Q: Hello! I recently got my right nostril pierced about 3 weeks ago and I know crust and discharge is pretty normal. How or what can I do to clean it up, so it won’t be so noticeable? -Priscilla F

A: You are absolutely correct in that crust and discharge is normal for a healing piercing. The current gold standard for piercing aftercare is to use a sterile saline solution, sometimes called sterile saline wound wash. It comes in a spray can and while it doesn’t matter what brand you use (Neilmed is always good, but store brand is okay too) the important thing is that your spray contains absolutely nothing other than sterile saline. You’ll want to spray your piercing liberally, twice a day, both the outside and inside of your nose. Then you’ll want to rinse with tap water (do not inhale the tap water!) and dry your piercing using either a hair dryer or a clean paper towel. And make sure you wash your hands well before you clean it! Best of luck!

Q: I love the store but can rarely find anything for myself that I don’t already have. Is it possible to get a better selection of 22 gauge nose rings. There is so many beautiful pieces bit move that I can wear. Thank you! -Barb

A: Sadly, we do not carry a wide range of 22 gauge nostril jewelry but please do not think that this is because we do not cater to our customers’ needs. Quite the opposite! Nose jewelry that is of a smaller gauge than 20 gauge can create something known colloquially as the “cheese cutter effect”. You know those cheese slicers that use just a single strand of thin wire to slice through cheese? (more on that topic - click here) Ultra-small gauge jewelry can act like that piece of wire, and slowly cut through vulnerable tissue due to friction. Over time, this can result in the jewelry sawing its way through your piercing and resulting in an un-lovely slit effect. We love you and while we would never dream of telling you what to wear, we might also suggest that you check out our massive range of 20 gauge jewelry. Did you know that the difference between a 20 gauge nose ring and a 22 gauge nose ring is a mere 0.2 millimeters? Not only so you can rock our awesome jewelry more but also to keep your piercing (and nose) healthy and safe. Thank you for your continued loyalty!

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Disclaimer: Body Candy is only here to give you fun and helpful advice and information when it comes to getting pierced. Always consult a professional piercer to make sure a new piercing is right for you!