Alexei Volkov
Getting a belly button piercing comes with a lot of aftercare responsibilities to avoid infection. The piercing site is prone to snagging on clothing, which can cause friction and irritation. The area around the piercing should be cleaned at least once a day, preferably twice a day, with a saline solution or a mild antibacterial soap. It is also important to wear high-quality jewellery made of materials like surgical steel, titanium, or gold, as these are less likely to trigger skin allergies. Plastic belly button rings, or piercing retainers, are recommended to keep the piercing tract open if the original jewellery needs to be removed due to discomfort or tightness.
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What You'll Learn
Cleaning and aftercare
Belly button piercings can take anywhere from 6 to 12 months to heal, so it's important to commit to a thorough aftercare routine to avoid infection and minimise scarring. Before touching your piercing, always wash your hands to ensure you don't pass any bacteria onto the healing piercing. Clean your piercing once or twice a day with a sterile saline solution, gently applying the solution with a clean, disposable cotton ball. If you're using soap, form a gentle lather, rinse with clean water, and allow the area to air dry. Avoid rotating or pulling on the jewellery as this can damage the skin and slow down healing.
Loose-fitting, soft clothing can help to minimise irritation and friction, so it's best to avoid tight clothes and rough fabrics. Public bodies of water like pools, hot tubs, lakes, and oceans should also be avoided, as they can introduce new bacteria and cause infection. If you're going swimming, a waterproof bandage may help, but it's best to avoid getting your piercing wet at all.
It's important to choose high-quality jewellery to avoid infection and other issues. Materials like surgical steel, titanium, and gold are safer and less likely to trigger skin allergies than cheaper materials like copper or nickel, which can lead to allergic reactions. The jewellery should also be thick enough (around 14-gauge) to lessen the chance of your body rejecting it. Captive bead rings, dangle rings, and charms should be avoided until the piercing is completely healed, as they can create extra friction or add extra weight.
If you notice any signs of infection, such as soreness, redness, or discolouration, seek medical advice promptly.
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Types of jewellery and their risks
When it comes to body piercings, especially belly button piercings, it's important to choose the right type of jewellery to prevent infections and other issues. Here are some types of jewellery and their associated risks:
Curved Barbell
When you first get your belly button pierced, you usually start with a curved barbell, also known as a banana barbell. It is typically made of titanium, which reduces the likelihood of an allergic reaction. It should be thick enough (around 14G) to prevent your body from rejecting it. If it's too thin, your body may treat it like a splinter, causing it to migrate to the surface.
Surgical Steel, Titanium, and Gold Jewellery
Materials like surgical steel, titanium, and gold are considered safer and less likely to trigger skin allergies. These materials are recommended for belly button piercings to reduce the risk of infection and skin irritation.
Non-Dangle Belly Rings
Once your piercing has fully healed, you can explore other styles like non-dangle belly rings. Dangly jewellery can get pulled and tear the skin, so it's important to wait until the piercing is completely healed before switching to this style.
Plastic Belly Button Rings
While plastic belly button rings may be less expensive, they may pose a higher risk of infection due to the material. Plastic can harbour more bacteria than other materials, and it might not be as durable or suitable for long-term wear.
Meteorite Jewellery
Meteorite jewellery, such as the Gibeon meteorite, contains iron, nickel, cobalt, and phosphorus. While meteorite jewellery is unique and fashionable, it may not be suitable for those with nickel allergies or sensitivities.
Ceramic Jewellery
Ceramic jewellery is known for its sleek and shiny appearance and incredible hardness, making it virtually scratch-proof. It is made from jewellery-grade zirconium ceramic or titanium carbide. Ceramic is lightweight and durable, but it cannot be resized, so proper sizing is crucial.
Gold Jewellery
Gold is a well-known precious metal commonly used in jewellery. It is durable, resistant to tarnish and corrosion, and malleable when heated, allowing for various designs. However, gold jewellery should be properly cared for by routine cleaning with detergent-free soap and warm water and stored in soft cloth bags or boxes to maintain its lustre.
In addition to the type of jewellery, it's important to consider proper aftercare, including cleaning the piercing site regularly and avoiding tight clothing that can cause friction and irritation.
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Signs of infection
It can take up to 12 months for a belly button piercing to heal completely, and during that time, you're at risk of infection. The piercing process itself can transmit blood-borne infections such as HIV and hepatitis B and C, and the risk is greater when piercing equipment and jewellery are not sterile.
Belly button piercings are more prone to infection than piercings in other areas because they are difficult to keep clean. The belly button is naturally warm and moist, which makes it challenging to keep the area clean throughout the day. The piercing site will also heal from the outside in, so it may look healed before it really is.
