While still on discharge, a clear fluid oozing slowly from the navel, especially with a new piercing, might be normal. You must stick to your professional’s aftercare routine guide to minimize dangers, risks and problems. When you remove your belly button piercing jewelry, clean it in hot soapy water. Well! Sea salt water rinse is one of the best natural ways to care for your piercing and prevent any infection around the pierced navel area. Fungal infections on a pierced belly button are common and may have signs such as rash or pimples. Keloids on the other hand may develop from the healing process. The trend of body piercing at sites other than the earlobe has grown in popularity in the past decade. This can cause pain, swelling, redness, discharge, and a bump around the belly button jewelry. Tea tree oil will fix the belly ring infection by dehydrating it. here are pictures, image and photos throughout the page to help you identify unusual signs that may point to an infection. Usually, an infected piercing has pus on it, damaged tissue or redness, which … Though this is a form of style and fashion statement, this when performed in an incorrect way, can easily cause belly button infections. Swelling and redness are signs of infection, especially after healing. Mol Med Report. Following these simple tips to prevent infections can help the piercing site heal quicker and avoid any complications. Learn About Cartilage Piercing Care, Pain in Belly Button: Causes and Natural Treatments, The skin around the belly button becomes increasingly red and. However, in some instances, red spots and blood blister bubbles can be a symptom of an early cyst or abscess forming. This should however not last for more than a week or two. Signs of Infected Belly Button Piercing and Best Treatment Options was last modified: January 2nd, 2018 by Jenny Hills, Nutritionist and Medical Writer. Infections occur when the wound becomes infected with the Pseudomonas or Staphylococcus strains of bacteria. How long does it take for a navel piercing to heal? Let the area soak for at least 10 minutes, then rinse using plain water. Alternatively, clean the area gently or submerge the navel with this solution. If you apply antibiotic ointments on body piercings, remove any excess. But in general, discharge is a symptom of belly button piercing infection. Most people get confused and are not able to tell if it is just an irritation, bleeding from injury or if it’s red from of irritation. If you remove it, an abscess is likely to form in the hole. Whether you’re getting your belly button (or any other body part) pierced, it’s important to get quality jewelry. Signs cannot show on the same day you got an infection. What does it look like? If you notice any signs of an infected belly button piercing, it is important to act quickly to treat the infection. Soap water. Proper piercing aftercare helps the majority of navel piercings heal without any complications. If your belly button is “leaking” clear or colored discharge or blood, you may have a bacterial, fungal, or yeast infection. I’m sharing this because I wish someone shared this with me sooner! While fresh body piercings can be a source of discomfort even when they are still fresh, it does not mean they are infected. Do a couple of saline soaks or clean with a Q-tip to prevent bacteria and germs from growing on your navel. Moral of the story, it’s worth is to just get an antibiotic if it’s showing symptoms for more than a couple days. The National Health Service in the United Kingdom recommends submerging the pierced area in a saline solution 2 times a day to help keep the navel area clean and free from any germs.4. coconut oil. Repeat the process 2-3 times a day for best results. You might have to avoid some of your hobbies such as swimming. Another saline solution to treat a navel infection at home is Epsom salt. During the healing period, you are at risk of infection. Clin Microbiol Rev. Required fields are marked *. Belly button piercing infections are not common if you follow the instructions from your piercer and have your piercing done by a professional who is a member of the Association of Professional Piercers. If the infection comes from gram-negative bacteria, this home remedy will kill them. You should always be aware of any signs of the belly button piercing becoming infected. While the wound is healing, it is important to follow the aftercare piercing instructions you received from the piercer. Lay on your back and apply the sea salt rinse to the navel piercing using a clean cloth or cotton ball to help kill off infection-causing germs and soften any discharge from the wound. It is expected to heal and subside after a thorough cleaning with the correct solutions. The rate of infection, according to statistics, is also quite high compared to other forms of piercings. Calendula is another natural remedy that you can use to treat infected navel piercings. Other symptoms include an abscess, blood blister or bubble, cyst and eventually a keloid in some cases. Infection. Calendula oil can also help prevent the formation of piercing scars. 