The Daily Cleaning Routine

1
Wash hands first
Before any contact. Unscented soap, dry completely.
2
Spray with sterile saline
0.9% sodium chloride, no additives. Spray the saline up into the nostril to reach the piercing on both sides. The septum sits in the “sweet spot” of soft tissue just inside the nostrils — the saline needs to reach both entry points.
3
Gentle blow and rinse
A very gentle nose blow after the saline helps clear softened crust from around the jewelry. Blow gently — forceful nose-blowing creates pressure on the healing tissue.
4
Twice daily only
Morning and evening. The septum’s enclosed location means over-cleaning removes moisture the tissue needs.
Septum piercing with double nostril — The Piercing Boutique Homer Glen Illinois
A healed septum — the soft tissue “sweet spot” of the septum heals faster than cartilage when placed correctly.
Never Use

Hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, Bactine, Neosporin, or tea tree oil. Sterile saline only.

Septum-Specific Considerations

  • Nose blowing. Unavoidable — blow gently with soft tissues. Forceful blowing during healing can cause irritation bumps.
  • Flipping the jewelry up. The ability to flip a horseshoe or retainer up into the nostrils to hide the piercing is one of the septum’s major appeals. During healing, minimise flipping — every movement disrupts the forming fistula. Wait until healing is well-established before flipping regularly.
  • Colds and allergy season. Increased nasal mucus creates more cleaning demand on the septum. Maintain aftercare carefully and expect slightly slower healing during these periods.
  • Skincare and makeup. Products entering the nostrils can contact the septum jewelry. Be aware during your skincare routine and rinse with saline if product contact occurs.

How Long Does It Take?

Septum piercings placed correctly through the soft tissue “sweet spot” typically take 3–6 months to fully heal — faster than most cartilage piercings because the sweet spot is soft tissue, not cartilage. A septum placed through cartilage heals much more slowly and is generally a placement error.

Quick Reference Card

Septum Piercing Aftercare

The Piercing Boutique • Homer Glen, IL • 708-787-4445
Daily (Twice a Day)
Wash hands — unscented soap, dry completely
Spray sterile saline up into both nostrils to reach piercing
Blow nose very gently to clear softened crust
Rules
Minimise flipping jewelry during first 2–3 months
No rotating or touching jewelry
Blow nose gently with soft tissues only
3–6 months full heal (soft tissue sweet spot)

Aftercare Questions

We recommend minimising flipping during the first 2–3 months. Every flip rotates the jewelry inside the healing fistula. Once initial healing is well-established — typically after 2 months — occasional flipping is less disruptive. After 3–4 months of smooth healing, regular flipping is reasonable.
The septum’s enclosed location and proximity to nasal mucus means it produces more visible crust than external piercings. As long as it’s white or slightly yellowish with no odor, it’s normal. Your twice-daily routine manages it.