Do Nose Piercings Leave Scars?
Why do nose piercings leave scars in some people, and not in others? It may have a lot to do with how they maintain their piercing, and how their skin reacts to the nose jewelry....
Rohini Mohan
Nose piercings have become increasingly popular among young women as well as men. It has its own aesthetic appeal. They are now among the most common types of body piercings found on people, after the ear piercings. This type of piercing usually does not cause scarring after the piercing heals complete. The healing takes about 15 days, after which a new and smaller piercing replaces the thicker one. The reason why slightly thicker studs are used is, because they help the gap in the piercing increase. Once the skin has become used to the foreign object, newer and sleeker nose studs or rings can be worn. The only evidence of ever having worn a nose piercing, can be seen from the spot or the entry point of the stud on the nose. However there are cases wherein people with sensitive skin have had issues and skin troubles after the wore a nose jewelry. Let us find out whether nose piercings leave scars and, if so, why?
What Causes Nose Piercing Scars
#1 - Allergic Reaction
It may so happen that you are allergic to the metal of the piercing used after the first gunshot or needle pierce. You may not realize, it's the stud causing the allergy and infection. An allergic reaction caused by the stud can cause the area on your skin to turn darker, thereby leaving a scar. The scar may also be caused by itching, skin flaking or oozing which the allergy induced. If you have had past experiences of allergies with artificial jewelry, you must specifically mention the type of metal which suits you. Silver, gold and platinum metals can be worn by most people without any side effects. Go in for a piercing that is made up of any of these metals. If jewelry has always caused you skin troubles, it would be best to avoid getting a piercing.
#2 - Nose Piercing Pimple
A rather painful and persistent eruption which looks like a pimple, but is in actuality much thicker. This pimple is known as granulomas, and they contain dead skin tissues. What is causing this growth is the build up of scar tissues next to the piercing. This is a type of infection which appears right next to the piercing and makes it difficult to rotate the stud. Rotating the stud helps the piercing from getting blocked or stuck to the skin along with fluids. Since piercings are skin wounds, the skin tries to heal the area, which caused fluids to leak during the first few days. The pimple usually forms because the area around the piercing is breeding infection. This pimple may not contain any fluids or pus, and nor will it cause any pain. In which case these pimples are keloid scars which go away on their own once they dry up. If the scar does not leave, you will need to get it surgically removed. This surgery is very minor, and does not take more than 15 minutes. The doctor will simply scrape it off, in order to remove it. However, in both cases, once the pimple disappears or is removed, it will leave a scar.
#3 - Skin Infection
If you do not keep your new piercing sterilized, it will eventually lead to an infection. This infection will cause a bump containing pus and fluids to appear. In case a pimple does not erupt, the infection will make the pierced side of the nose pain. A scar can appear as a result of the leaky fluids and the infection, which prolong the healing of the piercing.
#4 - Constant Fiddling
Scars are bound to form when you keep touching your piercing and playing with it. Many people find the feeling too strange and cannot handle it. The nose being extremely sensitive, makes some people's nose itch and burn. Too much of scratching and fiddling can delay the healing process and leave scars. Fingernails can also cause more injury on the skin, and leave marks.
#5 - Injury
Do not be shocked if you find your hair, threads from clothes and sweaters getting stuck to your nose piercing. What you must be careful about is that you do not allow the nose piercing to get pulled really hard. This will cause a lot of pain and probable tearing of the skin around the piercing. So be extra careful about the towels you use and how you wipe your face and wear your top on.
Nose Piercing Care
What Causes Nose Piercing Scars
#1 - Allergic Reaction
It may so happen that you are allergic to the metal of the piercing used after the first gunshot or needle pierce. You may not realize, it's the stud causing the allergy and infection. An allergic reaction caused by the stud can cause the area on your skin to turn darker, thereby leaving a scar. The scar may also be caused by itching, skin flaking or oozing which the allergy induced. If you have had past experiences of allergies with artificial jewelry, you must specifically mention the type of metal which suits you. Silver, gold and platinum metals can be worn by most people without any side effects. Go in for a piercing that is made up of any of these metals. If jewelry has always caused you skin troubles, it would be best to avoid getting a piercing.
#2 - Nose Piercing Pimple
A rather painful and persistent eruption which looks like a pimple, but is in actuality much thicker. This pimple is known as granulomas, and they contain dead skin tissues. What is causing this growth is the build up of scar tissues next to the piercing. This is a type of infection which appears right next to the piercing and makes it difficult to rotate the stud. Rotating the stud helps the piercing from getting blocked or stuck to the skin along with fluids. Since piercings are skin wounds, the skin tries to heal the area, which caused fluids to leak during the first few days. The pimple usually forms because the area around the piercing is breeding infection. This pimple may not contain any fluids or pus, and nor will it cause any pain. In which case these pimples are keloid scars which go away on their own once they dry up. If the scar does not leave, you will need to get it surgically removed. This surgery is very minor, and does not take more than 15 minutes. The doctor will simply scrape it off, in order to remove it. However, in both cases, once the pimple disappears or is removed, it will leave a scar.
#3 - Skin Infection
If you do not keep your new piercing sterilized, it will eventually lead to an infection. This infection will cause a bump containing pus and fluids to appear. In case a pimple does not erupt, the infection will make the pierced side of the nose pain. A scar can appear as a result of the leaky fluids and the infection, which prolong the healing of the piercing.
#4 - Constant Fiddling
Scars are bound to form when you keep touching your piercing and playing with it. Many people find the feeling too strange and cannot handle it. The nose being extremely sensitive, makes some people's nose itch and burn. Too much of scratching and fiddling can delay the healing process and leave scars. Fingernails can also cause more injury on the skin, and leave marks.
#5 - Injury
Do not be shocked if you find your hair, threads from clothes and sweaters getting stuck to your nose piercing. What you must be careful about is that you do not allow the nose piercing to get pulled really hard. This will cause a lot of pain and probable tearing of the skin around the piercing. So be extra careful about the towels you use and how you wipe your face and wear your top on.
Nose Piercing Care
- You will need to keep your piercing clean. You can do so by using a non-creamy antiseptic cleanser. Simply pour some of the liquid in the insides and the outer parts of the piercing. Do not use cotton balls as its fibers may get stuck in the piercing.
- If you are scared of using antiseptic liquids you may clean the area with sea salt water every night before you go to bed. Sea salt is a disinfectant so it will keep infection and fluids from showing up.
- While you're cleaning your piercing, try to gently rotate the stud or ring. This will help open up the piecing and clean the area as well.
- Use vitamin E drops on the piercing after you have cleaned the area. This will speed up the healing and keep infections at bay.
- Do not use oil on your piercing as it will accumulate dust and germs, which will coagulate and collect on the skin. These may enter the skin and combine with the scar tissue.
- Use hydrocortisone creams for treating granulomas, or nose piercing pimples, as these work the fastest. These creams also help prevent scarring to an extent.
