How to Handle an Infected Belly Button Piercing

Clean the piercing daily. Regularly cleaning the wound is one of the most effective ways to speed up the healing process after getting a piercing. This method helps shorten the painful and inflamed period and prevents severe complications like infection.

• After washing your hands with soap and warm water, use a cotton swab or cotton ball dipped in saline solution or a mild antibacterial soap to clean both piercing holes, including the navel area.
• Gently rotate the jewelry four times after cleaning the wound.
• You can make your own saline solution by dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water.
• Continue cleaning the piercing and surrounding skin 1-2 times daily until redness, swelling, and discharge, which commonly occur after a belly button piercing, subside.

Clean the piercing during each shower. Even after the belly button piercing has healed, maintaining regular hygiene remains crucial. It's advisable to shower rather than take a bath, as bath water can harbor bacteria that may infect the piercing site.

• Avoid using towels or loofahs to clean the piercing. These materials can harbor bacteria and may catch on the jewelry, causing irritation to the wound.
• Use a mild soap to cleanse both piercing holes, the belly button, and the surrounding skin.
• Rinse off the soap thoroughly with the showerhead.

Avoid letting bodily fluids contact the piercing. One common irritant and source of infection for belly button piercings is bodily fluids, whether from yourself or others. Be cautious not to let saliva, sweat, or other bodily fluids touch the belly button or the surrounding area.

• When sweating, it's essential to clean the piercing site as soon as possible.

Avoid soaking in water. Do not swim in lakes, hot tubs, or pools, or take long baths until your piercing has healed or is no longer infected. Even a well-maintained pool with treated water can contain bacteria that could cause infection or prolong the healing process.

Follow proper wound care instructions. After getting the piercing, the professional will provide instructions on how to clean the piercing and ensure the wound heals quickly. Be sure to follow all of their advice and note it down if you're worried about forgetting.

• If you notice any signs of discomfort or infection at the piercing site, contact the piercing studio and ask for guidance on how to address the issue.

Avoid contact sports for 2 weeks. Pierced belly buttons are especially sensitive during the initial weeks. During this crucial recovery phase, refrain from any body-contact activities, especially intense exercises that may hinder healing.

• Avoid team sports like football or basketball until the wound has fully healed.
• Refrain from high-intensity stretching exercises, such as rock climbing or yoga, for the next two weeks.

Wear loose clothing. Even minimal friction or rubbing can irritate the belly button piercing. While the wound is still healing or infected, it is essential to wear loose clothing that won't constantly rub or press against the piercing.

Try to sleep on your back. To prevent irritation of the belly button piercing during sleep, it's recommended to lie on your back. Sleeping on your side is acceptable, but avoid sleeping on your stomach.

Don’t play with the belly button piercing. Constantly touching the piercing can cause irritation or even lead to infection. Be especially cautious not to absentmindedly poke or twist the jewelry.

• Before adjusting the jewelry or touching the piercing for any reason, make sure to wash your hands first.

Recognizing the Signs of Infection. The skin around the piercing site may appear red, tender, and/or swollen for a few weeks after piercing. However, if these symptoms persist for more than three weeks, it could indicate an infection. Similarly, yellowish discharge is typical during the first week after getting a belly button piercing, but if the discharge continues, turns green, or contains blood, it may be a sign of infection.

• Other signs of infection include excessive crusting around one or both holes, persistent pain or tenderness when touched, sensitive skin, visible piercing holes through the skin, or loose jewelry that moves or falls out.
• If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to consult a doctor.

Disinfecting the Wound with Salt Water Gauze. Using salt water is an effective method for cleaning and disinfecting a belly button piercing, helping to reduce pain or inflammation caused by infection. Dissolve ¼ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water at a safe temperature. Soak a cotton ball or clean gauze pad in the solution, then lie back and place the salt water gauze on your belly button for 10 minutes.

• Apply the treatment twice a day to kill bacteria and reduce swelling.
• Afterward, dry the area with a disposable item like a paper towel. Alternatively, you can use clean gauze or a cloth towel.

Avoid Removing Jewelry or Using Antibiotic Ointments. While it may seem tempting to do so, removing your jewelry or applying antibiotic ointment can actually slow down the healing process. Taking out the jewelry could lead to other complications, and using ointments may trap bacteria inside the piercing hole.

Consider Using Complementary Treatments. Tea tree oil, aloe vera, white vinegar, and chamomile tea are believed to have anti-infective properties. While saltwater rinses are the recommended method for disinfecting the piercing site, these additional treatments may also help reduce inflammation and infection symptoms.

• Aloe vera gel can soothe irritated piercings and prevent scarring. It’s available at most pharmacies.

Consult a Doctor for Severe Infections. Home remedies might not be sufficient for treating a persistent infection. If you have an infection that lasts more than a week, make an appointment with your doctor for a proper examination.

• If your belly button is swelling, is extremely painful, or continues to bleed or discharge, seek medical attention as soon as possible.