Buzz
This article will guide you on how to clean your belly button for hygiene purposes or after getting a belly button piercing.
Steps
Belly Button Cleaning
Prepare the necessary tools for cleaning your belly button. Naturally, you’ll need cotton swabs. However, there isn’t a specific belly button cleaning kit. Instead, you will need to experiment with different tools to find what works best for you. You can use:
- Water
- Baby oil
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Other astringents like witch hazel
Dip one end of the cotton swab into the solution of your choice, then gently rub the cotton swab around your belly button. Be sure to move gently around the area and avoid pressing too deep into the belly button.
Dispose of the used cotton swab and repeat the cleaning process with a fresh one if your belly button still appears dirty. Usually, a single or two swipes should suffice to clean it. Afterward, use a clean gauze pad to gently wipe away any remaining solution from your belly button. Be sure to thoroughly remove any leftover water, baby oil, hydrogen peroxide, or isopropyl alcohol.
- If your belly button feels dry, you can apply a small amount of Neosporin ointment around the area. Slowly apply in a circular motion moving toward the center of your belly button, then clean off the ointment with gauze.
Regular Belly Button Care
If you wish to care for your belly button after a piercing, you should first soak it with saline solution. Removing the belly button ring is not recommended, as this is when bacteria and other infection-causing agents can enter the belly button. Additionally, in just 10-15 minutes, the piercing hole may begin to close. Even if the hole doesn't fully seal, you will experience significant pain when trying to reinsert the jewelry. You should never remove the jewelry if the hole hasn't fully healed, is bleeding, oozing pus, or has crusty buildup stuck to the jewelry. If you have a belly button piercing, lift the jewelry as high as possible and soak the area with saline solution. Ensure you use a clean paper towel soaked in saline to gently clean off any crust from the hole before doing so to avoid pain. Be sure to use SEA SALT. Iodized salt (table salt) will not prevent infection. If your belly button piercing becomes infected, do not remove the jewelry to prevent the infection from penetrating deeper and worsening. Seek medical attention immediately if the piercing becomes infected.
Be cautious to thoroughly dry your belly button after showering. Excess water and moisture can promote harmful bacteria growth. Remember, your belly button harbors more than 1500 beneficial bacteria, and it's essential to avoid letting harmful bacteria take over.
Remember that it's not always necessary to clean your belly button frequently. As long as you bathe regularly and use soap properly to clean inside and around the belly button, there's no need to worry about it getting dirty. Your belly button is different from your teeth and doesn't require constant attention. You could think of your belly button as a quiet sibling who prefers to stay inside all day, preparing meals for themselves.
Advice
- If your belly button has an odor and is red, use a cleansing solution specifically designed for sensitive skin or feminine hygiene. The most common cause of belly button odor is cleaning it with soap and not rinsing properly, leading to dryness and irritation.
- You can also use Q-tip cotton swabs, a specially branded swab designed for belly button cleaning.
- The belly button is a sealed area on the abdomen, and nothing can penetrate your body through it. If you're concerned about cleaning your belly button, you can consult a doctor.
- Using hydrogen peroxide or isopropyl alcohol, along with cotton swabs, can harm an open wound if not used carefully. Instead, you should use antibacterial soap and warm saline solution. You may also try using antibiotic ointment.
- You can also apply moisturizing balm to your belly button. After applying the balm, wait for 5-20 minutes, then wipe it clean with a tissue. The excess balm should wipe off easily.
- Although perfumes may contain alcohol, it's best not to use them to clean your belly button to avoid causing a rash.
Warnings
- If anything goes wrong with your piercing hole, contact the professional who pierced it. If you suspect an infection, you should reach out to the piercer, not friends, as they are NOT experts.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you accidentally injure your belly button while cleaning it.
- See a doctor if your belly button feels itchy or hot to avoid potential infections.
- Never use sharp or dirty objects to clean your belly button.
- Be cautious when cleaning your belly button. Applying too much force could cause pain or injury to the area.
- If you have a belly button piercing, always follow the instructions given by the piercer. Jewelry pieces may crack or shatter when exposed to alcohol or even small amounts of mouthwash.
- Keep alcohol and cotton swabs out of reach of children.
Items You'll Need
- Cotton swabs
- Warm water/baby oil
