Making the decision on whether to pierce your bellybutton is a big deal. You should evaluate many factors before getting the piercing, including how long it takes to heal, your current lifestyle and what type of clothing you wear. Once you've decided to get your belly button pierced, find a clean piercing salon that has experienced professionals to do the job. Make sure that they use clean tools and good hygiene--such as wearing gloves while piercing you.
What to Wear
You want to allow easy access to your belly button on piercing day. Wear loose fitting pants or shorts that sit low on your waist. Additionally, a loose top that does not hug your waist will keep fabric from irritating your new piercing. Loose clothing will be most beneficial after you get your piercing, as your belly button will surely be sensitive.
Proper Care and Hygiene
Proper care and hygiene is very important. According to the Center for Young Women's Health, once you have gotten your belly button pierced, it can take anywhere from four to 12 months to fully heal. Treat your new piercing as an open wound, and clean it twice daily. Always wash your hands before handling your piercing, and try to keep it dry from sweat and damp clothing.You should use warm water and antibacterial soap to wash your piercing two times per day. You'll then need to pat it dry with a paper towel, or simply let it air dry. Do not use rubbing alcohol to clean your piercing, as it prevents the wound from healing.
If the piercing forms a crust or scab, simply apply a warm solution of water and salt with a cotton swab and let it sit for two to five minutes to remove the crust, and then pat dry with a paper towel.
Try to avoid swimming pools and hot tubs when possible, as these places are often a breeding ground for bacteria. If you choose to swim or soak in a hot tub, cover your piercing with an antibacterial bandage until it is fully healed. Also, clean it immediately after you are finished swimming.
Choose loose fitting clothing, such as shorts or pants that sit low on your waist. Wearing too high of a waistband can cause you to catch your naval ring on your clothing and you could tear or injure your naval. After your piercing is fully healed, you can choose from a large variety of belly button jewelry. Be sure to pick high-quality jewelry, preferably ones that don't contain nickel, as it is a common skin irritant.
Pregnant women should use care when wearing belly button rings. Once the skin around your abdomen begins to stretch, you should remove it to prevent tearing it out by accident.
Teengrowth.com says you should call your doctor if you notice worsening redness or swelling, red streaks, oozing or bleeding, or a thick yellow or green discharge from the piercing site.
Have patience and use caution while letting your belly button piercing heal. By following just a few rules, you'll reduce the chance of infection.
Member Comments