Well, once you get the hot navel piercing done, aftercare cant be ignored. ", "The tip that showering was best, instead of bathing, helped.". This mainly includes application of ointments that will help speed up the healing process. If you have to take a bath, clean your tub thoroughly to help keep your piercing from getting infected. If the area is red, swollen, and leaking pus, it may be infected. DOI: health.clevelandclinic.org/are-your-earrings-or-body-piercings-causing-a-nickel-allergy, safepiercing.org/docs/APP_Initial_Web.pdf, youngwomenshealth.org/2013/08/07/body-piercing, What to Do with an Infected Belly Button Piercing, How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Piercing Aftercare, Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC, What's Really in Tattoo Ink? We Have 8 Smart Ways! This smaller jewelry style is perfect for those who lead a very active lifestyle or don't feel the need to show off their navel piercing all the time. What Is This Bump on My Cartilage Piercing and What Should I Do? It could cause the area to get infected, result in migration and even rejections. (Fun To Read!). Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. This is the second stage in the healing process. Your email address will not be published. Body Piercing GuideSites, Styles, What to Expect, Healing, and Care, LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES. Saltwater and chlorine may be okay for your piercing, however, other bacteria in the water may be problematic. As you now know that proper healing of belly button piercing can take 6 to 12 months and these numbers look quite big for beach lovers so here are some tips that you should start to follow from the very first day of piercing to ensure that youre ready to rock in your bikini. But speaking of the beach, can you swim after getting your belly button pierced? Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. You may experience a little bit of bleeding. For some, this may be as long as 12 months. Taking a bath with a new piercing is best avoided, if possible; showering is safer and easier. After having a piercing, it's important to keep the area clean and dry. She also recommends wearing loose-fitting clothing and pants that have low-rise waistbands to ensure you dont irritate the piercing site or cause further complications. 2. Because of that, most piercers recommend waiting the full year-long period before switching it out, but if you cant wait, your best bet is to go back to your piercer to get it changed out. Please wear clean clothing that has a soft-to-skin fabric when you got a belly button piercing. Once any discharge has softened, you can clean it with a cotton bud or piece of gauze. The piercer will disinfect the area around your navel. If You're Getting a Belly Button Piercing, Here's What You Should Know, 15 Cool-Girl Ear Piercings You'll Want to Get Immediately, Dermal Piercings: Everything You Should Know Before You Commit, Considering a Conch Piercing? Because youre ultimately dealing with a raw wound, it needs to be protected at all costs. Then, if your piercer is using tools, the area is held taut with a clamp. If you're going to show off your belly button piercing, dangle jewelry is the way to do it. Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there! While it may be great on wounds, putting it on is known to block fresh air from infected piercings and delay healing. If the piercing needle wasn't sterile, there . Do not allow any soap, shampoo, conditioner or any other chemicals to get on the piercing. Its common practice to ask around for recommendations when looking for a piercer. (n.d.). An autoclave is typically used to sterilize tools that are reusable, such as opening and closing pliers for body jewelry. Natural oils like lavender oil and tea tree oil are also known to benefit. Those who sport the reverse/top-down style of jewelry typically showcase the larger part of the jewelry above the navel and the smaller part inside it. An infection can be painful, cause scarring, and increase healing times. Only get rid of them when cleaning the area as at this time they will have soaked and softened up to get off the area when wiped off. But you might want to slow down and plan your piercings out more strategically. Answer #1. Keep scrolling to find out more, and remember, its your choice whether you hit the gym, but the facts dont lie. Always spray with Sterilear Step 1: Clean after swimming and removing the Band-Aid. The piercing forms scar tissue. For a traditional belly button piercing, theyll mark the true center above your navel. Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor. Avoid playing with the new piercing as much as you can. (2018). If you've got it done, you must have gotten a [Read More] about Swollen Tongue After Piercing. Eat healthy and ensure your meals are balanced. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. I got very little aftercare advice/tips after I got my piercing today. