Before we dive into the tips, let’s first understand the healing process of a belly button piercing. After the needle pierces your skin, your body responds by sending white blood cells to the site to fight off any bacteria. The body also produces lymph fluid to promote healing. During the healing process, you may experience swelling, redness, and a bit of pain.
Now, let’s move on to the tips:
1. Clean it with saline solution
Saline solution is the best way to clean your belly button piercing. It’s gentle on the skin and helps to eliminate any bacteria that may cause an infection. You can buy a readymade saline solution from the drugstore, or you can make it at home by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of salt in 8 oz. of warm water. Gently dab the saline solution onto your piercing using a cotton ball or a clean cloth. Do this twice a day.
2. Don’t touch it
As tempting as it may be to touch your piercing, avoid doing so. Your hands carry a lot of bacteria, and touching the piercing can introduce bacteria to the site. If you must touch your piercing, always wash your hands with soap and water first.
3. Avoid swimming in public pools or hot tubs
Swimming in public pools or hot tubs can increase your risk of infection. These areas are often teeming with bacteria and other microorganisms that can enter your piercing and cause an infection. It’s advisable to avoid swimming for at least two weeks after getting your piercing.
4. Don’t wear tight clothing
Wearing tight-fitting clothing can irritate your piercing and slow down the healing process. Opt for loose-fitting clothes instead. This will ensure that the piercing gets enough air circulation, which promotes faster healing.
5. Don’t change your jewelry too soon
Changing your jewelry too soon can cause trauma to the piercing and delay the healing process. You should wait at least six weeks before switching out your jewelry. When replacing the jewelry, choose a high-quality piece made from materials like surgical steel, titanium, or 14k gold.
6. Don’t use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
Alcohol and hydrogen peroxide are too harsh for an open wound. They can dry out the skin around the piercing and delay the healing process. These solutions can also kill the good bacteria that help in the healing process.
To sum up, belly button piercing requires patience and good judgment. You can’t rush the healing process, but you can make it easier by taking care of your piercing. Following these tips will help you keep your belly button piercing clean and healthy. Remember to always consult your piercer if you see any signs of infection, such as pus or extreme redness.