Why does my piercing smell bad?
1. A cozy little nest for sebum and bacteria
Your skin naturally produces sebum (a kind of protective oil) and sheds dead skin cells every day. When you wear jewelry, especially in a hole as small as a piercing, these little bits can accumulate around the jewelry. The result? A not-so-glamorous little mix that ends up smelling… let's say, a bit like cheese for some. Nothing serious, but definitely not great.
And on certain areas like the navel or behind the ears, the accumulation is even more frequent, especially if you forget to dry thoroughly after showering.
2. Infrequent cleaning
Even if your piercing has been healed for a while, it still needs a little care. If you neglect cleaning it, residue (sebum, dust, pollution, etc.) can build up. And the longer it builds up, the stronger the smell will become.
Hidden piercings, such as those in the nose or intimate area, are often forgotten during daily cleaning — and it shows (literally).
How to get rid of it (easily)?
1. A good cleaning, quite simply
Clean your piercing twice a day with a sterile saline solution or a mild, pH-neutral soap. No need to scrub like crazy, just be gentle. And above all: avoid harsh disinfectants like alcohol or Betadine, which could cause irritation.
2. Also think about your jewelry
If your piercing is well healed, you can remove the jewelry from time to time to wash it with warm water and mild soap. Rinse, dry thoroughly, then put it back in clean. It makes all the difference.
3. Stop using cosmetics that are too similar
Perfumes, sprays, creams, or hairspray? Keep them away from your piercing. These products can clog pores, irritate the skin, and... aggravate the problem.
4. Use quality jewelry
A piece of jewelry made of ASTM F-136 titanium , for example, is the standard. Hypoallergenic, safe for the skin, zero unpleasant surprises. You gain in comfort… and you avoid a lot of problems.
