Why do nose piercings close?

Like any other piercing, a nose piercing is an open wound that requires proper care and extra attention during initial healing. Many people face the anxiety of a nose piercing closing up after they just got it. If you fear this, you're probably right since it costs, takes time, does hurt a little, and your dream is fading away. 

As trendy as tiny nose piercing jewellery looks on your face, it demands a lot of care. Sometimes accidents happen, and you might accidentally lose your nose ring or feel like taking a break from wearing it, even if it's just for one night. But what happens in these situations? If you accidentally remove your nose ring while getting dressed and wonder if it's okay to leave it out for the night, will the piercing close up overnight?

Nose Piercing Closure Time

It's important to know that nose piercings can close up fast, so exploring other options before removing the ring overnight is a good idea.

Whether your piercing will close up quickly depends on how long you've had it. If it's new, it could close within minutes. If you got the piercing a few months to less than a year ago, it might close up in just a few hours or days.

Even if you've had a nose piercing for a few years, the inside of the piercing hole can still close up quickly.

Jewellery Fall Out 

If your jewellery falls out, it's crucial to replace it immediately to prevent the piercing from closing. Should your piercing be relatively new (less than 2-4 months old), the opening may close rapidly, possibly within minutes or seconds. If you've had your nose ring piercing for under a year, anticipate noticeable closure or significant reduction in size occurring within a matter of hours or days.

The inner part of your nostril has membranes that seal up fast once the jewellery is removed, even if you've had the piercing for a long time. It's crucial not to force jewellery through a closed or shrunken piercing. Instead, reach out to your local Essential Beauty salon for assistance.

Wrong Jewellery Size 

The size of the nose piercing gauge is an important factor in how quickly the piercing can close. Smaller gauge piercings with thinner jewellery close faster than larger ones. The diameter of the jewellery affects the amount of tissue around the piercing, which affects how the body reacts when the jewellery is removed. With smaller gauges, there is less tissue supporting the piercing, so it can close faster if the jewellery is taken out for a long time. This happens because the body naturally wants to heal and seal any wounds, so with a smaller piercing, tissue can quickly form over the hole again. People with smaller gauge nose piercings should be careful when removing their jewellery to avoid unintended closure.

Irritation or Infection

When the body senses a problem or sees ongoing issues with the piercing location, it tries to protect itself. One way it does this is by closing the hole. To do this, the body adds more tissue and collagen to seal the opening. This prevents harmful bacteria from getting in and helps the piercing heal better.

Tips to Prevent Closure

Maintain proper hand hygiene: Prior to touching your nose piercing, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly. Touching the piercing with dirty hands can introduce bacteria, elevating the chances of infection and potential closure of the piercing.

Choose good quality jewellery: It's important to choose high-quality nose jewellery made from materials that are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. Surgical stainless steel, titanium, and gold are usually recommended. Avoid cheap or nickel-containing jewellery that may cause sensitivity.

Use the right size jewellery: Ensure that your nose jewellery fits correctly. If it's too small, there's a higher chance of the piercing closing. If it's too big, it may cause discomfort and irritation. Consult with your piercer to determine the right size for your piercing.

Be mindful of activities: Avoid activities that can cause trauma or excessive movement to your nose piercing, such as rough sports or sleeping on the side of the piercing. Trauma can lead to irritation and potentially contribute to closure.

Avoid removing jewellery too soon: Try not to take out your nose jewellery frequently, especially during the initial healing period. If you need to remove it, do it carefully and only when necessary. Put it back in quickly to minimize the risk of closure.

Check your jewellery regularly: Periodically check that your jewellery is secure and not too loose. Make sure any threaded ends or closures are tightly in place. Loose jewellery can move more easily and may cause irritation or increase the risk of closure.