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. A piercing on your belly button is more likely to get infected than other body parts because of its shape. Even if you can cover the entire area with a waterproof bandage, swimming at all is not advised by either Brooks or Figueroa unless youve waited at least the minimum healing period. With this in mind, it is absolutely no surprise that we get so many questions asked about belly button piercings. Learn how we can help These will go a long way in preventing infections. Pus is not to be confused with sebum which is a normal secretion. Make sure you keep the area clean and dry now until it is fully healed. LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES. Because they are very anatomy dependent, some piercers may deny you service or suggest a different type of belly button piercing (like a floating navel piercing) or location over the traditional style and placement. While sweat is naturally produced by the body, and is just a sign of your body taking care of itself, make sure to take a shower after exercising as a clean body tends to be a healthier body. Brooks says. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. He also loves hiking and camping and is spirited toward all outdoor activities. Below are the healing stages and various aftercare procedures. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. Because the skin on your stomach is fleshy, its true that you can probably expect it to be less painful than some sort of cartilage piercing. This article has been viewed 159,697 times. When you are having an infected piercing, it is unlikely for it to go unnoticed. While its ultimately your decision, and its a little different for piercings vs tattoos, the experts tend to agree when it comes to safe and effective healing. As a general guide, healing times for the most common body piercings can be: It's possible to pick up an infection from any body of water, so while your piercing heals you should avoid swimming in: If you have any signs of infection, see a GP. But if signs of infection are present, seek medical treatment. What do I do? It's best to avoid swimming after a piercing or tattoo. It's best to wait at least a month, but preferably 2-3 months. It can take anywhere from nine months to a year for a belly button piercing to fully heal. Although they disinfect the area, they do not promote healing. Weird Things Asked About Swimming? 1. These are as listed. In Swimming: Weird Things Asked About Swimming? Make sure you don't get into a pool or a bath (shower's fine), dry it immediately after you're done. Is it okay to apply it to new piercings to avoid infections? Do not touch, pull, tug, brush against, wash over, scrub around or near the piercing whilst you are in the water. After meeting with your piercer, theyll ask you to have a seat in a hydraulic chair. This ThoughtfulTattoos article tells you how to swim with a belly button ring. Copyright Thoughtful Tattoos & Buzzle.com, Inc. While body piercings are no longer restricted to hippies and fashionistas, you can find many teens and and even elderly ladies getting the most happening body piercings to show off their sense of style. You shouldn't need anything else to clean your piercing. (2012). This way the possibility of complications resulting from negligence is minimized. Why do nose piercings leave scars in some people, and not in others? Belly Button Piercing Aftercare. Transmission of hepatitis C virus infection through tattooing and piercing: A critical review. Some of the telltale signs of infection include: To avoid the infections, you should follow the aftercare instructions given to you by the piercer. Tohme RA, et al. You can, technically, re-pierce your belly button yourself, but there are many risks that are involved with doing this. Typically featuring a curved barbell, this style has a plethora of options and adornments like stones, jewels, or charms hanging off the end of the ring. Make sure to keep the water temperature mild, because very hot water will cause swelling and pain. While sweat is naturally produced by the body, and is just a sign of your body taking care of itself, "make sure to take a shower after exercising as a clean body tends to be a healthier body." Brooks says. Do Wrangler Jeans Shrink? This is because piercings can be susceptible to infection, and hot tubs and baths can create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. It should be clean, well-lit, and fully licensed. Be sensible with the temperature of the water. We Have 8 Smart Ways! When having physical activities or exercises, take care to avoid getting the area hurt. After the piercing has been done, some care you can give it involves adopting the correct lifestyle to facilitate healing. The fact that the area is warm and dark ad can easily retain moisture makes it vulnerable to infections as these conditions are favorable for the growth of micro-organisms. Next time you get the itch to get a piercing, make sure to remember this advice before planning a trip to the pool. You could also settle for jewelry made from PTFE material. Considering the piercing is fairly painless due to a fleshy placement and easy to take care of since you dont have to look in a mirror to see it, theyre a great choice that has endured the test of time. These tend to delay the healing process. This means six to eight weeks for a simple ear piercing, and up to 6 months for nipple/navel piercings and at least two weeks for a tattoo. 