A piercing smells because sebum, dead skin, and bacteria collect. Clean it gently, and see a doctor if there is pus or redness.
Common causes
- Buildup of sebum, dead skin and bacteria.
- Infection.
- Poor cleaning.
- Cheap jewelry metals.
Cleaning
Clean twice a day with saline. Don’t use alcohol or peroxide.
Healing times
Ear lobe 6 to 8 weeks. Cartilage 4 to 12 months.
Signs of infection
Yellow or green discharge, redness, swelling, heat and pain.
See a doctor
If you have fever or the infection spreads.
Cause of the smell
Piercing odor typically comes from the buildup of sebum, dead skin and bacteria in the channel, sometimes called “ear cheese.” In healing piercings, clear or pale yellow fluid (lymph) can dry into crusts that smell. Strong foul odor with green or yellow discharge points to infection.
- Typical healing times: earlobe 6 to 8 weeks, cartilage 4 to 12 months, nostril 4 to 6 months, navel 6 to 12 months.
- Metals matter. Nickel allergy affects an estimated 10 to 20 percent of people and can cause itch, rash and discharge.
- Sleeping on a new piercing or changing jewelry too soon can irritate.
Care
Clean twice daily with sterile saline (0.9 percent sodium chloride), wash hands before touching, and avoid twisting jewelry. Avoid alcohol, hydrogen peroxide and ointments, which can slow healing. See a doctor for fever, spreading redness, severe swelling or pus, particularly with cartilage piercings, because infections there can cause permanent damage. The Association of Professional Piercers recommends implant-grade titanium or 14k gold for initial jewelry.
Cause
Piercing odor is from skin oils, dead cells, bacteria and products building up in the channel. Poor cleaning or jewelry made of low quality metal can add to it. Infection causes foul smell, discharge and swelling.
Care
Clean with sterile saline twice a day during healing. Choose implant grade titanium or surgical steel. Seek help for infection.
Hygiene and materials
Piercings produce lymph fluid, called crusties, which can have a smell, especially in new piercings. Poor quality jewelry made of nickel, brass or plated steel causes inflammation. ASTM F136 titanium, ASTM F138 steel and 14k gold are recommended by the Association of Professional Piercers.
Healing times
Earlobes heal in 6 to 8 weeks, cartilage 4 to 12 months and navel piercings 6 to 12 months. Clean with sterile saline spray twice daily without twisting. Avoid ointments and alcohol. Signs of infection are green or yellow pus, spreading redness, heat and fever, and need medical review.
Based on data from the Association of Professional Piercers and the Mayo Clinic
