I Had Recently Had My Septum Pierced Is It The Metal Reacting To My Skin

Posted on Tue, 15 Apr 2025

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?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Possibly related to inflammation of the piercing site.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,

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