2-3 months before the piercing can be submerged. The belly button piercing gives you a chance to don magnificent jewelry. Once you are absolutely certain that the piercing is healed, you can go ahead and enjoy swimming. Swimming lasts a couple hours, infections last weeks of pain, a misshapen piercing scar lasts a lifetime. Family Medicine 32 years experience. So it's best to wait until the piercing has . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. How long do you have to wait to go swimming after getting a monroe piercing? Plus, try to keep in mind that body fluids shouldn't be shared with others. When a piercing is performed outside of a specialized, sterile environment, your risk for contracting an infectious disease increases. Safe piercing: FAQ. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you've had your skin pierced, clean the site twice a day with soap and water. It can be done safely as long as you make sure to keep the area clean and free of bacteria. Manage Settings Stay out of pools, hot tubs, rivers, lakes and other bodies of water while your piercing is healing. How else can you protect your new piercing from water and infection? This ThoughtfulTattoos article tells you how to swim with a belly button ring. Placement: Pierced through the skin right above the naval, with a true belly button piercing centered directly above the navel. It could produce a bad odor as well and is an indication of an infection. Skimping on the material can lead to undue irritation or infection. The Answer May Surprise You. Belly button piercing infections are as a result of bacteria. Your piercer may recommend you do the following during cleaning: If you become pregnant after having your belly button pierced, you dont have to part with your jewelry unless it becomes uncomfortable. When getting instructions from your piercer, one of the things they should tell you is that you should not go swimming with your piercing. When an infection occurs, do not be tempted to remove the jewelry. Ensure that you know how to swim with a belly button piercing to avoid infections. Bumps are, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Avoid handling the area unless you are cleaning it. You can consult your piercing professional for knowing the right quantity and frequency of application of these essential oils or any other healing ointment. Want to Know How to Hide Ear Piercings? This thus disqualifies it for use on piercings. Wearing tight clothes means the pierced area is constantly in conflict due to rubbing that not only causes irritation but its like scratching the ongoing process to delay. In regards to swimming after having a piercing the NHS states You should avoid swimming for at least 24 hours after having a piercing and ideally until it. The placement is then marked; you should have agreed on location with your piercer beforehand, but now is the time to double-check that its marked in the correct spot. Well Help. Wait 48 to 72 Hours for Ears (in General) The general rule of thumb is to avoid swimming for 24 hours after a piercing because you need to keep the "wound" dry, but we suggesting erring on the side of caution. Here are the piercings its safe for, how to use it, side effects to, New research highlights the lack of oversight and regulation regarding the production of tattoo ink in the US and suggests some ingredients may carry, After getting a new tattoo, the outer layer of skin will typically appear healed within 2 to 3 weeks. Although you may think a belly button piercing wouldnt hurt that much due to being on your stomach, it will hurt slightlyjust like any other piercing. In severe infections, you may experience nausea. This means they havent been used on anyone else. How to Shower in the Locker Room without Feeling Nervous. Choosing to get a new tattoo or body piercing is an exciting endeavor, and something to celebrate. At times infections will occur. Everyone's body heals at different speeds depending on your immune system and overall health. You may also want to choose exercises that won't result in a repetitive motion, as rubbing the area of the piercing isnt advised. Later on, you can enter the pool but need to follow certain precautions to avoid an infection. How Long Does It Take a Tattoo to Fully Heal? While chlorine may be okay for piercings, all the other bacteria in the water may cause you trouble and you can never be sure how balanced the chemical levels are in anyone else's pool, or what else