[dre1972]

I've had my nose pierced for about a week now and for about a day it's been hurting really bad. I'm just using H2Ocean to clean it. Is there anything else I should be doing to take care of it? Is it safe to use anti-bacterial soap on it? I really don't want to take it out.

[HorrorQueen]

I wouldn't use soap on it if I were you; piercings can react badly to the chemicals in soap and become infected. I'd stick to using warm salt water, or if you want to try something antibacterial, diluted tea tree oil can be applied to it after cleaning.

Don't worry, you don't have to take it out. It doesn't sound like it is infected, which is when you would have to take it out, it is just healing and it is normal to experience some pain and/or discomfort during the healing process. You can try taking an anti-inflammatory tablet, such as ibuprofen, as this will help reduce any swelling and also act as a painkiller so will also ease any pain and discomfort you are feeling.

After a week or so, if the pain is very bad or the piercing very swollen, go back to the piercing shop and just ask them to take a look at it for you. I'm sure they won't mind, and they will be able to put your mind at rest and (hopefully) let you know it isn't infected.

Good luck

[ramona_]

H2Ocean can dry your piercing out a lot. Use the method of osmosis (salt water solution) twice a day. Try not to touch your piercing with unclean fingers.