As you may know, your nasal septum is the cartilage wall between your nostrils. There is, though, a considerable amount of skin in the front of your septum before the cartilage begins. With a few rare exceptions this is what is pierced, because cartilage piercings are much more painful and take much more time to heal. Additionally, septum piercings tend to have a low (large) gauge, and a nasal obstruction too far back in your nostrils can cause an impediment to your breathing. The septum is not usually stretched to hold a lower gauge because of the extreme pain and difficulty experienced by most who try to do so. This is not an area that accommodates itself to extreme modification.

Perhaps the most popular jewelry for the nasal septum is a curved barbell or some variation thereof, including �tusks� and �spikes� as well as the more traditional horseshoe-shaped bars. Rings (especially captive bead rings) are sometimes used, but the increased likelihood for irritation and the aesthetics particular to septum piercing tend to make their use in this area slightly less popular than the alternatives. Because septum piercings may be less socially acceptable than many other varieties you may be interested to know that a wide assortment of retainers is also available for work or family occasions. Be sure to use a retainer when removing any piercing still in the process of healing, as this will keep your piercing from healing over. This process can take as little as an hour or as much as a week, so you shouldn�t take the chance with your investment.

As with most piercings, your septum piercing may be cleaned with a mild (unscented) antibiotic soap and a solution of sea salt or saline. This is best done after a shower, to lessen the chance of infection from your hands or other body parts and because the moisture from the hot water will help to loosen crusted material around the wound. Dab a sterile cotton ball with soap and water and gently clean the area around the piercing, taking care to rotate it or move it back and forth very slightly to clear any debris and crust. Rinse thoroughly to remove all the soap and then dab once again with your salt solution. If you notice a red ring surrounding your piercing in the days after using your solution, be sure to use a lower concentration or a store bought solution in the future. Be sure to dab your piercing with a tissue and not a towel, as towels are a plentiful source of bacteria just waiting to get into your wound.

Repeat this process twice a day for the first week the piercing heals, and once a day thereafter until it no longer seems necessary. This may take one month or more! Be sure not to neglect this process, as the first weeks of healing are especially important in preventing infection. An infection of the septum can be exceedingly painful, and it is something you will want to avoid at any cost.