Dangers of Piercing Your Nose

If you're considering the purchase of new nasal adornments, don't forget to investigate the potential dangers of piercing your nose. There are many complications that can arise, especially if improper procedures and poor aftercare accompany your new nose piercing.

The risks involved with a piercing of this nature depend on which variation you're considering. There are two basic nose piercing styles; nasal septum piercings and nostril piercings. Although a stud or a nose ring can be striking and attractive, be sure to read on and learn about the medical dangers of piercing your nose with either placement.

A nostril piercing involves a penetration of the fleshy nares on either side of your nose. Usually fitted with a stud or ring, this piercing is especially popular among women. Depending on the method of piercing and bodily response to the jewelry, a number of complications have been recorded as this style has become a very fashionable trend.

The use of a piercing gun has been associated with healing complications and irritations within the nasal cavity. This method of piercing creates a blunt force trauma to the flesh that involves forcing a shaft through the flesh, rather than a fine pointed surgical needle. Due to this style of piercing, the recipient will undergo a tremendous level of pressure on sensitive tissue, causing intense pain and also increasing the time needed to heal. There is also a risk of major tissue deformation and cross contamination since most piercing guns are reused and place the recipient in direct contact with foreign bodily fluids from previous clients. The risk of infection is higher and more likely when using a piercing gun. Additionally, a butterfly clasp jewelry is placed within the nostril that sometimes becomes embedded and wedged into the flesh creating severe irritation and infection on the inside of the nostril, while the external stud places various points of pressure and digs into the skin on the outside of the nostril creating irritation on either side.

Abscesses can also develop with a nostril piercing that result in the appearance of an inflamed pimple often the same size as (sometimes bigger than) the studded jewelry placed beside it. Most wearers find this unappealing and undesirable. This formation is the result of pus developed underneath the skin as a response to the new piercing and a resulting infection. Another complication occurs when the flesh envelops the jewelry that is on the nostril: this sometimes requires surgical removal to correct the problem. Other potential risks include jewelry aspiration; this is when the jewelry is inhaled into the lungs. This requires immediate medical attention since foreign objects in the lungs can cause infections and even lead to pneumonia.

A cartilaginous septum piercing usually penetrates the fleshy portion of the septum, avoiding the cartilage altogether. This style of piercing can create a septal hematoma (bleeding and bruising of the septum) and eventually lead to more serious complications. A septal hematoma can interfere with regular nasal breathing, as it can cause severe and painful inflammation. Over time, it can cause infection, and abscesses may also develop. If left untreated for too long, the hematoma can lead to a total collapse of the septum causing a cosmetic disfigurement known as "saddle nose".

Now that you have learned about the possible complications of nose piercings, you are better prepared to make a final decision. Although the risks involved sound grave, immediate medical attention usually ensures minimal complications and severe physical impairments from developing. Sit down with your professionally trained piercer to discuss your concerns and how to best avoid the dangers of piercing your nose.

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