# Removal of nose piercing too soon? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 3, 2008, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removal-of-nose-piercing-too-soon/458715 "2008-08-03T17:43:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2008, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removal-of-nose-piercing-too-soon/458715/1 "2008-08-03T17:43:01Z")
So yesterday morning, I was cleaning my piercing, and the stud came out. I had a HELL of a time getting it back in. So there was SOME blood, and it heart like hell, but it seemed okay, just rather tender and sensitive. So, now it’s sore again, and rather tickley, like when I first got it done. I’m cleaning it good, and so far so good-no blood, no pus, nothing. So, if I keep doing what I’ve been doing-keep it clean, washing twice/three times a day, salt compresses at night, Dial soap, etc-will it be okay? ☹ ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2008, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removal-of-nose-piercing-too-soon/458715/2 "2008-08-03T18:00:25Z")
You should be fine. I had the same thing happen when I pierced my ear (damn) 25 years ago. ---
**Author:** ![brujaja](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4af34b/32.png) [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2008, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removal-of-nose-piercing-too-soon/458715/3 "2008-08-03T18:08:10Z")
Agreed. It’s a ring, right? I’ve never found a stud that wasn’t uncomfortable. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2008, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removal-of-nose-piercing-too-soon/458715/4 "2008-08-03T18:14:24Z")
[Nose screw](http://wiki.bmezine.com/index.php/Nose_Screw). Like I said, now it’s just really sore and tender, but it was healing up pretty nice, so I figured it wouldn’t be a big deal. _sigh_ I’m thinking when I DO eventually get some new jewelry, I’ll go with a stud, or a pin-easier to just stick in, rather than rotate. **hajaro** , same here. I had had mine done about, oh, 24 years ago, and the first time my mother went to change them, it hurt so bad I sobbed like a baby. (Hey, I was six, dammit!) And I was always touching the backs, because I was terrified they’d fall out and I’d lose one, and then my ears would close up. But I’ve heard that surface piercings-nipples, eyebrows, etc, are the ones you REALLY have to watch for. At our cousin Adam’s wedding last night, my cousin Josh assured me I shouldn’t have a problem. HE had the same thing happen when he pierced his nipples. ---
**Author:** ![hajario](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hajario/32/171_2.png) [@hajario](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hajario)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2008, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removal-of-nose-piercing-too-soon/458715/5 "2008-08-03T18:36:33Z")
[QUOTE=Guinastasia] **hajaro** , same here. I had had mine done about, oh, 24 years ago, and the first time my mother went to change them, it hurt so bad I sobbed like a baby. (Hey, I was six, dammit!) And I was always touching the backs, because I was terrified they’d fall out and I’d lose one, and then my ears would close up. [/QUOTE] I was 20. I wore an earring on and off for the next ten years or so and then pretty much not at all. It’s still not closed up. ---
**Author:** ![capybara](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/capybara/32/202_2.png) [@capybara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/capybara)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2008, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removal-of-nose-piercing-too-soon/458715/6 "2008-08-03T19:57:50Z")
Should be fine. I found the nose, however, the most damn hard one to keep happy and clean–it’s right in the middle of your face, and you never realize how much the middle of your face gets in the way of life. I had a hell of a time with it and gave up after about half a year. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2008, 10:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removal-of-nose-piercing-too-soon/458715/7 "2008-08-05T10:54:04Z")
It seems to be doing well-I’m keeping it clean-it just feels like it did when I first had it done. Pretty sore. HOWEVER, last night, I must have snagged it in my sleep, because when I woke up, there was blood all around it. When that happens, is it a big deal? (Like I said, it’s been doing quite well-no pus, no spots or anything-just some snot and the occassional [“crusty”](http://wiki.bmezine.com/index.php/Crusties). 😉 A friend from work who would set off every metal detector in the airport just by setting foot into the parking lot assured me it would be fine as long as I just keep doing what I have been-I just made it raw again, but it’ll heal. (I’m just being paranoid, as usual) ---
**Author:** ![vetbridge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b5e925/32.png) [@vetbridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vetbridge)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2008, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removal-of-nose-piercing-too-soon/458715/8 "2008-08-05T17:45:16Z")
The crusty stage is one of several distinct stages people describe while a piercing is healing. Should be fine. Eventually the tunnel that the jewelry sits in will callus, and all will be well. ---
**Author:** ![pravnik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8edcca/32.png) [@pravnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pravnik)\ **Post date:** [August 5, 2008, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removal-of-nose-piercing-too-soon/458715/9 "2008-08-05T18:13:04Z")
When you reinserted the screw you likely stretched and irritated the piercing, which can hurt as much or more than when you first got it done. Keep cleaning it like your piercer instructed you and make sure not to push any crust through the piercing while cleaning it. If you’re still worried, go show your piercer. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removal-of-nose-piercing-too-soon/458715/10 "2008-08-06T00:33:54Z")
