How To Take Care Of A Belly Button Piercing? Aftercare Tips

Let’s face it – there are few piercings that can make heads turn the way a belly button piercing does. But to rock this body jewelry in style, you need to take good care of it. Thus, following some simple aftercare tips for a belly button piercing is of utmost importance. Navel piercings typically take around 6 to 9 months to heal properly. During this healing time, it is very important to follow the right aftercare guidelines to lower the risk of infection. This article contains detailed information on what tips to follow, medications to take, and when to see a doctor. Scroll down to know more!

Aftercare Tips For A Belly Button Piercing

Caring for your belly button piercing is crucial to ensuring proper healing and preventing infections (1). Here are some dos and don’ts for belly button piercing aftercare:

Do:

• Clean With Saline Solution: Use a sterile saline solution to clean your piercing twice a day. Soak a cotton swab in the solution and gently clean around the piercing, wiping any crust or debris.
• Wash Your Hands: Before touching your piercing, make sure you wash your hands with antibacterial soap to prevent introducing bacteria.
• Wear Loose Clothing: Choose clean, loose-fitting clothing to avoid irritation and allow proper airflow around the piercing.
• Use A Mild Soap: When showering, use a mild, fragrance-free soap to clean the piercing. Rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
• Pat Dry: After cleaning, pat the area dry with a clean paper towel or allow it to air dry. Avoid using cloth towels, as they may harbor bacteria or leave fabric residue.
• Maintain Good Hygiene: Keep the area clean and dry. Avoid swimming in pools, hot tubs, or bodies of water that may contain pathogens (2). Also, avoid prolonged contact with water in the first week, even when showering or in your own bathtub.
• Monitor For Signs Of Infection: Pay attention to any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pain, or discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms, consult with a professional piercer or a healthcare provider (3).

Don’t:

• Touch: Refrain from touching your piercing unnecessarily, and never let others touch it with dirty hands.
• Use Harsh Chemicals: Harsh chemicals like rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide may be too drying and can delay the healing process.
• Use Beauty Ointments Or Creams: Stay away from ointments and creams as they can trap bacteria and hinder the healing process.
• Excessively Move The Jewelry: While it is good to rotate the jewelry during cleaning, avoid excessive twisting or turning, as it can cause irritation.
• Change The Jewelry Too Soon: Wait until the piercing is fully healed before changing the jewelry. Changing it too soon can lead to complications and delay the healing process.
• Sleep On Your Stomach: Try to avoid sleeping on your stomach to prevent accidentally hurting or putting unnecessary pressure on the piercing.

Following these dos and don’ts should help promote a healthy healing process for your belly button piercing. If you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms, consult with a professional piercer or a healthcare provider for guidance.

If you are experiencing an infected piercing, read on for some quick remedies to tackle the situation.

How To Take Care Of An Infected Belly Button Piercing

Severely infected piercings pose the risk of loss of tissue and necrosis. Thus, it is always best to contact a healthcare provider immediately for safe and effective treatment. However, for minor symptoms of infections like itching, swelling, or redness, you may first try simple home remedies for a day or two to check if the condition improves before you see a doctor. Below are some remedies and tips for taking proper care of a minor case of infected belly button piercing:

• Tea Tree Oil Swab: Tea tree oil has natural antibacterial properties, which may aid in healing your infected belly piercing (4). Mix a drop or two with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba oil) and apply it to the infected area using a cotton ball or gauze. Be cautious with the concentration, as undiluted tea tree oil can be harsh on the skin.

• Chamomile Compress: Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties (5). Brew some strong chamomile tea, let it cool, and then soak a clean cloth in it. Apply the compress to the infected piercing for 10-15 minutes.

• Turmeric Paste: Turmeric has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties (6). Mix a small amount of turmeric powder with water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the piercing and let it sit for 15 minutes before rinsing with warm water.

• Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera has soothing and healing properties (7 ). Apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to the infected area after cleaning it to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

• Probiotics: Consider incorporating probiotics into your diet or taking supplements. Probiotics can support your immune system and promote the skin’s ability to ward off infections and support skin healing processes (8 ).

• Avoid Irritants: Keep away perfumes, lotions, and other potential irritants from around the piercing hole. Stick to mild, hypoallergenic products.

• Antibacterial Creams: In consultation with a healthcare professional, you might consider using over-the-counter antibacterial creams or ointments to prevent infection. Ensure that the product is safe for body piercings and follow the instructions provided.

Always remember that these remedies are supplementary, and if the infection persists or worsens, seeking advice from a healthcare professional or a reputable piercer is crucial. They can provide personalized guidance based on the severity of the infection.

While you are aware of the steps for proper aftercare, there are a few tips you can keep in mind to enhance your belly piercing healing process. Check them out below!

Tips For Healing A Navel Piercing

• Avoid Over-Cleaning: While keeping the piercing clean is important, over-cleaning can be counterproductive. Stick to cleaning it twice a day to avoid irritation.
• Use A Mild Soap: When cleaning the piercing, use a mild, fragrance-free soap. Ensure that you rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
• Apply A Warm Compress: Using a warm compress can help improve blood circulation and reduce inflammation (9). Hold a clean, warm cloth against the infected piercing for 5-10 minutes a few times a day.
• Follow A Balanced Diet: Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vitamins A, C, and E to help with skin repair and boost your immune system (10).
• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can support overall health improvement and keep the skin hydrated from within, thereby contributing to the healing process.
• Consider A Saline Spray: In addition to saline soaks, you can use a salt solution spray designed for piercings. It provides a convenient way to keep the area clean and can be less messy than soaking.
• Boost Your Immune System: A healthy immune system aids in the healing process. Consume a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and consider taking supplements if needed (11).
• Manage Stress Levels: Stress can impact your body’s ability to heal (12). Practice stress-reducing activities such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga and get adequate sleep.
• Engage In Light Exercises: Try light exercises that improve blood flow, but avoid anything that puts pressure on your stomach area.
• Use Proper Jewelry: Make sure the jewelry is of high quality and non-irritating material like gold, titanium or surgical steel, and suitable for your piercing size (13). Avoid tight or overly decorative jewelry that can trap bacteria.