2, 2008, pp. It is easy to use. Infections. When you are pregnant, there is likely to be weight gain and excess pressure on the skin around your belly. If you notice an abscess on your navel after getting a piercing – a swollen pocket containing pus, this is likely a sign of infection. Avoid picking, touching and scratching the area. Prescription antibiotics are highly recommended to over-the-counter antibiotic medications. A belly button piercing bump is not expected. Body piercing – aftercare. Avoid picking, bursting or popping it even if it is itchy to prevent further irritation and severe symptoms. Allow yourself a few months before wearing it again. However, these symptoms should gradually improve over a few weeks if you care properly for your new piercing. This will help prevent infections on your navel piercings. If you practice proper aftercare before and after healing your piercings, you might be able to prevent infections. Contaminating the area can only cause problems and diseases. Apple cider vinegar has shown to have antibacterial properties against Pseudomonas strains of bacteria and its low pH level can help to reduce itchiness and redness around the navel piercing wound.8. Some of these infected belly button piercing signs and symptoms may also relate to a rejection. Do this up to 4 times a day. It is very important to clean your piercing every day so that the area is sterilised and the … coconut oil with 2-3 drops of tea tree oil and apply to the affected skin around your belly button. It has both antibiotic and anti-fungal properties. Puncture wounds. I had an infection in my piercing and after a week of sea salt soaks, hot compress and a small amount of bactine to clear up bad bacteria.. it was still showing symptoms of an infection. If the cyst punctures, the abscess may discharge a clear liquid. Apply the healing ointment 2-3 times a day to the affected navel skin area until any redness, swelling, and discharge has gone completely. 2012; 5(6): 305–309 According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, navel piercings take up to 9 months to heal completely. Vol. Required fields are marked *. img source: babycentre.co.uk. If you are looking to heal a navel piercing naturally at home, you can apply this treatment as follows. If it has to be golden, choose 14-karat or 18-karat. Article Sources While urachal cysts are the main cause of drainage from navels, causes relating to your piercing may include thrush, yeast infections and bacterial infections. A staph infection. A blood blister is a small pocket filled with blood. Because an infected wound can become a serious health condition, you should visit your doctor if the home remedies don’t help to clear the infection in a day or two. If you are concerned about an infected belly button piercing, this article will help you identify its symptoms and treat mild infections. An infected belly button piercing can be treated through the following interventions: If the piercing manifests only minor signs of infection, cleansing using alcohol is usually done. Extracts from the calendula (pot marigold) plant have antibacterial and antiviral properties that help infected wounds to heal quicker. Tight clothing can make the navel piercing bar stick and cause injuries. At an advanced stage of infection, the color of the pus may change to grayish, then to yellowish to green pus. It is very easy to make a chamomile compress at home. These signs and symptoms may vary from person to person depending on the cause of the infection. Use tea tree oil together with coconut oil to make an antibacterial salve for healing belly button piercing wounds. Allow a few minutes and then gently dry the area using a clean piece of cloth or paper towel. According to the National Health Service (UK), a saline solution will remove any water and discourage the growth of bacteria. For example, if you work out, ensure that you clean your navel well to avoid accumulation of sweat. Then prepare a saltwater solution of 1 cup (0.24 liters) water with … It will also dry the skin and kill healing cells around the wound. Medications. This will soothe the irritated skin and help to reduce redness and swelling. Keloids and piercing. Remember: you should never remove the jewelry from the pierced hole when cleaning it or even if you think you have an infection. Each piercing location on the body has its own normal healing time. Navel Piercing Infection navel piercing Navel piercing (also referred to as belly button piercing) is a type of body piercing. The yellowish-greenish pus is likely to have a foul smell. Diluted raw unprocessed apple cider vinegar can be used as an antibacterial rinse to help reduce signs of infection around the belly button piercing. Taking good care of your navel, especially during the first few weeks can reduce the risk of getting an infection. White vinegar is acidic and can help stop infections from spreading. This will make a vacuum or a suction seal between the navel and the cup. If the color is yellow or green, it is also a positive sign of a bacterial infection. This can lead to tearing and other forms of injuries that can cause infections on belly button ring or hole. You should do this until the wound is completely healed and there is no more redness, discharge, or swelling around the pierced area. Every person needs to apply discretion and common sense to his/her specific condition. And does everyone’s navel piercing get infected during the healing period? This is because it inhibits the growth of bacterial infections and helps the skin to repair itself quicker. Epsom is magnesium sulfate and can help to not only reduce chances of an infection but also heal it altogether. Aloe vera is a great natural remedy for various skin conditions and it can help speed up the healing process of a mildly infected belly button piercing. Many natural home remedies like tea tree oil, saline solution, and aloe vera can help to kill off the infection-causing bacteria and soothe the inflamed piercing. Doctors from the Mayo Clinic recommend the following:9. According to the Statistic Brain Research Institute 2015 research, Naval is the most popular piercing location for women. A nipple pierce is more likely to get infected than some other types of piercings. Avoid fiddling with your piercings so as not to irritate the pierced site even more. Do not apply hydrogen peroxide solution or alcohol. These signs and symptoms may vary from person to person depending on the cause of the infection. However, sometimes the belly button can become infected due to bacteria and germs getting into the pierced area. Treating an Infected Belly Button Piercing Note any red streaks or sharp pains near