Getting your septum pierced is a big moment—stylish, bold, and full of personality. But what if you come down with a cold right after getting it done? Since colds bring sneezing, runny noses, and congestion, it’s completely normal to wonder if your new piercing might be affected.
Here’s what can happen, what’s normal, and how to care for your septum piercing while you’re sick.
Is Catching a Cold After a Septum Piercing a Problem?
Not usually!
A cold doesn’t automatically cause infection or damage. However, the symptoms can make the early healing stage more uncomfortable.
A fresh septum piercing takes:
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6–8 weeks to start healing
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Up to 6 months for full healing
During this time, the tissue is still sensitive, so cold symptoms can cause temporary irritation.
What Might Happen If You Catch a Cold?
1. Sneezing Can Cause Quick, Sharp Pain
Sneezing may:
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Sting for a second
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Create pressure inside the nose
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Make the piercing feel sore afterward
This is normal and usually nothing to worry about.
2. Runny Noses Make Aftercare Messier
Expect:
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More mucus
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More wiping
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More touching of the area
This can irritate the tissue if you’re not careful.
3. Increased Tenderness or Swelling
Both your cold and the piercing involve inflammation. Together, they may lead to:
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Slight swelling
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Sensitivity when moving your nose
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Mild pressure around the jewelry
These symptoms usually settle as your cold improves.
4. Higher Chance of Introducing Bacteria
Cold = more hand-to-face contact.
More contact = higher chance of transferring bacteria.
This doesn’t cause infection on its own, but it increases the risk if the piercing isn’t kept clean.
Watch for signs of infection:
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Heat or severe redness
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Persistent throbbing
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Yellow/green discharge
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Strong odor
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Fever unrelated to your cold
If you notice these, seek professional help.
How to Care for Your Septum Piercing While You’re Sick
✔ Do Saline Rinses Daily
Rinse 1–2 times a day, especially after sneezing or blowing your nose.
Use sterile saline or a simple mixture:
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1/4 teaspoon sea salt
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1 cup warm distilled water
Pat dry with clean gauze or tissue.
✔ Blow Your Nose Gently
Try:
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Blowing lightly
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One nostril at a time
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Avoiding strong pressure
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Keeping tissues away from snagging the jewelry
Never tug or twist the jewelry during symptom flare-ups.
✔ Keep Your Hands Clean
Since you touch your nose more while sick, clean hands help reduce bacteria around the piercing.
✔ Choose Soft, Unscented Tissues
Rough or scented tissues can irritate the skin around your nose and piercing.
✔ Flip Your Jewelry Up (If Possible)
If you have a horseshoe or circular barbell and your piercer approved flipping it:
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Tuck the jewelry up inside the nose
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This reduces irritation from tissue use
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Makes nose blowing easier
Do not force or flip jewelry if it hurts or feels stuck.
When to Contact a Piercer or Doctor
Seek help if you experience:
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Sharp pain that doesn’t go away
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Redness that spreads
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Thick yellow/green discharge
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Jewelry sinking into the tissue
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Symptoms that worsen instead of improve
These signs often indicate infection or piercing trauma, not just cold irritation.
Catching a cold after getting your septum pierced is annoying but usually not serious. Expect a little extra discomfort—some stinging, pressure, and irritation. With careful hygiene and gentle aftercare, your piercing should continue healing normally.
If you’re ever unsure, check with your professional piercer for personalized guidance.
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