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How To Care For A Pierced Navel

Beauty : Beauty Tips

If you have just had a piercing in the navel area, then stringent aftercare is the most important thing. Infections really hurt, as the area around the piercing will become inflamed, irritated and often swollen. You may often have a discharge as well - none of these symptoms are pleasant.

Navel piercing: hygiene

You should be given an aftercare regime from the piercing studio, and often this will include a special solution with which to clean the area. This should be used as prescribed. You may also be told to wash the area with antibacterial soap at least once a day, and bathe with salt water 3 times a day. However, always remember that before you even touch the piercing, you must wash your hands.

Common piercing mistakes

Do not use any fragrances, moisturisers or perfumes on the area. In addition, tight clothes and belts should be avoided throughout the healing process, as they rub against it and cause aggravation.

Initially a redness will appear around the piercing, probably after a week or so if not immediately. Some crusting and in some cases a clear, milky discharge may also appear. This is all normal; you should only become concerned when the discharge changes colour, if the redness increases or you are in severe pain.

When washing with the solution and warm salt water, it is important that you remove all the crusting. Also, make sure you dry the area thoroughly - using a tissue is best as towels can transfer bacteria.

Belly button piercing: healing time

The healing process varies from person to person. The average length of time is 3-4 months, but my own personal experience found it closer to 6 or 7 months. On some people it can be a year before the wound is fully healed. You can tell it is still hearing when there is some redness surrounding the piercing. It is therefore vital that you do not stop cleaning the area prematurely. Sometimes it is easy to think that because the redness is lessening, for example in the 2nd or 3rd month, that the wound is completely healed. This is not the case, so don't stop your cleaning routine until all the redness totally disappears.

If possible, avoid swimming in the sea or swimming baths for the first 6 months at least. If, however, this cannot be done, you must always bathe the area around the piercing immediately after.

How navel piercing infections occur

Remember that the main reason for infection is when you (or others!!) touch and play with the piercing, therefore you should only touch it when cleaning after washing your hands. The importance of this cannot be stressed enough! Similarly, don't get into the habit of lifting up your top and pulling your navel up to look at it. As fascinated with it as you most likely are, especially in the first few weeks, try to avoid this as it only causes the wound and surrounding area to become more inflamed and aggravated. If you want to look at it yourself, use a mirror!


By: Bev Woolfson on Sat, Jun 15th 2002

More body piercing advice

It is really hard not to look at it because it is new and you knock it in your sleep. So wen u want to look at it try to occupie yourself with something else like a magazine or something. At night wear long tops to stop it rubbing as much. xx.

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