I figured as much, **pravnik** I called the place where I had it done, and they said basically the same thing-as long as I’m just keeping up my routine, not over-cleaning, and it isn’t all pink and bumpy, and/or oozing black/green fluid, it’ll be all right. They told me I could come in if I were really worried, but that it will most likely be okay, and I shouldn’t panic. (And yeah, I’ve read about the “crusties”) I think I’ll wait about six months at LEAST before changing it. Okay, thanks people! ---
**Author:** ![River\_Hippie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/river_hippie/32/26_2.png) [@River\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/River_Hippie)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removal-of-nose-piercing-too-soon/458715/11 "2008-08-06T00:52:30Z")
[QUOTE=hajario] I was 20. I wore an earring on and off for the next ten years or so and then pretty much not at all. It’s still not closed up. [/QUOTE] That’s been my experience as well. I haven’t worn an earring for 15 years or so but could easily slip one right in. HOWEVER, When I first pierced it, I woke up one morning to find that overnight skin had grown over the little (fake) diamond stud I was wearing! I had to switch to a little ring until it healed more. ---
**Author:** ![BaneSidhe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/c5a1d2/32.png) [@BaneSidhe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BaneSidhe)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removal-of-nose-piercing-too-soon/458715/12 "2008-08-06T02:03:28Z")
I recommend a nose pin when your piercing heals up. I had a horrible amount of trouble with a nose screw and find nose pins easier to deal with. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removal-of-nose-piercing-too-soon/458715/13 "2008-08-06T02:35:30Z")
[QUOTE=BaneSidhe] I recommend a nose pin when your piercing heals up. I had a horrible amount of trouble with a nose screw and find nose pins easier to deal with. [/QUOTE] I’m going to wait a few months to try and change it-I’ve seen some [adorable nose pins](http://body-piercing.jumora.net/nose-piercing_page8/), but I really, REALLY don’t need anymore irritation. BTW, anyone know of any good jewelry sites? So far I’ve found the one linked above, [Piercingdot.com](http://piercingdot.com/), [Freshtrends](http://www.freshtrends.com/j), and [Body Candy](http://www.bodycandy.com/). Any others? ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removal-of-nose-piercing-too-soon/458715/14 "2008-08-06T14:39:48Z")
I’m still going to have my piercer look at it on Saturday, just in case. It’s most the outside that’s bothering me-the “entry point”, so to speak. The inside is sore, but mostly the hook just sometimes tickles the inside of my nostril. That and I’ll FINALLY stop obsessing. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removal-of-nose-piercing-too-soon/458715/15 "2008-08-06T19:43:31Z")
[QUOTE=pravnik] When you reinserted the screw you likely stretched and irritated the piercing, which can hurt as much or more than when you first got it done. Keep cleaning it like your piercer instructed you and make sure not to push any crust through the piercing while cleaning it. If you’re still worried, go show your piercer. [/QUOTE] I think I irritated it today, since the entrance is where it’s really sore-if it’s bleeding, it’s normal, or a little scabbed? ☹ The actual “fistula”, or tunnel, doesn’t seem all that bad-just sort of sore. But the entrance is really irritated, like I mentioned. Gah. :mad: ---
**Author:** ![pravnik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8edcca/32.png) [@pravnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pravnik)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removal-of-nose-piercing-too-soon/458715/16 "2008-08-06T20:36:19Z")
How old is the piercing, and what type of metal is the screw made out of? ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removal-of-nose-piercing-too-soon/458715/17 "2008-08-06T20:42:47Z")
Don’t know the metal-I got it down on the 15th of July. So not quite a month, I guess. Would perhaps 14K gold work better, like say, [this](http://www.bodycandy.com/cgi-bin/item/NS-14Y-BO-2)? I know when I got my ears done, they ALWAYS used gold. Like a smaller gauge one? And a pin-L shaped, rather than the hook? ---
**Author:** ![pravnik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8edcca/32.png) [@pravnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pravnik)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removal-of-nose-piercing-too-soon/458715/18 "2008-08-06T21:34:53Z")
The 15th of July is still very recent, it sounds like you just reinjured your piercing. Smaller gauge isn’t necessarily better, as too small can have a “cheese cutter” effect. When I was piercing I shied away from gold for fresh piercings; even 14k or 18k gold can have nickel in it that some people can react to, and anything more pure than that is too soft to use. For a new piercing I stuck with implant grade 316-lvm stainless steel or titanium, hard and hypoallergenic. Your piercer probably did, too; if you’re cleaning properly you’re probably either healing normally or one of those people who can’t tolerate a nostril screw for whatever reason and needs a ring while healing. Go see your piercer and get some peace of mind. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [August 6, 2008, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removal-of-nose-piercing-too-soon/458715/19 "2008-08-06T22:00:20Z")
Thanks-I will go on Saturday, but the replies here are very reassuring. It IS sore, but again, it’s mostly the outside-the inside is just the hook tickling the inside of my nose, and some snot. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2008, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removal-of-nose-piercing-too-soon/458715/20 "2008-08-07T00:09:17Z")
Goddammit, it came out AGAIN. Christ, I don’t want to have it close up and start over! (It’s rather raw on the edges-but the inside, the “exist”, all seem fine.) Gah. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/removal-of-nose-piercing-too-soon/458715.md?page=2)