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Hi I Had Recently Had My Septum Pierced By A

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Posted on Sun, 27 Dec 2020
Question: Hi i had recently had my septum pierced by a professional, a few days after i was cutting garlic and touched my nose. Its been atleast a week or two and my piercing smells like garlic. I have been cleaning it three times a day with tea tree oil like i was told and rubbing alcohol but the smell keeps coming back. I know that there is a thing where you can possibly smell your own cancer before being diagnosed. I have looked and looked online and I haven't found anything like this. Is the garlic oils stuck in my peircing? or is it the metal reacting to my skin?
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Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Possibly related to inflammation of the piercing site.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor's service.
I read your query and here is my advice.

I have never heard such a thing that the smell can remain in piercing nose for a week or two.
It may remain for a day or two but can't stay for that long.
We usually recommend cleaning it with alcohol and moving it side to side to help cleaning.
I don't think that the garlic oil can remain for so long or cause any reaction to the metal.
I think this sensitivity to garlic smell may be related to inflammation of the nasal mucosa around the piercing. Check it if it is red and swollen. I believe it will go away as the piercing site heals.


Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Olgeta Xhufka

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 10113 Questions

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Hi I Had Recently Had My Septum Pierced By A

Brief Answer: Possibly related to inflammation of the piercing site. Detailed Answer: Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor's service. I read your query and here is my advice. I have never heard such a thing that the smell can remain in piercing nose for a week or two. It may remain for a day or two but can't stay for that long. We usually recommend cleaning it with alcohol and moving it side to side to help cleaning. I don't think that the garlic oil can remain for so long or cause any reaction to the metal. I think this sensitivity to garlic smell may be related to inflammation of the nasal mucosa around the piercing. Check it if it is red and swollen. I believe it will go away as the piercing site heals. Hope I have answered the question. Let me know if I can assist you further.