You took the step, bit your lip and braced yourself for the pain. Moments later, you had a shiny new jewel that sparkled from your belly button. You’ve got your belly button pierced and now you’re ready to get on with your life and show it off at the club or by the pool. Unfortunately, there is a problem. It is red, it hurts and it is somewhat swollen. He’s not quite ready for his debut, but don’t worry, he’s only a few days old. To get the most out of your new piercing, it is important to take care of it. Just follow these easy steps and you’ll be looking sexy in no time showing off your new belly.
New Navel Piercing Care:
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Keep clean:
It is important to keep piercings clean and there is no exception when it comes to belly buttons. Your belly button, although often covered by clothing, can still collect bacteria. Clean your belly button piercing twice a day to keep it bacteria free. Be sure to use an antibacterial soap to rid the area of harmful germs that can cause an infection. While cleaning twice a day is a good rule of thumb, your lifestyle may require a little more cleaning. If you participate in any of the following activities or activities similar to, be sure to clean your piercing when you are done:
- Spending time in a hot tub or pool.
- Working out
- Engage in sexual activities
- Participate in labor-intensive activities. Handsome
- Working in a kitchen
- Use a sea salt soak:
The healing process for a belly button ring can be extremely long (6 to 12 months), but you can help speed up the healing process by soaking the area in a mixture of sea salts and distilled water. You can buy the pre-made soaks offered at many piercing stores, or you can make your own in a pinch using sea salt and distilled water. Use this soak 3-4 times a day for about 5-10 minutes. Keep this up until the piercing heals.
(Note: Professional piercers suggest using a mixture of sea salt and water that is similar to your body. Get a gallon jug of water and add sea salt until you can taste it. Add little by little until it tastes like salt is self-evident – remember to keep track of how much salt you are adding so you can re-mix if needed).
- Try not to touch:
It is new and exciting and there is something inside of you that draws you to touch your new navel piercing. Unfortunately, this is an impulse that should remain unsatisfied. The more you touch your piercing, the more it will irritate it and the more likely it is to transfer harmful bacteria from your hands to your sensitive belly button. If you have to touch it, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with an antibacterial soap.
- Ask an expert:
Some pain, discomfort, blood, and discharge are common with new piercings; however, if you experience any or all of those things in excess, don’t hesitate to call or visit your piercer right away. If you feel like something is not right, prevention is better than cure.
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