Licensed tattoo and piercing artist Eve Phillips says, “My best tip – in the first few days, soak and clean the piercing before rinsing to prevent any crust entering the wound as you stand and stretch and creating trauma and introducing bacteria.”

Jasmine, a lifestyle and fashion blogger, shared her personal experience with getting a navel piercing and taking care of it. Regarding healing and aftercare, she writes, “It takes about 6 months to heal before you can change it. I was given an antiseptic solution which I used every morning and night for about 2 months to keep it from getting infected. I will warn you during its recovery it gets a bit gooey but you can just clean it up with a cotton bud. You know it’s pretty much healed when the gooing stops (i).”

During the initial period after getting a belly button piercing, encountering a mix of blood and pain is quite common. There is no need to panic—instead, focus on effective pain management using OTC medications and home remedies. You can opt for any of the options listed below.

How To Ease Belly Button Piercing Pain

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be used to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation associated with navel piercing (14).

• Ibuprofen: Opt for ibuprofen to alleviate discomfort, as it not only helps with pain but also reduces inflammation (14).

• Ice Pack: If the area is swollen, you can use a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth to bring it down. Apply it for 10-15 minutes to help reduce swelling and cool and numb the area.

• Tylenol And Aspirin: These medications are also effective for managing pain resulting from skin wounds (15). However, avoid taking it too early in the healing stage as it can also exacerbate bleeding (16).

How To Avoid Allergic Reactions In A Belly Button Piercing

To avoid allergic reactions, identify allergens, patch-test new products, choose hypoallergenic options, and read labels to ensure the safety of the products that you are using. Opt for nickel-free jewelry, wear protective clothing to avoid irritation or skin allergies, and keep living spaces clean to maintain hygiene. You should also minimize exposure to irritants, be mindful of food allergies, and consult a healthcare professional for allergy testing and find out what you are allergic to. Additionally, carry prescribed medications for severe reactions and stay informed about potential allergens in the environments you interact with.

However, if an allergic reaction or infection does occur and cannot be contained by medications and home remedies, it is advised to see a doctor. Read the next section to know which cases warrant consulting a health professional.

When To See A Doctor

While most belly button piercings heal without issues, there are situations where professional medical advice is required promptly:

• Persistent Infections: If the infection does not improve with a few days of at-home care, or keeps recurring.
• Severe Pain: If you experience severe or prolonged pain that does not subside with over-the-counter medications.
• Unusual Changes: If you notice unusual changes in the appearance of the piercing, such as excessive redness or odorous discharge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put a bandage over my navel piercing?

It is generally not recommended to cover the piercing with a bandage, as it needs air to facilitate healing. In case you are going swimming or working out, you may cover the healing piercing with a vented wrap to protect it from soaking in water or sweat. Nevertheless, you should consult your piercer for suitable guidance.

How long should I cover my belly button piercing?

Covering the piercing is generally unnecessary after the initial healing period, which can be anywhere between 2 to 4 weeks. Consult your piercer and follow the specific aftercare instructions provided by them.

What clothes to avoid with belly button piercing?

Avoid tight or restrictive clothing, and be cautious with materials that may catch on the jewelry, such as lace or certain linty fabrics. You can opt for wearing a snug singlet as your nighttime wear; it can act as a cover, keep debris from accumulating, and protect the piercing from snagging and movement in bed.

Can I wear tight clothes with a belly piercing?

It is advisable to wait until the piercing is fully healed before wearing tight clothing to prevent irritation and discomfort. A snug-fitting outfit is fine, but it should not be tight. Also, avoid tight waistbands and belts.

How long after a belly button piercing can I exercise?

Wait until the piercing is fully healed before engaging in rigorous exercise. Low-impact activities may be acceptable sooner, depending on individual healing progress. Consult your piercer before resuming any strenuous activities that engage your core.

Along with aesthetic appeal and infection, belly button piercing holds other pros and cons as well. You need to take care of these factors in order to let your piercing heal properly. Watch the following video for aftercare and styling tips.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Eve PhillipsProfessional Tattoo Artist

   

Eve Phillips is an experienced artist in various tattoo styles, though she specializes in tattoos with fine details and floral elements. She has owned studios for 20 years in both Australia and the United Kingdom and has a wealth of knowledge and experience in all areas of tattoo art, health, licensing, trends, current issues, and history.

Read full bio of Eve Phillips

Aparna HarryBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Aparna Harry is a beauty and lifestyle content writer with over three years of experience in writing for different genres. She has a master’s degree in English Literature from The English And Foreign Languages University and a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Mysore.

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Madhumati ChowdhuryAssociate Editor

Madhumati is an associate editor with seven years of professional experience. She has previously worked as an editor, proofreader, and a writer with various organizations, helping her navigate through the various facets of content creation and refinement with ease.

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Gracia OdileBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Gracia Odile is a teacher-turned-beauty and lifestyle writer with three years of professional experience. She has a bachelor's degree in English from St. Stephen's College, a master's in Anthropology from the University of Madras, and a degree in education from GGSIPU.

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