A septum piercing heals faster than most cartilage — but only if you give it a clean, consistent routine. The good news: septum aftercare is simple, and a few minutes twice a day is all it takes. Here's the exact step-by-step. For the full overview of the piercing itself, see our complete septum piercing guide.
Your Daily Septum Cleaning Routine
Do this twice a day — morning and evening — for the full healing period (2–3 months):
- Wash your hands thoroughly before touching anywhere near the piercing.
- Apply sterile saline. Spray a piercing aftercare saline onto the front and underside of the septum, or hold a saline-soaked cotton pad against it for a minute to soften any crust.
- Gently wipe away crusties. Once softened, gently remove buildup with clean gauze or a cotton swab. Never force dried crust off dry.
- Rinse and pat dry. If you used cotton, finish with a quick clean-water rinse in the shower, then pat dry gently with a clean paper towel or gauze.
- Leave the jewelry alone. Don't flip, spin, or slide it while healing — movement is irritation.
What to Avoid While Healing
- Don't flip the jewelry up and down repeatedly in the early weeks — it's tempting to hide it, but the movement irritates a fresh piercing.
- Skip harsh products: no alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or tea tree oil directly on it — they're too aggressive and slow healing.
- No pools, lakes, or hot tubs until healed — see our guide on swimming with a healing piercing.
- Be careful blowing your nose — do it gently, and clean afterward.
Dealing With "Septum Funk"
Many people notice a distinctive smell from a healing (or even healed) septum — affectionately called "septum funk." It's a normal buildup of sebum (skin oil) and bacteria in a warm, enclosed spot — not a sign of infection. Regular twice-daily saline cleaning keeps it in check. Once healed, occasionally cleaning the jewelry itself helps too.
What's Normal vs. a Warning Sign
Normal: tenderness early on, mild swelling, clear or whitish crusties, the occasional funky smell, watering eyes when bumped.
See a piercer or doctor if: swelling worsens after the first week, there's thick green/yellow pus, spreading redness, significant heat, or throbbing pain. Don't remove the jewelry yourself if you suspect infection — that can trap it inside. Always use implant-grade G23 titanium jewelry to minimize reaction risk in the first place.
When Can You Change Septum Jewelry?
Most septums are ready for a first jewelry change around the 2–3 month mark — but confirm with your piercer first. Once healed, the septum is one of the most fun piercings to style, from minimalist clickers to bold statement rings. Browse septum jewelry for your next look.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you clean a septum piercing?
Clean a septum piercing twice a day: wash your hands, apply sterile saline to the front and underside, gently soften and wipe away any crusties with clean gauze, rinse, and pat dry. Don't flip or spin the jewelry while healing, and avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and tea tree oil, which are too harsh.
How long does septum aftercare take?
Follow your aftercare routine for the full healing period, which for a septum is typically 2–3 months — faster than ear cartilage because it passes through soft tissue. Keep cleaning twice daily until your piercer confirms it's healed, even after it looks and feels settled.
Why does my septum piercing smell?
A septum piercing often develops a distinctive smell — "septum funk" — from a normal buildup of skin oil and bacteria in a warm, enclosed area. It is not a sign of infection. Regular twice-daily saline cleaning, and occasionally cleaning the jewelry once healed, keeps it under control.
Can I flip my septum piercing up while it heals?
It's best not to flip a fresh septum piercing up and down repeatedly while it heals, because the movement irritates the new channel. If you need to hide it occasionally that's okay, but minimize flipping in the early weeks — or use a clear retainer instead once your piercer approves a change.
