The inflamed belly button and infected belly button ring are considered to be a common problem which arises as a result of the belly button piercing. Again, the belly button piercings are one of the most popular forms of body art.
In case a professional does the piercing with the help of the right needle then, it can result in a clean environment or otherwise, it may cause infected belly button piercing. The leading causes of the bacterial infections after the piercings are again the poor aftercare and also unsanitary conditions.
So, one should be well aware of the infected belly button piercing symptoms and what causes belly button infection. It can usually take about six weeks to two years for the complete healing of a belly button piercing. You are also at risk for infection at that time. Even, sometimes, the infection can be caused by an injury to an old piercing.
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What Does An Infected Belly Button Piercing Look Like?
An infected belly button piercing is technically a healing wound and so, it may be red, sore or irritated. Also, a severe infection can result in swelling, fever or intense pain.
So, it can be a bit challenging to keep a belly button piercing irritation free and clean when there tends to be friction from the clothing. This makes the belly button piercing more prone to the infection than piercings in other areas.
Belly Button Infection Symptoms
Usually, the red skin around the piercing could indicate an infection.
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of an infected belly button piercing include:
- A Fever
- Bright red skin present around the piercing or red streaks coming from it
- A burning sensation or intense pain at the site
- A swollen bump present near the piercing
- Discharge from the piercing area which may smell bad
Distinguishing between the signs of infection and also regular healing can be considered to be much difficult. Also, swelling and pain right after a piercing are very common. Along with that, it is very much important to monitor how it exactly symptoms changes.
In case the symptoms like pain steadily improve, the piercing is healing normally. Especially after a period of few or no infection, if a particular person suddenly experiences new symptoms, then, it can signal an infection.
Choose Carefully
You always need to choose carefully in order to prevent an infected belly button piercing.
Along with that, you also need to follow the below-given steps such as:
- The piercer is involved in using sterile instruments.
- The shop is clean.
- The piercer is registered with the APP or the Association of Professional Piercers.
Following these particular tips always helps to ensure that you are protected from any kind of the infections which are related to the infected belly button.
How To Treat An Infected Belly Button Piercing?
If you are finding the best ways on how to treat an infected belly button, then you will most probably get your answer from this section. Here are given several steps which are needed to be followed in order to perfectly treat an infected belly button piercing.
1. Keep The Piercing Hole Open
It is advised to keep the piercing hole open if you suspect an infection. Also, you do not need to remove the jewelry on your own unless advised by the doctor. Most of the piercings also does not need to be removed in order to treat infections.
Generally, the pus is allowed to drain by keeping the piercing hole open. This can allow the hole to close which may trap the infection inside of your body and thereby, causing an abscess to form.
2. Clean The Piercing
Proper cleaning of the piercing is always recommended as it helps in the prevention and treatment of an infection. Many of the experts also recommend cleaning of the piercing no more than twice every day. But, if you are not aware of how to clean an infected belly button piercing, then here are given some important tips in this regards.
All you need is to use a saltwater mixture which consists of 1/2 teaspoon sea salt per 1 cup of water. Again, this helps to remove any of the dried healing secretions mainly followed by water cleansing, mild and gentle antibacterial soap.
Apart from that, you can also consider using either one of these cleansing methods. You should not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol as these can also irritate the area present around the piercing and also dry out your skin. Also, remember washing of your hands with the help of antibacterial soap.
After that, you can use a cotton swab and your cleaning solution to gently wipe the area around the ring and also the belly button. Lastly, you should pat the area dry with the help of a clean towel.
3. Use A Warm Compress
All you need is to place a warm compress generally on the infected area. This can again help the pus drain and thereby, causing the swelling to go down. First of all, you need to get a compress like a warm washcloth with your cleaning solution.
After that, place the compress on the piercing. Finally, gentle drying of the area is recommended with the help of a clean towel after using the wet cloth.
4. Apply An Antibacterial Cream
Minor infections can often be cleared up by using an antibacterial cream but not an ointment. Ointments are considered to be greasy and may block oxygen from getting to the wound and thereby complicating the process of healing.
In this regard, you can also consider buying over the counter antibacterial cream like Neosporin but, there is always the risk for the allergic irritation of the skin with the help of this kind of product. You can also carefully clean the piercing site in case you do not have allergy an allergy with the over the counter antibiotic cream. After that, you should carefully clean the piercing site and finally, following the directions are given.
Conclusion
So, the above discussed are considered to be the best ways to treat an infected belly button piercing at home. In order to reduce the infection, you always need to follow the above-given ways which contribute to treating an infected belly button piercing. You also need to contact your doctor immediately in case you experience any of the significant signs of infection such as nausea or fever. Ever, minor infections also sometimes get worse without proper treatment.