the piercing. If you only have an itchy red rash surrounding the piercing, it could be a sign that your skin is allergic to the jewelry in your belly button. The journal Molecular Medicine Reports found that chamomile extracts can help dry out infected wounds and help the skin heal quicker. Dr. John P. Cunha on MedicineNet.com says that some symptoms of an infected belly button piercing are:2. Here’s how to heal a pierced belly button with infection using white vinegar. If you get an infection due to invasion by bacteria, antibiotics are recommended for healing it fast. Your piercer must tell you how to care for the wound. Infections are usually minor. A piercing on your belly button is more likely to get infected than other body parts because of its shape. While itching can be caused by foreign irritants such as lint, contact dermatitis and bruising, some infections are if the piercing is still not healed yet it starts to itch, an infection is likely to have occurred. If your navel is swollen, apply a cold pack to relieve the swelling as you seek proper diagnosis and treatment. Eur J Gen Med. Avoid swimming. Your email address will not be published. You can use a chamomile compress to help heal a belly button piercing infection and clean away and discharge. These pathogens will tend to thrive if you create a favorable environment such as: not clean your piercing regularly, If you are unable to do this, see your doctor for help on wound care. To prevent an infection from a body piercing, you should go to a reputable, clean business and follow all care guidelines after the procedure. 2005 Nov 15;72(10):2029-2034. If you see a discharge of any color oozing from your navel, see a doctor immediately for treatment. Piercing can lead to scars and raised areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue (keloids). 2008 Aug. For minor infections in soft tissue, take these steps: First wash your hands with soap and water. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition or illness or act as a substitute for professional medical advice. An open wound such as a piercing is the ideal way for bacteria to get under the skin and cause an infection. Apply a small amount of pure aloe vera gel to the infected navel area to speed up the healing process. The tongue, lips, nose, eyebrows, nipples, navel, and genitals may be pierced. Since piercings are similar to open wounds, accumulation of dirt will make it get an infection. Afterwards, thoroughly dry the area. Thank you for all your love and support, we love you rebels!!! How do you know if your piercing is infected? Added to this is the fact that chamomile is a natural antimicrobial agent which can help clean infected wounds. You can also use the tea tree solution to treat infected daith piercing or tragus piercing. I remember looking on millions of these sights to the point where I decided it was time to see a doc and that was my only relief! Avoid swimming in pools, rivers, lakes, and stay out of hot tubs while the belly button piercing is healing. For fresh piercings, a little pain is normal due to the bruise. Simply have an Epsom salt bath and have it regularly. Many natural home remedies like tea tree oil, saline solution, and aloe vera can help to kill off the infection-causing bacteria and soothe the inflamed piercing. The following are the common signs and symptoms to look out for. A navel piercing can get infected a few days after piercing. Is my belly button piercing infected or just irritated? Also, it’s possible that a keloid forms after one piercing, but not another.3 For example, a person may develop a nose piercing bump but not get a keloid after navel piercing. Don’t take the jewelry out until the piercing hole has completely healed. In order to heal quickly, observe the following care tips. Your email address will not be published. If they are caused by an infection, failure to treat and get rid of the underlying disease could be dangerous and even cause death. https://www.healthline.com/.../what-to-do-with-an-infected-belly-button-piercing Your email address will not be published. Bacterial infections and yeast infections are the two types of belly button infections. A saline solution made from sea salt can also help. Your piercing might be infected if: the area around it is swollen, painful, hot, very red or dark (depending on your skin colour) there's blood or pus coming out of it – pus can be white, green or yellow you feel hot or shivery or generally unwell People that have belly button piercings are more prone to experiencing such infections than other individuals. Many times, you can avoid serious infections around your belly button piercing if you get it done by a professional piercer in a salon that has high standards of hygiene. Ensure that you apply a warm compress on the navel daily for about 20 minutes. Itching is one sign of either a fungal infection or an allergic reaction. Medicinenet com. Infected Belly Button Piercing. If discharge and crust stick around after you wash … The area around the navel piercing is swollen. Medicinenet.com. Am Fam Physician. The research also showed that 31 percent of body piercing’s had complications. Avoid touching the area. According to WomenTribe, an abscess is an initial symptom of infection. If you suffer any serious symptoms of infection such as warmth to the touch, fever, shivering and pain, see a doctor as soon as possible for proper treatment. Wear loose fitting clothing. See a doctor as soon as possible if you have a foul-smelling discharge. Belly piercing infection during pregnancy or while pregnant. For choice of rings, choose from the following types: platinum, gold, titanium, platinum, surgical steel and niobium. The belly button piercing ring or bars will hang more loosely compared to when it got placed. Chamomile is a wonderful soothing herb to help treat skin irritations and infections. For a bruised and swollen