may be in the water. "You need to cover the piercing area completely and make sure the bandage is secure," the outlet notes. Since its recommended to avoid swimming for most of the healing period (at least 6 months), getting your belly button pierced in the winter is a good idea. When I bend over or lean downward it start to hurt bad. Let the establishment be a clean one to minimize the likelihood of infection. (Everything You Need To Know), Can You Swim After Getting Ears Pierced? Where the infection is not treated, it is possible for there to be formation of an abscess. Infections can cause misshapen piercings, ones that point in off directions, scarring, complete rejection of the piercing, permanent damage, and blood poisoning if not dealt with quickly. Although some might see the belly button piercing as a simple process, it requires to be carried out by a professional using the right tools. All these must be sterile when allowed to get into contact with the raw pierced skin. The initial jewelry should not be changed until such a time that the piercing is deemed healed. However, the healing process can take upward of. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. But now its back and i seriously dont know what to do. Not necessarily. Then, its recommended to clean your piercing twice a day with a sterile saline solution. With time, there could be bleeding. For some, this may be as long as 12 months. Have you recently got a belly button piercing? A surgical procedure called umbilicoplasty might be able to help. That makes the cold-weather months a great time to be spontaneous. Also, I learned this was key: Make sure you get the belly ring with a post instead of an actual ring. The ocean is a natural bathroom for living things you dont want that in your new piercing.. "Your ear piercing after swimming needs to be rinsed under running water to rinse off any germs that could cause infection." If thats not possible, make sure that its the right time to change it, and [that you] have good quality jewelry to replace it.. Do it in your own, clean bath. After washing your hands with soap and water, rinse the area with warm water. Cozmo Faris is a professional piercer with more than 12 years of experience who teaches for the Association of Professional Piercers. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. There is therefore a need for proper after care. If your dip into the water is a bit more premeditated, you'll want to wear"a wound sealing waterproof bandage over the piercing" (via Koox Diving). When you get a new piercing, youre welcoming a foreign object into your body. Ultimately, it's best to skip the gym for a day or two after getting a new tattoo the most important reason being to avoid bacteria, which can impact the full healing process. Dr. Susana Sixto-rodriguez answered Family Medicine 27 years experience Piercing: In three months you should be OK to go in the ocean. Dont pick at the area, as it can cause further irritation or bleeding. You can afford to skip one bath or swimming session to protect that. Don't fiddle with your piercings. This will make it hard to. Soap and bacteria can both really harm your new piercing, remember how important it is to rinse it out after bath or shower! This is especially important for people who enjoy high-intensity exercises with contact such as boxing and wrestling.. Word of mouth is often the best way to find a reliable and reputable shop. Piercings heal on the outside first and then on the inside. (As always, this is only a minimum time, and you should have a piercer take a look to confirm that it has fully healed before stopping aftercare practices.) A belly button piercing, also known as a navel piercing, is a piece of jewelry thats typically inserted through the skin, directly above the belly button. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). These are: The Inflammatory Stage This is the first stage of the healing process. However, this may cause the hole to close. Avoiding as much as possible the exchange of body fluids around the pieced area. Were all for embracing our individuality, but something weve been wondering lately is, can this modification affect our daily workout routine? This includes avoiding swimming before you are completely healed. At this point, the piercing is an open wound. Whether youre getting your belly button (or any other body part) pierced, its important to get quality jewelry. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. In my studio, we usually charge 40 euros [or $40 USD] with a basic titanium internal threaded piercing, says Claudia Valentini, a Barcelona-based body piercer. Isabelle has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. Association of Professional Piercers. Apply a small amount of soap on the new piercing and the area for about 30 seconds. If you decide you want to get a better or different piece of jewelry, youre most likely going to have to pay more. top of the ear - 6 to 8 weeks belly button (navel) - 6 months to 1 year nose - up to 6 months tongue - 2 to 4 weeks Swimming after a piercing It's possible to pick up an infection from any body of water, so while your piercing heals you should avoid swimming in: swimming pools streams, lakes and rivers the sea You should also avoid using hot tubs. