With more and more celebrities getting their noses pierced, the mere question that looms between whether or not you should get a nose piercing, is to choose which side. If you’re compelled to get a nose piercing but are wondering where exactly to get it pierced, read the following article for some insightful information…
Did you know that nose piercings originated in the Middle East where its first known documentation was made around 4,000 years ago? Even The Old Testament of the Bible mentions this form of body art. And since the Mughal rule, it has been associated with the Hindu culture too.
Piercings are quite common around the world, and the West is not that far behind. Of course, with trends changing every few hours, some things often come back in fashion. The same can be said about nose piercings. This type of body modification doesn’t appear to be a major change, but it does alter the way we appear around others. The piercing doesn’t require any coverage and can be flaunted by both men and women. Depending on what you’re looking for, in terms of changing your outlook and how you wish to be perceived by people, this piercing is perfect for you. And if you’re wondering how to go about it, then we’ve got the answers right here.
Where to Pierce
Left Side Piercing
Often times, the left side of the nose is the most preferred side for piercing. According to Ayurveda, the left side of the women’s nose corresponds with their reproductive organs. When the nose is pierced, it helps in reducing the pain during childbirth and may have some positive effects on conditions like endometriosis.
Right Side Piercing
Some say, if you are a guy, you need to pierce your left nostril and girls pierce their right nostril. However, it is thought if the guy wears it in the right nostril he is a gay and girls wearing it on the left are lesbians according to western culture. But, do not take this too seriously, wear it where you want left or right. It is your priority and comfort that matters.
Septum Piercing
Apart from the traditional left or right side, the other area you can opt for is the septum. The septum is the area at the bottom of the nose that is hidden and can only be seen from the underside. The jewelry that can be used for this area are straight barbells that are about 14 gauge, circular barbells that are also of 14 gauge with a 3/8 inch diameter or 14 gauge septum retainers.
Nose Bridge Piercing
Piercing on the bridge of the nose is another wild and a rebellious way to express themselves, for the MTV crowd. Bridge is the area where the nose meets the forehead. While piercing the bridge, the nose ring passes through the skin only, not the cartilage. For bejeweling the bridge, one should opt for straight barbells that are 16 or 14 gauge in thickness.
Piercing the Nose
Normally, the side of the nose is made up of cartilage enclosed by skin is the most favored area. One can go in for nose studs that are plain, jeweled, circular, spiked, flat. You can even use rings of 18 or 16 gauge for bejeweling your nose. It depends on personal choice and preference. Many say left side of the nose, according to the Hindu tradition. Young Hindu girls are known to pierce their nose before their wedding and wear a nose stud. Some Indian brides wear nose rings and attach a fancy chain to the nose ring joining the left earning as a part of bridal jewelry. This piercing before the wedding is not just a tradition or a part of the bridal make-up. It has its basis in Ayurvedic medicine. Whatever may be the truth, many people believe in this Ayurvedic explanation and go in for left side of the nose for piercing.
It is seen that the North Indians prefer piercing the left side of the nose where as the people in the South, prefer right side. There are some cultures, wherein, women are seen with piercing on both sides of the nose. If there are no cultural obligations or regional preferences binding you, just choose any side your heart feels the best. Teenagers or professionals who cannot wear nose rings or studs to their respective study or work places in order to maintain the decorum of the institution, can opt for nose piercing retainers. They contain no metallic parts and are almost invisible. These retainers can even escape X-ray detection and are perfect for hospital visits.
Piercing of the nose is the second most popular form of body piercing after ear-piercing. Both these form of piercings have been a part of the culture and tradition in India, Africa and the South Pacific. Ear piercing in Europe and the US have been common, especially among women as ear studs and earrings are common and popular jewelry pieces. Since the early 1980s, it has caught the fancy of the western youth like fire.
Possibilities of Infection
It is very easy to develop an infection, as the inner nose is the heaven for bacteria and other infection causing germs. These opportunistic pathogens can easily enter the freshly pierced skin and cause an infection. If you find some redness, tenderness and swelling after one or two days, do not panic. This is completely normal. When this redness, tenderness, swelling and pain increases with or without yellow or green discharge or pus oozing out of the pierced nose tissue, rush to a doctor immediately for treating the infection.
When going in for a piercing, never opt for piercing with a gun. Guns are not meant for noses and the blunt jewelry is very tight for aftercare. Another reason is that not many nose piercers are trained well enough for proper maintenance and cleaning of the gun. The gun may have traces of blood left on it and can easily transmit many dreadful blood diseases like Hepatitis C or even HIV. Always opt for sharp, new, sterile needle that is meant for body piercing. Always allow your nose to be handled by a trained professional.
Aftercare Instructions
Never wear sterling silver in your freshly pierced nose, as the metal will leave a permanent stain on your skin. A black mark develops around the piercing that will never be erased. Always opt for stainless steel, niobium, titanium, or 14k gold. It takes around three months to heal fully. Therefore, avoid fidgeting with your nose and changing your jewelry. When jewelry is changed too soon, it causes a re-tear, lengthening the healing process and forming an infection.
Rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on your tissue will increase the irritation and burning sensation. It may even slow down the healing process and cause a scar. You can apply powdered aspirin to provide relief from the nose piercing infection. Do not use swimming pools, hot tubs or go swimming in the ocean, as there are chances of bacterial infection and pollutant contaminant infection. Always maintain proper hygiene to reduce chances of bacterial infection.
In the end, after all that’s said and done, the final call rests in your hands. Be sure to visit an experienced piercer who uses hygienic tools.