What's Going On Inside My Nose?
I am a 22-year-old female and I’m not taking any medication. Lately, I’ve been experiencing irritation in my right nostril, possibly due to the cold weather, and I have a septum piercing. While adjusting my septum ring today, I had the odd sensation of something resembling hair. Having dealt with hair getting stuck in the piercing before, I gently tugged at it. To my astonishment, it felt as though it was anchored much deeper inside my nostril. Curious, I used my phone’s camera to investigate further. When I extracted it a bit more, I discovered it was coated in dark, crusty blood. This discovery sent me into a panic, and I instinctively sniffed it back in, worrying it might be attached to a nerve ending, although I knew that should cause pain. If it were truly a hair, it was alarmingly large—about the size of what you might find on a human head. Now, I’m hesitant to touch it again or even sneeze for fear of the repercussions. Is this something that will naturally break down within my body? I appreciate any advice you can offer!
Answers (1)
2/12/2026, 10:30:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing a concerning but not uncommon situation with your septum piercing, especially since there’s some irritation and a discovery of unusual material in your nostril. Let’s break this down and explore your options.
Main Points:
- You might have removed a foreign object, possibly hair or biological debris.
- The presence of dark, crusty blood suggests some irritation or minor bleeding.
- It's essential to avoid further irritation and monitor the situation.
Explanation:
Your septum piercing can sometimes collect dead skin cells, scabs, or stray hairs, which might form a crust. The fact that you discovered a substance coated in blood indicates there could be a minor injury or irritation from adjusting your piercing. While this can be alarming, it’s important to remain calm.
Next Steps:
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Avoid Further Manipulation: Do not tug or pull on the material any further. Avoid touching the area unless absolutely necessary, as this could worsen irritation or introduce bacteria.
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Assess Symptoms: Over the next few days, watch for other symptoms such as increasing pain, swelling, or discharge. If the area feels increasingly uncomfortable or if you notice signs of infection (like pus or fever), that would warrant further attention.
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Gentle Cleaning: If the area is clean and needs maintenance, you can gently rinse your nostril with saline solution (you can make this by mixing 1 teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm distilled water). This helps keep the area clear and can soothe irritation.
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Humidify Your Environment: Consider using a humidifier in your living space to help reduce dryness, especially due to cold weather.
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Be Mindful of Breathing: Breathing through the nose is usually fine, but if you have any urge to sneeze, do so gently to avoid dislodging anything or irritating the area further.
If you’re concerned or if symptoms worsen, it may be wise to seek professional advice for evaluation. Remember that while some things can resolve on their own, keeping an eye on your situation is key. Let me know if you have any further questions!
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