sterile technique and much more.
Distributor for SciCan StatIM sterilization and cleaning products. http://www.piercing.org/statim/
Question Hi :) I got my nostril pierced about 2 weeks ago now, and it seemed to be healing fine. Although the instructions vary from the ones you list on the site. I was told to treat with 'ear care antiseptic' 3 times a day and twist it about 10 times each cleaning... as well as the antibacterial soap once a day.
So, now the two weeks later its doing that 'sinking' thing I've seen written about. And as of today it's bleeding when i push it from inside because its starting to seal into the nostril.
I had a problem healing my 2nd hole in my earlobes and that was helped by switching to gold hoops. Would that be an issue here? Or, perhaps it is too tight?
Thank you in advance!
Answer It sounds like the piercing may be water logged and swollen. The tissue softens sometimes so much that you might need a longer post and or a larger end on the post. Wearing a ring may be a quick solution, solve some of the problems, but may cause an ugly scar to form from friction.
Consider switching to a longer titanium post with a slightly larger end. I can send you an appropriate piece for about $20 if you can't make it by the studio.
Often a piercing done with slightly irritating material like an alloy of gold, copper, silver and trace metals such as you mention can prevent complete healing. Switch to an implant certified piece of titanium jewelry www.piercing.org/pexy/jewelry/jewelry.html can explain more about selecting a safe piece.
Other notable cofactors the irritation could be related to:
*facial products you use; chemical or particulate irritation
*the shape and size of the jewelry; a piece out of proportion to your nostril
*mechanical friction/motion of the jewelry; moving it around too much
*sleeping on the piercing; putting pressure on the jewelry
*tap water; fluid causing ulceration of the wound bed
Stop by for a free consultation if you are in the area.
I can send you an appropriate, attractive piece of jewelry if you can not make it in.
Some people in your situation have success with a judicious application of antiseptic or antibiotic products at this point. Others try to focus on great nutrition [like a balanced diet with additional garlic, vitamin C and minerals like zinc] and apply a dry hot compress [such as a cup of your favorite hot liquid, a heat pad set to medium or a hot washcloth in a Ziploc bag for ten-fifteen minutes once an hour up to bedtime] to increase circulation and build immune response. Make sure to put something absorbent such as a gauze pad or tissue in between you and the compress to keep it from getting sweaty.
||| Brian Skellie
Piercing Experience-Atlanta
www.piercing.org
800-646-0393
