Nose Piercings and Proper Care
Three Common Nasal Piercings, Jewelry Styles and Healing Times
May 25, 2009
It is estimated that the first written record of a nose piercing was nearly four thousand years ago. In Genesis 24:22 of the Bible; it is said that the wife found for Abraham’s son, Isaac, was given a gift of a ‘shanf.’ The ‘shanf’ is a Hebrew word that translates to ‘nose ring.’
Since then, nose rings have become a prominent form of body modification for different cultures in many countries around the Middle East, India and parts of Africa and now Europe and the United States.
Nostril Piercings
The most common of all the nose piercings is the nostril piercing. This particular piercing goes through the cartilage of the left or right nostril and exits outside of the nose. Nostril piercings have a variety of jewelry including rings, captive beads, curved barbells and studs.
Nostril piercings have become increasingly popular with younger generations. Large numbers of younger people have allowed for the nostril piercing to become the most socially acceptable of all facial piercings. However, this style of nose piercing is more popular among young women rather than men.
Nasal Septum Piercings
The nasal septum piercing has also been referred to as a bull ring. This particular nose piercing is mostly popular with younger generations of men, all though many women are also becoming interested in nasal septum piercings.
This piercing actually passes through the cartilage that divides the two nostrils in the middle of the nose. Some piercings will only pierce the skin blow the cartilage, whereas others will actually pierce through the cartilage. These piercings can use curved or circular barbell piercings, rings, or captive bead rings.
Bridge Piercings
The least popular of nose piercings is the bridge piercing. The bridge piercing actually passes through the skin on the bridge of the nose, just below the eyes. However, the piercing never actually passes through any bone or cartilage. These piercings are known to have a higher rate of rejection than other piercings and therefore are still fairly uncommon.
Generally, those who have a bridge piercing on their nose use curved or barbell jewelry. Barbell jewelry can either be straight or curved.
Caring for a Nose Piercing
Nose piercings generally heal between eight and twelve weeks, depending the person. Proper cleaning and care is essential to keep the piercing from rejecting. It is also important to take proper care of the piercing to reduce and minimize scarring.
A nose piercing should never be removed or replaced prior to being fully healed because serious infections and scarring can occur.
Nose piercings can be extremely attractive if pierced and cared for properly. Their growing popularity has allowed them to become more socially acceptable among a variety of generations. While some may never approve of facial piercings, it is up to the wearer to decide for themselves rather than to go with the flow of what is socially accepted by society.
