Navel piercings are a popular form of body modification, but like any wound, they carry a risk of infection. This guide provides practical advice on identifying an infection and properly caring for your piercing to ensure healthy healing.
Recognizing an Infected Navel Piercing
A new navel piercing exhibits some swelling, redness, and clear or off-white discharge that can form a crust around the jewelry. These symptoms improve over time as the piercing heals. Signs of infection, however, are more severe and indicate a bacterial presence.
An infected piercing presents with pain, increased warmth, and spreading redness or red streaks radiating from the site. Discharge may be yellow, green, gray, or brown, and have an unpleasant odor. A swollen bump near the piercing, fever, chills, or upset stomach also indicate infection. If symptoms worsen or appear suddenly after improvement, it suggests an infection rather than normal irritation.
Initial Steps for Home Care
If you suspect an infection, begin home care by thoroughly washing your hands with antibacterial soap to prevent contamination. A sterile saline solution is the recommended cleaning agent. Prepare it by dissolving 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt in one cup (8 ounces) of warm distilled or bottled water.
Clean the infected area twice daily using this saline solution. Soak a clean cotton ball or pad in the solution and apply it to the piercing for 6 to 10 minutes, or use a warm compress. Gently wipe around the piercing and the jewelry with a cotton swab soaked in saline, ensuring no dried discharge remains. After cleaning, gently pat the area dry with a clean paper towel, as cloth towels can harbor bacteria.
Do not remove the jewelry unless specifically advised by a medical professional, as this can trap the infection inside the body, potentially leading to an abscess. Avoid harsh cleaners like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can irritate the skin and delay healing.
When to Seek Professional Help
While home care can address minor infections, certain signs indicate professional medical attention. If symptoms such as pain, redness, or discharge worsen despite consistent home treatment, consult a healthcare provider. Spreading redness, red streaks radiating from the piercing site, or increased swelling and warmth are indicators.
Systemic symptoms, including fever, chills, dizziness, upset stomach, or vomiting, suggest a widespread infection requiring medical evaluation. A doctor can diagnose the infection and may prescribe oral antibiotics or topical antibiotic creams, such as mupirocin, to treat it. Your primary care physician or a dermatologist can assess the situation and provide guidance.
Preventing Future Complications
Consistent aftercare prevents navel piercing complications. Continue cleaning your piercing twice daily with a sterile saline solution, even after initial signs of infection subside, until the piercing is fully healed, which can take 9 to 18 months. Always wash hands thoroughly before touching the piercing to avoid introducing bacteria.
Selecting appropriate clothing minimizes irritation. Opt for clean, loose-fitting garments that don’t rub the piercing, as friction can delay healing and increase infection risk. Avoid swimming in public pools, hot tubs, or lakes during healing, as these can contain infection-causing bacteria. Refrain from twisting or turning the jewelry, as this disrupts healing tissue and introduces bacteria. Adhering to these practices promotes healthy healing and reduces recurrence.