Introduction
Belly button piercings have been a popular fashion accessory for many years. It is a beautiful way to express oneself. Belly button piercings require regular cleaning, like every other piercing, as they are prone to irritation and stuffiness. The navel piercing is one of the fashionable forms of body modification. In the article below, we will go over some of the best tips and tricks for cleaning a belly button piercing to prevent and reduce irritation, crusts, and infection.
Step-by-step Method
Cleaning belly button piercings requires saline solution, soap, cotton swab, and water. It is best to use saline solution as it is gentle and non-toxic. Soap should be used sparingly as it can cause dryness. Steps for cleaning a navel piercing:
- Clean hands: Before cleaning, be sure to wash your hands with soapy, warm water. This will prevent contamination and infection.
- Saline Cleaning: Soak cotton swabs in saline solution and clean the area around the piercing. Clean the belly button on both sides, making sure to remove any jewelry.
- Soap Cleaning: Apply some soap onto the cotton swab and gently rub around the piercing’s hole and jewelry. Rinse off gently with enough water, then dry the area.
- Drying: Carefully dry the area around the piercing with a dry cotton ball or a clean towel. Do not run your piercing with clothing or towels as it can irritate the area.
It is essential to take care while cleaning the piercing, avoid tugging, pulling, or twisting the jewelry. Always be gentle as the area is still healing, and rough handling can interfere with the healing process.
Tips and Tricks
Follow the below tips to remove crusts, minimize irritation, and avoid infections.
- To soften the crust that is formed around the piercing, apply saline solution to the piercing for a few moments, after which the crust can be easily removed.
- Wear clothes that promote good ventilation to avoid sweating, which can exacerbate irritation and infection.
- Avoid touching or pulling the piercing and its jewelry. This interferes with the healing process and can introduce bacteria, leading to infection.
- Avoid swimming or soaking in hot tubs until the piercing is completely healed. These environments may increase the risk of developing an infection.
Do’s and Don’ts
To maintain a healthy and healing belly button piercing, follow the below list of Do’s and Don’ts.
Do’s
- Clean your belly button piercing twice daily.
- Use saline solution to prevent and treat infections regularly.
- Clean your hands before and during cleaning and be gentle when handling the piercing.
- Use proper hygiene practices such as wearing clean clothes and washing them regularly.
Don’ts
- Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to clean the piercing. They can dry the skin and cause irritation.
- Avoid using cotton balls that leave fibers behind that can irritate the piercing.
- Don’t remove the piercing before it’s completely healed. It will cause irritation and the hole to close up.
- Don’t over-clean the piercing, it irritates and inflames the area.
Product Review
Below are some of the top cleaning products for belly button piercings.
- NeilMed Piercing Aftercare Fine Mist: A saline spray that is a quick and easy way to clean your piercing. It soothes the skin and helps reduce irritation.
- H2Ocean Piercing Aftercare Spray: A moisturizing spray that also contains healing herbs like jojoba oil and aloe vera. This spray helps reduce irritation and infection, soothes and provides the necessary nutrients to the piercing.
- Dr. Piercing Aftercare Cleanser: This is a non-iodized product that also contains vitamins like A and E to help heal the piercing and inhibit bacterial growth. It dissolves crusts and dirt around the piercing.
- Recovery Piercing Aftercare Sea Salt Spray: This sea salt-based solution contains lavender and chamomile to help calm the skin. It is gentle and aids in the healing process.
Aftercare Advice
It takes about six months to a year for a belly button piercing to heal completely. To avoid complications during this period, follow proper aftercare routine:
- Keep the area around the piercing clean and dry, and minimize irritation.
- Rotate the jewelry at least once daily to prevent its adherence to the skin and prevent infection.
- Avoid public pools, hot tubs, and any water environments that may contain bacteria.
- Avoid perfumed lotions or beauty products, as these may cause irritation or infection.
Real-life Stories
Cleaning a belly button piercing may be challenging, but people have found ways to maintain their piercings and keep clean. Real-life experiences from people can provide tips and inspiration for others.
Conclusion
Getting a belly button piercing is an exciting and stylish way to show your personality. However, to keep the piercing healthy and clean, it is essential to follow proper cleaning and care routines. Use saline solution, soap, cotton swabs, and water to clean the area around the piercing, minimize irritation, and avoid infection. Follow the Do’s and Don’ts, and use good hygiene practices to keep the piercing free from harmful bacteria. The healing process takes about six months to a year, so be patient and follow the tips and tricks to maintain your piercing’s health.
