Nose Piercing Information

About Nose Piercing
While nose piercings seem to be fashion trend spreading like wildfire, it is also frequently straddled with controversy. While more and more celebrities are embracing the trend, it is yet to gain mass acceptance. Only about a month ago, a 12 year old girl in Utah was suspended from school for getting her nose pierced in an attempt to connect with her Indian roots. However, while it may seem like a extreme move in west, it is commonplace and part of tradition in the east. Whatever your views on the subject, few can deny that a shiny stud or ring adorning the nostril does look pretty. Here is some nose piercing information.

Types of Piercing
There are three types of nose piercings you can get done: nostril piercing, nasal septum piercing and bridge piercings. The most common of the three, nostril piercing, may be done on the left or right, though left is more common. More women than men sport these piercings, and the nose piercing jewelry commonly used are different kinds of studs (with L-bar closure, with flat backing) and rings. Also called the bull ring (get a mental picture?), a nasal septum piercing involves piercing the cartilage wall that divides the nostrils. One can wear captive bead rings, circular barbells, or a ''tusk" shaped piece of jewelry, among the many options. Possibly the least common type of nose piercing is bridge piercing, where the flap of skin at the top of the nose and between the eyes is pierced. Most people sporting this kind of nose piercing wear curved or straight barbells, while a few wear rings.

Method and Pain
The pain of nose piercing varies from one individual to another, and is usually described as a short, sharp pain. However, know that the nose has many nerves running through it, which can contribute to the pain. The best way to get a nose piercing is with a sterile needle, while one is advised against using a ear piercing gun which can lead to infection. The needle achieves the best results, getting you the exact placement you want, and a small neat hole. It is also likely to be less painful. Whatever jewelry you get put in, make sure that it is made of hypo-allergenic material and is preferably a ring.

Aftercare
While a nose piercing may heal in 10 to 15 days, one is advised not to remove or replace the jewelry used for 6 to 8 weeks. The care instructions include: while the piercing is healing, one must clean the spot once or twice daily. Remove any crusting that forms on the ring by using a swab of clean cotton dipped in saline solution. However, do not rub or wipe the spot with force, but just hold the cotton against it till any crusting dissolves and wipes away with ease. Then pat it dry using a clean tissue, as a towel increase your chances of infection. During the healing time, do not keep touching the spot, or picking or pulling at the scab, as this can cause it to get infected or result in an unsightly scar. Instead, dab on a little Lavender oil everyday to promote healing. However, be careful not to use strong substances such as alcohol, Tea Tree Oil, methylated spirits, or betadine on this tender area as it can lead to lumps or scarring.

This nose piercing information should leave you adequately informed and in a position to decide if you want to get your nose pierced. However, if you are underage, you may need to take a parent along, and check your school regulations about body piercing.