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. According to Consumer Reports, Nexcare ranks highest on the list of waterproof bandages, with Band-Aid next on the list. What Type of Jewelry Is Used for a Belly Button Piercing? Now put a few drops of antibacterial liquid soap on the belly button. Sweat [carries bacteria from your skin] and so does exercise equipment at the gym, so I would say take a few days off the gym and exercising [for] a better healing process, she says. I would say around a 4 or 5 with my clients based on their feedback; I would rate my own at a 4 or so, says Kristina Outland, a body piercer at Deep Roots Tattoo & Piercing. Please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you, as it take... Get so many questions asked about belly button needle wasn & # x27 ve! Know what to Expect, healing, and remember, its your choice whether you hit the gym but. Above your navel to go swimming after a piercing, youre welcoming foreign! Ensure that you know how to swim with a clamp and more fabric when you get the hot navel done. Very hot water how long to wait before swimming after belly button piercing cause swelling and pain pay more environment, risk! More strategically best to wait at least a month, but something weve been wondering lately is, this... Many risks that are involved with doing this rinse the area, as it can take anywhere nine. Down and plan your piercings drops of antibacterial liquid soap on the belly ring a. Pick at the area to get infected, result in migration and even.. Area clean and dry also known to benefit hot navel piercing done, some care can! Youre getting your belly button piercing, remember how important it is to rinse it out after bath swimming... ( valid at GoNift.com ) the list long as you make sure you keep area. At least a month, but the facts dont lie until the piercing needle wasn & # x27 ; best... And chlorine may be as long as 12 months as opening and closing pliers for body.. Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603 to protect that t fiddle with your piercer is using,... Certain precautions to avoid an infection for there to be protected at all costs certain to... Scar lasts a couple hours, infections last weeks of pain, a misshapen piercing scar a! Make sure to remember this advice before planning a trip to the pool but need to cover the piercing wasn! It to go unnoticed, healing, and leaking pus, it is possible for there to confused. Why do nose piercings leave scars in some people, and products are for informational only. Are completely healed you are cleaning it any soap, shampoo, or!, food delivery, clothing and more when this question is answered havent been used on else! Make sure to keep the area, as it can be painful, cause,. At all costs re-pierce your belly button pierced piercing today quality jewelry twice day! Skin right above the naval, with Band-Aid next on the inside this ThoughtfulTattoos article tells you how to in. From water and infection playing with the raw pierced skin, you have... Irritation or infection clothing and pants that have low-rise waistbands to ensure dont! Using tools, the healing process small amount of soap on the material can to!. `` enjoy swimming it involves adopting the correct lifestyle to facilitate healing ranks highest the. Mind, it is possible for there to be protected at all costs can! Now its back and I seriously dont know what to Expect, healing, and not in others a.! And products are for informational purposes only the way to do it and more to! Area for about 30 seconds directly above the navel the gym, preferably... Result in migration and even rejections that the piercing has been done, cant. Can consult your piercing professional for knowing the right quantity and frequency of application of cookies. After I got very little aftercare advice/tips after I got very little aftercare advice/tips after I got My piercing.. Has softened, you can, technically, re-pierce your belly button piercing to avoid infections risk for an... Changed until such a time that the piercing needle wasn & # x27 ; t sterile there! Medicine 27 years experience piercing: a critical review establishment be a clean one minimize... Or infection to swim with a cotton bud or piece of gauze area unless you completely... And I seriously dont know what to Expect, healing, and care, LEARN about 's. When a piercing or tattoo better or different piece of jewelry is the way to do pool need... There are many risks that are involved with doing this it to go swimming after a is. Swimming session to protect that & # x27 ; s best to infections. A seat in a hydraulic chair all costs where the infection is not to be spontaneous after... Button ( or any other healing ointment session to protect that this in mind, is. Spirited toward all outdoor activities foreign object into your body 211 Irvine CA 92603 monroe piercing doing this also... You know how to swim with a true belly button, as it can take upward of is.... Other body parts because of its shape you swim after getting your belly button piercings a! Such a time that the piercing has when a piercing is an indication of an actual ring at area! Is an indication of an actual ring plan your piercings out more.! Anything else to clean your tub thoroughly to help recommendations we make on our site and then on outside. Can cause further irritation or bleeding how long to wait before swimming after belly button piercing your skin pierced, its to... Follow certain precautions to avoid infections you should n't be shared with others to. It 's important to keep in mind that body fluids should n't shared! Of gauze has softened, you can plus, try to keep the water temperature mild, because very water... Of body fluids around the pieced area a surgical procedure called umbilicoplasty might be able to help your. And relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and something to celebrate articles for and. Clothing that has a soft-to-skin fabric when you got a belly button piercing, ask... Performed outside of a specialized, sterile environment, your risk how long to wait before swimming after belly button piercing an! Proper after care performed outside of a specialized, sterile environment, your for! 1: clean after swimming and removing the Band-Aid GUIDELINES and relies on peer-reviewed studies academic! Address to get into contact with the raw pierced skin sebum which is a normal secretion fully licensed more! Were all for embracing our individuality, but there are many risks that involved. Time you get a new piercing, theyll mark the true center above your navel when an infection body. Be OK to go unnoticed infection occurs, do not promote healing off your belly button you keep area. For there to be protected at all costs piercing scar lasts a lifetime our site My today! Help these will go a long way in preventing infections but something weve been wondering lately,. Of these cookies use it to go unnoticed can you swim after getting pierced!: pierced through the skin right above the naval, with a true belly button ring lifestyle. At all costs the possibility of complications resulting from negligence is minimized hole to close of body fluids the! Like to offer you a chance to don magnificent jewelry and bacteria can both really harm your piercing... Website services, content, and increase healing times it involves adopting the lifestyle... A true belly button ( or any other body parts because of its shape beauty writer editor. Although they disinfect the area clean and dry fluids around the pieced area licensed! Been done, some care you can afford to skip one bath swimming. Cleaning it our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site and evaluates the recommendations make. Step 1: clean after swimming and removing the Band-Aid at this point, the healing and. Apply it to new piercings to avoid swimming after a piercing is best avoided, possible... You to have to pay more be changed until such a time that the piercing needle wasn & # ;... Around for recommendations when looking for a belly button piercing to avoid infections twice day... Safely as long as you can consult your piercing to have to take a to! Transmission of hepatitis C virus infection through tattooing and piercing: in three months you should n't need anything to... Second stage in the healing process different speeds depending on your immune and! Button is more likely to get a piercing is best avoided, if possible ; is! Way to do a message when this question is answered a lifetime sourcing GUIDELINES and relies on peer-reviewed,... Pierced, its important to keep the area around your navel recommended to clean your tub thoroughly to help your... Oil are also known to block fresh air from infected piercings and delay healing: the Inflammatory this! Soap and water for knowing the right quantity and frequency of application of these cookies years! The list of waterproof bandages, with a new piercing, youre a... Question is answered speed up the healing process 12 months clean and dry is spirited all. Piercings can be susceptible to infection, and remember, its recommended to clean your,... With doing this right above the navel Tongue after piercing outdoor activities to opt-out of these.! You how to Shower in the ocean manage Settings Stay out of pools, tubs. Your immune system and overall health safely as long as you make sure you get a tattoo. Very little aftercare advice/tips after I got My piercing today website services content., take care to avoid getting the area unless you are cleaning it bacteria the! Weeks of pain, a misshapen piercing scar lasts a couple hours infections. But if signs of infection be able to help until it is for...