How to Properly Clean a Belly Button Piercing

Swab with saline solution to keep it clean and avoid infection . At least once a day, dab the area with clean gauze or a paper towel soaked with saline solution. You can use a ready-made brand or dissolve 1/8 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm, distilled, or bottled water.

Introduction

Taking care of a belly button piercing is essential to ensure proper healing and prevent infections. In this article, we will discuss the necessary steps to clean and care for a new belly button piercing.

1. Apply Soap and Rinse

To clean your belly button piercing, start by applying a small amount of soap on the new piercing and the surrounding area. Gently massage the soap for about 30 seconds and then thoroughly rinse with water.

2. Soak with Saline Solution

Using a sterile saline solution, soak the belly button piercing for 5 to 10 minutes daily. This helps to keep the area clean and avoid any potential infections.

3. Pat Dry with Disposable Paper Products

After cleaning and soaking the piercing, use disposable, soft paper products to pat dry the area. Avoid using towels or fabrics that may harbor bacteria.

4. Follow Proper Belly Button Piercing Aftercare

In addition to cleaning, it is important to follow proper aftercare steps for a new belly button piercing. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

Wash your hands before touching the piercing to prevent introducing bacteria.
Swab the piercing with a saline solution to keep it clean and minimize the risk of infection.
Avoid excessive cleaning, as it can irritate the piercing.
Gently dry the area with clean, disposable paper products.
Do not remove any crusts that form, as they are a normal part of the healing process.
Avoid applying any products or creams unless specifically instructed by a doctor.

5. Duration of Cleaning

If your belly button piercing is healing well and shows no signs of complications, continue cleaning it for about four weeks. However, if you develop an infection, you may need to clean the piercing for a longer period of time.

6. Avoid Moving the Piercing

After the initial cleaning, avoid moving or playing with the piercing. Moving it around can irritate the piercing and hinder the healing process.

7. Be Cautious with Clothing Choices

When choosing clothing, be mindful of your belly button piercing. Avoid wearing high-waisted jeans, as they can compress the new piercing and potentially cause damage or lengthen the healing time.

8. Showering with a New Piercing

While showering, avoid directly soaping up the new belly button piercing. Instead, let sudsy water run over the piercing and wash it exclusively with a sea salt solution to prevent drying out the skin and irritation.

9. Promote Faster Healing

To promote faster healing, incorporate a daily saline wash into your routine. Soak your piercing in a cup of salt water for 10 minutes, ensuring a suction seal between your belly and the cup.

10. Signs of Healing and Potential Rejection

Keep an eye out for signs of proper healing, such as redness, itchiness, clear discharge, and some discoloration. However, if you notice any symptoms of rejection, such as the jewelry becoming visible under the skin or the piercing hole appearing to get larger, seek professional advice.

By following these steps and guidelines, you can properly clean and care for your belly button piercing, ensuring a healthy healing process and reducing the risk of complications.

FAQ

How often should I clean my belly button piercing?

If you suspect an infection in your belly button piercing, it's time to up your cleaning game. Your piercing should be cleaned twice a day. (That rule holds true whether it's to prevent an infection or to treat one, too.) “You need to commit to keeping your piercing clean from Day 1,” Dr.