If you've noticed an unpleasant odor coming from your septum piercing, you're not alone. This is actually a common experience, and understanding why it happens can help you address it effectively.
Why Does My Septum Piercing Smell?
The odor from a septum piercing comes from a buildup of sebum (natural skin oils), dead skin cells, bacteria, and lymph fluid that accumulates around the jewelry. This mixture is often called "piercing funk" or "septum funk" in the piercing community.
The Science Behind the Smell
Your body constantly produces sebum and sheds dead skin cells. When you have jewelry in your piercing, these substances can collect in the small space between the jewelry and your skin. Bacteria then break down this organic matter, creating an unpleasant odor.
Why Does My Septum Piercing Smell When I Move It?
When you move your septum jewelry, you're disturbing the accumulated buildup that has collected around the piercing site. This releases the odor that was trapped there. Movement can also bring the buildup closer to your nose, making the smell more noticeable.
- What happens when you move the jewelry:
- Sebum and dead skin cells are dislodged
- The buildup is exposed to air
- Bacteria on the jewelry surface are disturbed
- Accumulated discharge is released
Why Does My Septum Piercing Smell Like Fish or Cheese?
The specific smell (whether fishy, cheesy, or otherwise unpleasant) depends on the types of bacteria present and what they're breaking down.
Common odor descriptions and their causes:
Cheesy smell: This is the most common description and comes from bacteria breaking down sebum and dead skin cells. The odor is similar to body odor because the same types of bacteria are involved.
Fishy smell: This can indicate a higher concentration of certain bacteria or may suggest that the piercing needs more thorough cleaning. In rare cases, a strong fishy odor combined with other symptoms (discharge, pain, redness) could indicate an infection.
Why Does My Healed Septum Piercing Still Smell?
Even fully healed septum piercings can develop odor. Here's why:
Healing doesn't stop buildup: Once your piercing is healed, your body still produces sebum and sheds skin cells. The piercing channel provides a perfect environment for this material to accumulate.
It's normal and ongoing: A healed piercing will continue to accumulate this buildup throughout the life of the piercing if not regularly cleaned.
Jewelry material matters: Some materials are more porous and can harbor more bacteria, leading to stronger odors over time.
How to Prevent and Eliminate Septum Piercing Odor
Daily Maintenance for New Piercings
- Clean twice daily with sterile saline solution
- Don't over-clean as this can irritate the piercing
- Avoid touching the piercing with dirty hands
- Let shower water run over the piercing to rinse away debris
Maintenance for Healed Piercings
- Remove and clean jewelry weekly (if fully healed)
- Wash the jewelry with antibacterial soap and warm water
- Clean the piercing hole gently with a cotton swab and saline solution
- Rotate jewelry occasionally during showers to prevent buildup
Deep Cleaning Method
For stubborn odor in healed piercings:
- Remove the jewelry completely
- Soak jewelry in rubbing alcohol or jewelry cleaner for 10-15 minutes
- Use a soft brush to clean all crevices of the jewelry
- Rinse jewelry thoroughly
- Clean the piercing channel with saline solution
- Reinsert clean jewelry
Best Jewelry Materials to Reduce Odor
Certain materials are less likely to harbor bacteria and accumulate buildup:
Recommended materials:
- Titanium: Hypoallergenic, non-porous, easy to clean
- Surgical steel: Smooth surface, resistant to bacteria
- Gold (14k or higher): Naturally antimicrobial properties
- Niobium: Similar benefits to titanium
Avoid:
- Acrylic or plastic (very porous)
- Low-quality metals that can corrode
- Plated jewelry that can flake or chip
When to See a Professional
While odor alone is usually normal, see a piercer or doctor if you experience:
- Strong, sudden increase in odor
- Green, yellow, or bloody discharge
- Persistent pain or swelling
- Heat or redness around the piercing
- Fever or feeling unwell
- The odor doesn't improve with proper cleaning
Shop all Septum Piercing Jewelry
Quick Tips Summary
✓ Clean your piercing regularly with saline solution
✓ Remove and clean jewelry weekly once healed
✓ Choose high-quality, non-porous jewelry materials
✓ Maintain good overall hygiene
✓ Don't over-touch or over-clean your piercing
✓ Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet
The Bottom Line
A slight odor from your septum piercing is completely normal and doesn't mean something is wrong. It's simply the result of your body's natural processes. With proper cleaning and maintenance, you can minimize or eliminate this odor entirely.
Remember that consistency is key. Regular cleaning and proper jewelry care will keep your septum piercing fresh, healthy, and odor-free.