Some signs of an infected belly button piercing include:
- Pain and swelling
- Redness or discolouration of the skin
- Discharge, which may dry and form a crystal-like crust
- The belly button area feels warm to the touch
- Fever and/or chills
- The wound leaks pus, which may be smelly
- Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
If you suspect your piercing is infected, you should:
- Wash your hands before doing anything
- Gently bathe the area in a saline solution with a clean cotton ball
- Rotate the jewellery as you do this to remove any bacteria, but don't take it out
- Dry with a clean paper towel rather than a hand towel to lessen the chance of germs
- Apply an over-the-counter antibacterial cream like Neosporin
If you continue to have a fever or the redness and swelling don't go away, see a doctor.
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Healing times
The healing time for a belly button piercing can vary from person to person. On average, it takes between nine months and a year for a belly button piercing to fully heal. This is because the area is constantly moving and can be irritated by tight clothing. It is also more prone to infection than piercings in other areas.
During the healing process, it is important to keep the area as bacteria-free as possible. This means avoiding hot tubs, pools, and lakes, as your wound can come into contact with bacteria in the water. Opt for loose-fitting clothing to prevent bacteria from becoming trapped and causing irritation. It is also recommended to protect the piercing with a bandage when exercising and to clean the area afterward. Sun exposure should also be avoided to prevent sunburn.
In the first few days after getting your piercing, it is normal to see an off-white fluid coming out of the area. You may also experience some soreness and redness, which are common symptoms of healing. However, if you experience intense pain, swelling, or a fever, it could indicate a severe infection, and you should consult a healthcare professional.
To promote healing and reduce the risk of infection, it is important to practice good hygiene and clean your piercing regularly. This includes washing your hands with antibacterial soap and using a cotton swab and saltwater mixture or mild antibacterial soap to gently clean the area around your belly button and the piercing. It is recommended to clean your piercing twice a day and to use a clean paper towel to pat the area dry, as regular towels may carry more germs.
If you suspect an infection, you can apply a warm compress to the area to help reduce swelling and facilitate pus drainage. Over-the-counter antibacterial creams, such as Neosporin, can also be used to treat the infection and aid in healing. However, it is important to consult a dermatologist before using such creams, as there is a risk of allergic skin irritation.
Additionally, it is crucial to choose high-quality jewellery made from safe materials such as medical-grade stainless steel, titanium, or gold (14- or 18-karat). Lower-grade metals like nickel, cobalt, and chromates are more likely to cause allergic reactions and increase the risk of infection.
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What to do if infected
If you suspect that your belly button piercing is infected, it is important to take action. Leaving an infection untreated can lead to a more serious infection, an abscess, or the infection spreading. Here are some steps you can take to address an infected belly button piercing:
Consult a doctor:
If you notice severe symptoms, such as a high fever or chills, it is important to seek medical attention. Your doctor may prescribe an oral antibiotic to help your body fight the infection. It is recommended to consult a doctor if your symptoms do not improve after some initial at-home care or if they worsen.
Keep the piercing in place:
Unless your doctor advises you to remove it, it is generally recommended to keep the piercing in place. Removing the jewellery before the piercing has healed can cause the hole to close up, trapping the infection under the skin. Keeping the jewellery in allows the infection to drain and helps prevent further complications.
Clean the piercing regularly:
Maintaining good hygiene is crucial to managing an infection. Clean the piercing at least once, preferably twice, a day with warm water and a small amount of fragrance-free soap or saline solution. Use clean, disposable cotton balls or swabs, and avoid rotating or pulling on the jewellery during cleaning. Allow the area to air dry.
Soak the area in a saline solution:
In addition to regular cleaning, soak the infected area in a sterile saline solution for 5 to 10 minutes daily. This can help reduce bacteria and promote healing.
Avoid irritants:
Stay away from potential irritants that can aggravate the infection. This includes tight-fitting clothes, hot tubs, pools, and lakes. Opt for loose, soft clothing that won't rub or cause friction. You may also want to cover the piercing with a large bandage, especially during exercise, to protect the area and prevent further irritation.
Choose appropriate jewellery:
When dealing with an infection, it is important to select jewellery made from high-quality, biocompatible materials. Surgical steel, titanium, and gold are generally considered safe and are less likely to trigger skin allergies or reactions. Avoid lower-quality materials, such as copper, and ensure the jewellery is the appropriate size and weight to minimise friction and tearing.
Remember, it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional if you are concerned about an infection or if your symptoms persist or worsen.
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Frequently asked questions
To prevent infection, it is important to clean the piercing site at least once a day, preferably twice a day. Use a saline solution or soap that does not contain any fragrance or oils. Wash your hands before cleaning the area with warm water. Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can dry out your skin and irritate the piercing.
Some signs of an infected belly button piercing include redness, swelling, discolouration, and discharge that dries and forms a crust around the piercing. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is recommended that you remove the jewellery and seek medical treatment.
Plastic belly button rings are typically made of a safe, inert plastic known as a piercing retainer. This type of plastic is designed to be biocompatible and reduce the risk of infection.
