What to Do When a Nose Ring Falls Out

Having a nose ring fall out is a fairly common problem associated with that type of body jewelry. Depending on the type of nose ring you have, it can be fairly easy for the ring to unclasp, bend or twist its way out of the hole. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the potential for infection with nasal piercings can be fairly high, so it's important to take precautions when your ring falls out.

Face of a young woman (Image: Desarae Lee/iStock/Getty Images)

Avoiding Infection

The Center for Young Women's Health says that when your nose ring falls out, you need to take steps to avoid infection, particularly if it's a newer piercing. Wash your hands with hot water and antibacterial soap before touching the piercing site or the jewelry. Inspect the nose ring for nicks, scratches and bent areas, and discard it in favor of a new one if it shows any signs for such wear and tear. Rinse the piercing site, as well as the jewelry, with a cotton swab soaked in saline solution.

Healing Time

Healing time plays a role in whether you will be able to reinsert your nose ring. Elayne Angel, author of "The Piercing Bible," notes that nasal piercings tend to close up quickly, particularly when they are not fully healed. If your nasal piercing is less than two to four months old, it may heal over within minutes.

Inserting the Ring

Attempt to smoothly insert the ring through the piercing hole if it appears to still be open. Insert one end of the ring into the hole, then carefully guide it through until it pokes through the other side. If you encounter any extreme tightness, keep going as long as it's not painful. It you can't get the tip of the ring into the hole, don't force it. Reopening the piercing in that manner can cause infections and scarring.

Professional Help

"The Piercing Bible" says that you may have to seek professional help if you can't get the ring in or if you're new to body jewelry. For best results, get to the piercer as soon as possible. He may be able to wiggle the nose ring into the tightened hole or replace it with a thinner piece of jewelry that fits more easily into the hole.

Considerations

You may need to get your nose repierced if the ring has been out for an hour or more. Never attempt to repierce your nose yourself. The piercing shop's equipment is sterile and specially designed for that purpose. Doing this will prevent infection. You may want to replace your ring with a corkscrew stud if the hole is irritated after you insert the jewelry.