Septum Piercing Smell

Some people with septum piercings report noticing a distinctive smell, even after the healing period. Unless you have signs of an infection, the stink is most likely due to an accumulation of oils and dead skin cells around the jewelry. The fact that it’s right under your nose only makes it more noticeable. Cause of the Smell. Sebum is secreted by the sebaceous glands in the skin. It’s an oily secretion meant to lubricate the skin and make it waterproof. Mix sebum with some dead skin cells and a little bit of bacteria, and you get some really potent smelling piercings!