A navel piercing is a popular body modification that requires careful consideration of the healing process. Proper aftercare is necessary to prevent complications like infection or jewelry rejection. Since a fresh piercing is essentially an open wound, exposing it to external contaminants introduces bacteria and irritants that disrupt the delicate healing tissue. For this reason, water immersion is prohibited during the initial, most vulnerable phase. Maintaining a clean, dry environment is essential for the piercing’s success.
Timeline for Water Immersion
The healing process involves two distinct stages, each with specific guidelines for water exposure. The initial healing phase, where the puncture channel forms, typically lasts six to eight weeks. During this time, full submersion in any body of water is strictly forbidden because the wound is most susceptible to contamination.
Even after the initial six to eight weeks, the piercing is still maturing and is not fully healed. Full tissue maturation, which indicates the completion of the healing process, often takes six to twelve months. Until the piercing is fully mature, it remains vulnerable to infection and irritation, requiring continued caution.
If swimming is unavoidable before the twelve-month mark, specialized medical-grade waterproof dressings can be used. These adhesive coverings, such as polyurethane film, create a temporary barrier over the piercing site during brief water exposure. This method only reduces the risk, however, and the dressing must be removed and the area cleaned immediately afterward. The safest course of action is waiting until a professional piercer confirms the piercing’s complete maturity before resuming regular, unprotected water activities.
Risks Associated with Specific Water Sources
Swimming with a healing navel piercing is risky because various bodies of water contain contaminants that interfere with tissue repair.
Chlorinated Pools
Chlorinated swimming pools pose a threat primarily from the chemicals themselves, not bacteria. Chlorine and other sanitizing agents can dry out and severely irritate the new tissue. This irritation leads to excessive inflammation and potentially lengthens the overall healing time.
Natural Bodies of Water
Natural bodies of water, such as oceans, lakes, and rivers, carry a much higher risk due to uncontrolled bacterial loads and potential pathogens. Lakes and rivers may contain various microbes, parasites, and runoff contaminants easily introduced into an open wound. While the salt in ocean water might seem beneficial, it is not the sterile saline solution required for aftercare and is often mixed with pollutants and high concentrations of environmental bacteria.
Hot Tubs
Hot tubs present the highest risk of all water sources because their elevated temperatures promote rapid bacterial growth. The warm, turbulent water can harbor large colonies of harmful bacteria, such as Pseudomonas, even if the water has been chemically treated. The combination of heat, moisture, and high bacterial concentration makes hot tubs a serious threat to a healing piercing.
Recognizing and Addressing Water-Related Infections
If a new piercing is accidentally submerged, immediately clean the area thoroughly upon exiting the water. First, rinse the site with clean, running water, followed by an application of sterile saline solution to flush out contaminants. The piercing should then be dried completely with a clean paper towel, and the site monitored closely for adverse reactions.
A water-borne infection presents with several recognizable symptoms that differ from the mild irritation expected during normal healing. If any of these concerning symptoms appear, it is imperative to contact a medical professional immediately.
Signs of Infection
- Persistent and excessive swelling.
- Intense throbbing pain.
- The area feeling hot to the touch.
- Thick discharge that is yellow, green, or foul-smelling.
- Red streaks radiating outward from the piercing site.
- A general feeling of being unwell, fever, or chills.
The jewelry should not be removed by the individual. Taking it out can cause the piercing channel to close, potentially trapping the infection and leading to an abscess.