Have you noticed an unpleasant smell coming from your piercing? Don't worry! A smelly piercing is much more common than you might think. Whether it's an ear piercing, nose piercing, navel piercing or even a septum piercing, almost any healed piercing can develop an odor over time.
The good news is that it's usually completely harmless and easy to fix. In this blog, we'll explain what causes piercing odor, how to get rid of it, and how to keep your piercing smelling fresh.
Why does a piercing smell?
That well-known "piercing funk" is caused by the natural build-up of substances in and around your piercing, such as:
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Dead skin cells
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Natural skin oils (sebum)
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Sweat
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Soap and shampoo residue
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Dirt and other skin debris
Depending on the location of your piercing, other substances can also accumulate. For example, a septum piercing naturally comes into contact with mucus and dust particles, while a navel piercing is more likely to collect body sweat and lint from clothing.
Over time, these substances can build up on your jewelry and create a thin layer of residue. This is what causes the characteristic odor, which is often described as slightly cheesy or musty. You'll typically notice this when the jewelry is moved through your skin, and this will be especially noticeable with nostril and septum piercings. It may not smell great, but it's usually completely normal.
Which piercings can develop an odor?
Almost any healed piercing can smell from time to time. Some of the most common ones include:
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Ear piercings (such as helix, tragus and conch)
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Stretched ears, plugs and tunnels
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Septum piercings
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Nostril piercings
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Navel piercings
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Nipple piercings
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Intimate piercings
Septum piercings are often the most noticeable because they're located inside your nose, meaning you're much more likely to smell them yourself. The smell may be worse during the healing stages.
Is it normal for a piercing to smell?
Yes, in most cases.
A slight odor usually just means your piercing and jewelry could use a proper cleaning. If you only notice the smell when you move or remove your jewelry, there's generally nothing to worry about.
However, you should pay attention if your piercing is also:
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Red or swollen
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Painful to the touch
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Producing any amount of pus
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Feels warm or hot around the piercing
These symptoms could indicate irritation or an infection. If this happens, contact your piercer or healthcare professional for advice.
My new piercing smells. Is that normal?
Yes, healing piercings can sometimes develop a temporary odor. This smell might be different and more intense than with piercings that are already properly healed.
A fresh piercing produces wound fluid and small amounts of lymph. Combined with natural skin oils, this can create a slightly metallic or musty smell. Healing septum piercings, in particular, are known for developing a surprisingly strong odor during the healing process.
As unpleasant as it may seem, this is usually completely normal as long as your piercing is healing well.
Always follow your piercer's aftercare instructions and avoid over-cleaning the piercing, as this can actually irritate the skin and slow down the healing process.
How to get rid of piercing odor
A simple cleaning routine is often all it takes to keep your piercing fresh.
1. Clean your piercing regularly
Rinse your piercing thoroughly with warm water while showering. If needed, you can use a gentle piercing soap that's suitable for your skin and healing piercing. Mild Cleaning Gel by Ötzi does this job perfectly.
Be sure to rinse away all soap residue afterward.
2. Dry your piercing properly
Moisture can encourage the build-up of bacteria and residue. After washing, gently pat your piercing dry with a clean tissue or sterile gauze.
3. Don't forget your jewelry
Residue doesn't just collect on your skin, it also builds up on your jewelry. If your piercing is fully healed, remove the jewelry occasionally to clean it thoroughly before putting it back in.
4. Apply a dab of piercing oil
This step is optional, but a small dab of piercing oil will help with the typical smell piercings can produce. Our shop carries Fix Piercing Serum, a specially developed piercing serum that is safe to use on skin and piercings. The scent is herbal/minty, which will help to keep the piercing smell at bay while also nourishing your skin.
Does the jewelry material matter?
Yes, it certainly can.
Smooth materials like titanium, gold and high-quality surgical steel are generally easier to keep clean. More porous materials or jewelry with intricate details may collect dirt more easily.
If you wear plugs or tunnels, natural materials such as wood or horn may feel more comfortable because they allow the skin to breathe better. Keep in mind that organic materials require different care than metal jewelry.
Extra care for piercing funk
Besides maintaining good daily hygiene, you can also use specialized piercing aftercare products to help keep your piercing fresh.
A mild piercing soap helps remove dirt without drying out the skin. In addition, a nourishing piercing oil or specially formulated piercing deodorant can help keep the skin healthy while reducing unwanted odors.
Always use aftercare products according to the instructions, and only apply products to healing piercings if they are specifically intended for fresh piercings.
How to prevent a smelly piercing
With a few simple habits, you can keep your piercing fresh and clean:
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Clean your piercing regularly.
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Rinse away all soap and shampoo residue.
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Dry your piercing thoroughly after showering.
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Clean your jewelry regularly.
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Avoid touching your piercing with dirty hands.
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Wear high-quality jewelry made from skin-friendly materials.
Final thoughts
A smelly piercing is usually nothing to worry about. Piercing funk is simply caused by the natural build-up of skin oils, dead skin cells and other debris on your jewelry. With proper cleaning and regular care, the odor usually disappears quickly.
If your piercing remains painful, swollen or red despite proper care, or if you're concerned about the healing process, don't hesitate to contact your piercer. They can help determine whether you're simply dealing with normal piercing odor or if something else is going on.
