1. **Wash Your Hands**: Before touching your piercing, wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap to reduce the risk of infection.
2. **Prepare Saline Solution**: Mix a saline solution by combining 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt with 8 ounces (1 cup) of warm distilled or sterile water. Stir until the salt is completely dissolved.
3. **Soak a Cotton Ball or Pad**: Dip a cotton ball or pad into the saline solution until it's saturated.
4. **Clean the Piercing**: Gently clean around the piercing area, removing any crust or debris that may have accumulated. Avoid rotating or moving the jewelry excessively, as this can irritate the piercing.
5. **Rinse Thoroughly**: After cleaning, rinse the piercing with warm water to remove any remaining saline solution.
6. **Pat Dry**: Gently pat the area around the piercing dry with a clean, disposable paper towel or allow it to air dry.
7. **Avoid Harsh Products**: Avoid using alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or other harsh cleaning products on your piercing, as they can dry out the skin and delay the healing process.
8. **Clean Twice Daily**: Clean your nose piercing twice a day, preferably in the morning and before bed, until it's fully healed. After it's healed, you can reduce cleaning to once a day or as needed.
9. **Be Gentle**: Be gentle when cleaning your nose piercing to avoid causing irritation or injury. Avoid using cotton swabs or pads with fibers that can get caught on the jewelry.
10. **Avoid Touching**: Avoid touching your piercing unnecessarily, as this can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection.
If you experience excessive redness, swelling, pain, or discharge from your nose piercing, consult a healthcare professional, as these may be signs of infection or other complications.