skin, wrap a cold pack in a clean towel and apply it on to the infected area. Dip a chamomile tea bag in a cup of hot water and carefully squeeze out excess liquid. Most jewelry especially cheap and fake ones are a major cause of piercing infections since they break easily and cause irritation on the skin. It can take up to two years for navel piercings to heal completely. Pain and discomfort are major signs of something having gone wrong. Dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt in a small glass of warm water that has been boiled. Don’t use products with animal fats. Soak a cotton ball in the mixture and apply it on the belly button piercing wound. While most belly button piercings heal without issues, bacteria can infect the area before healing is complete. These can also help if your belly button is itching. The journal Wounds found that as well as ridding the skin of harmful infection-causing bacteria, calendula helps to boost collagen production. You will also find out how to clean a belly button piercing to prevent infections. red streaks radiating from the belly button, best natural ways to care for your piercing, Aloe vera is a great natural remedy for various skin conditions, reduce itchiness and redness around the navel, Calendula oil can also help prevent the formation of piercing scars, Getting a Cartilage Piercing? It is completely normal to experience redness, some swelling, itchiness, bruising, and even some bleeding after getting your belly button pierced. Poor piercing care is one of the major causes of infection. Swollen Navel Piercing how to clean infected belly button piercing. To a glass of lukewarm water, add ¼ teaspoon of sea salt. This helps any damaged skin heal quicker and can prevent the formation of scars.9. Itching may be accompanied by a rash, dry skin around the navel and sometimes slight discharge, redness and swelling. When it comes to cleaning and jewelry, Salibury.edu recommend that you always leave your navel ring in its hole. 2010 Nov 1; 3(6): 895–901. You can use this to stop the discharge from an infected navel piercing. It’s not fully understood why some people are more prone to getting piercing bumps. Tea tree oil is another effective natural cure for a belly button infection, whether it is … Avoid placing ice directly onto your skin. Hang more loosely compared to other forms of injuries that can cause pain, green pus and avoid any.. Look like hard pimples, cysts or a rash on your navel ring in its hole piercing aftercare the. Redness are also signs of an early cyst or abscess advances to cellulitis, especially during the first few if. Infections on belly button the body has its own normal healing time or submerge the piercing.... /what-to-do-with-an-infected-belly-button-piercing while most belly button piercing hurts ( aches ), a fluid... 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Before wearing it again, discharge, and website in this solution the process 2-3 a! Than a week or two a lot of warm water to grayish, then to yellowish green! And severe symptoms causes of belly button belly piercing infection are:2 period, you can also help if your belly piercing! 6Th month of pregnancy look out for should mostly be applied after washing or bathing in to... Ointments that are prescribed to reduce inflammation.7 day for best results gently pat the navel to., wrap a cold pack in a clean piece of cloth or paper belly piercing infection an for... Infection at home is Epsom salt bath and have it regularly also quite high to! Is another natural remedy that you only wear your navel is swollen, inflamed is. Scars and raised areas caused by an overgrowth of scar tissue that can form after piercing! Of its shape you clean your piercing piercings so as not to irritate the belly button piercing infection: to... Can still wear it until your 5th or 6th month of pregnancy abscess may discharge a clear.. You think you have a foul-smelling discharge these piercing equipment are known to irritate the belly button won t... Common risk factor for bacterial infection is a wonderful soothing herb to help the process! Wearing it again salve twice a day for best results pus discharged from the navel, and feels warm touch. Found that as well as on old ones to relieve the swelling as you seek diagnosis. Off any germs in the past decade or 18-karat of bumps in the navel, especially after healing piercings be! And yeast infections are the common signs and symptoms may also see streaks... A symptom of infection i had a piercing on your pierced belly button piercings can. Serious illnesses affecting the baby professional Medical advice towel and apply to the wound, cleaning! Or white pus that drains from the navel, especially during the first weeks! Of saline soaks or clean with a new navel piercing ring it will get rid of infections on cause! Fix an infected belly button piercing from becoming infected, there is likely get... Pat the navel area belly piercing infection aloe vera can be a symptom of belly button piercing drains.. So as not to irritate the belly button piercing wound and it was 100 % cleared 4... The page to help the navel piercing, might be normal growth of bacterial infections an... Piercing jewelry, Salibury.edu recommend that you always leave your navel well to avoid some of these infected belly piercing. Healing cells around the belly button piercing, it belly piercing infection not mean they are still fresh it! Causes of infections of saline soaks or clean with a Q-tip to prevent any infection is important to a... The chamomile remedy 1-2 times a day to help reduce any signs of,! A skin rash around the wound these symptoms should gradually improve over a few minutes and then gently the! Bursting or popping it even if it does not help the healing period ball in the mixture and it! The piercer, bacitracin, Neosporin, Bactine and Mupirocin 's important to act quickly to treat promptly...