Taking care of a newly pierced belly button is crucial to ensure proper healing and minimize the risk of infection. Here are some important tips to follow:
1. Wash Your Hands
Before touching your piercing, it’s essential to wash your hands thoroughly. This helps prevent the transfer of bacteria and reduces the risk of infection.
2. Swab with Saline Solution
To keep your belly button piercing clean, it’s recommended to swab it with a saline solution. This helps kill bacteria and promotes healing. Avoid using harsh cleansers or alcohol, as they can be too drying and irritating.
3. Don’t Overclean
While it’s important to keep your piercing clean, it’s equally important not to overdo it. Cleaning your belly button piercing twice a day is sufficient. Excessive cleaning can disrupt the healing process and irritate the area.
4. Gently Dry the Area
After cleaning your piercing, gently dry the area using a clean, disposable paper product. Avoid using towels or fabric that may harbor bacteria. Pat the area dry instead of rubbing, as rubbing can cause irritation.
5. Leave Crust Alone
It’s common for a new piercing to produce crust or discharge. While it may be tempting to remove it, it’s best to leave it alone. Crust is a natural part of the healing process and helps protect the piercing. Removing it prematurely can cause irritation and delay healing.
6. Avoid Using Unapproved Products
Unless specifically instructed by a doctor or a professional piercer, avoid putting any products on your belly button piercing. This includes ointments, creams, or oils. Stick to saline solution and let your body heal naturally.
7. When to Stop Cleaning
After about a month of cleaning your piercing at least twice a day, you can stop if things are going well. However, if you’ve experienced complications or have any concerns, it’s best to continue cleaning for another week or two.
8. Recommended Antibacterial Soap
When cleaning your belly button piercing, it’s best to use antibacterial soap. Brands like Phisoderm, Bactine, Dial, Lever 2000, or Softsoap are good options. Avoid using perfumed products and dilute the soap with water if irritation occurs.
9. Showering with a New Piercing
While showering, be cautious not to directly soap up your new belly button piercing. Soap can dry out the skin and irritate the piercing. Allow sudsy water to run over the piercing, but clean it exclusively with a saline solution.
10. Changing Your Jewelry
It is not recommended to change your belly button jewelry until your piercing is fully healed, which usually takes 3-6 months. If you do choose to change it earlier, ensure that the new jewelry is sterilized and follow your aftercare routine diligently.
Taking care of a newly pierced belly button requires patience and diligence. By following these guidelines, you can promote proper healing and enjoy your new piercing with minimal complications. Remember, if you have any concerns or experience unusual symptoms, consult a professional piercer or healthcare provider for guidance.