Does a Septum Piercing Stay On While Swimming?

Septum piercings are a popular way to show off their unique style. But if you’re considering taking the plunge into water—literally—with your piercing, you might be wondering: does a septum piercing stay on while swimming? Let’s go over your questions and find out how to swim safely with this stylish piercing.

What Is a Septum Piercing?

A septum piercing is a type of body modification that goes through the thin layer of tissue (called the “sweet spot”) between your nostrils. It’s adorned with jewelry like captive bead rings, horseshoe rings, or clickers, all designed to stay securely in place under normal conditions. But how well do they hold up when you’re swimming?

Can You Swim With a Septum Piercing?

Simply yes but with precautions. A septum piercing is unlikely to fall out while swimming, especially if you’re wearing snug-fitting jewelry. However, water—whether from a pool, ocean, or lake—can introduce risks like irritation, infection, or prolonged healing, especially if your piercing is still fresh.

Risks of Swimming With a Septum Piercing

Swimming with a septum piercing isn’t entirely risk-free. Here are some common issues you might face:

Irritation From Chlorine: Chlorinated water in pools can be harsh and piercing on your skin. Chlorine strips away natural oils, leaving the skin around your piercing dry and sensitive. This irritation can delay healing or make a healed piercing feel uncomfortable.

Bacterial Exposure: Lakes, rivers, and the ocean have bacteria and tiny organisms living in them. If your piercing is fresh or not fully healed, bacteria can easily enter the piercing site, leading to infections that can be painful and difficult to manage.

Prolonged Healing Time: Swimming too soon after getting your septum pierced can disrupt the healing process. Exposure to water, chemicals, or bacteria can irritate the piercing, causing swelling, redness, or discharge, which prolongs the time it takes to heal completely.

Risk of Losing Jewelry: Although rare, there is always a small chance that loose-fitting jewelry could come out while swimming, especially during vigorous activities. Saltwater and chlorinated water can sometimes make jewelry feel slippery or less secure.

Tips to Protect Your Septum Piercing While Swimming

If you’re heading for a swim, don’t worry! You can keep your septum piercing safe with these simple steps:

Wait Until It’s Fully Healed: Healing is crucial. Your septum piercing needs about 6-8 weeks (or longer for some) to heal properly. Swimming too soon can expose it to bacteria or irritants that slow the process. Be patient—your piercing will thank you!

Pick the Right Jewelry: Secure jewelry is a must. Go for snug-fitting options like a horseshoe ring or clicker to avoid any chance of it coming loose in the water. Materials like titanium or surgical steel are also more resistant to corrosion and irritation.

Cover Your Piercing: Use waterproof bandages or a specialized piercing cover to shield your septum from water. These may not be perfect, but they can help protect you from harmful chemicals and bacteria.

Rinse After Swimming: As soon as you’re out of the water, clean your piercing with a sterile saline solution. This helps remove any chlorine, salt, or bacteria that may have settled on the skin and jewelry.

Keep Your Hands Off: It’s tempting to check if your jewelry is still there, but touching your piercing—especially with wet hands—can introduce germs. Trust your jewelry to stay put and clean it after your swim instead.

Limit Your Time in the Water: If possible, keep swimming sessions short. The longer you stay in chlorinated or natural water, the more exposure your piercing has to potential irritants.

Conclusion: Does a Septum Piercing Stay On While Swimming?

So, does a septum piercing stay on while swimming? The answer is generally yes, as long as your jewelry is secure and you take the necessary precautions. However, the key to safe swimming lies in timing—wait until your piercing has healed—and in maintaining proper aftercare. By following these tips, you can swim and still keep your stylish septum piercing safe. If you’re curious about unique swimming experiences, you might also want to check out how to swim with otters.

FAQ’s