A navel piercing infection occurs when harmful bacteria enter the open wound created by the piercing, leading to a localized immune response. This condition is distinct from the normal irritation that accompanies the healing process, which can take up to a year. This guide provides clear advice on how to identify a true infection and the appropriate steps to take for treatment, including when medical intervention is necessary.
Recognizing a Piercing Infection
A new piercing site will naturally experience some redness, minor swelling, and tenderness for a few days following the procedure. It is also common to see a small amount of clear or pale yellow fluid that dries into a crust around the jewelry. These are signs of the body’s normal inflammatory response as it works to heal the fistula, or piercing channel.
A true bacterial infection presents with more severe and persistent symptoms that worsen over time. Definitive signs include intense, throbbing pain and swelling that extends far beyond the immediate piercing site, often accompanied by the area feeling warm to the touch. The most telling sign is the presence of thick, foul-smelling discharge that is typically yellow, green, or brown, indicating a buildup of pus.
Should You Remove the Piercing?
The immediate urge to remove the jewelry from an infected piercing is a common reaction, but it is advised against unless a medical professional instructs otherwise. The jewelry serves a function by keeping the channel open, allowing the infection, pus, and discharge to drain freely.
If the jewelry is removed, the entrance and exit points can quickly close over, sealing the infection within the tissue. This can lead to an abscess, which is a painful pocket of pus requiring surgical drainage. Therefore, the jewelry should be left in place to maintain an open pathway for drainage while the infection is being treated.
At-Home Treatment for Mild Infections
Minor infections that do not involve systemic symptoms can often be managed effectively at home while keeping the jewelry in place. The first step involves keeping the area clean, which should be done with a sterile saline solution, not a homemade salt mixture, once or twice daily. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before touching the area to prevent introducing more bacteria.
To apply the saline, gently soak the area or use a clean cotton pad to clean around the jewelry without twisting or turning it, which can further irritate the healing tissue. After cleaning, the area should be patted dry with a clean paper towel, as cloth towels can harbor bacteria. Avoid using harsh chemicals such as rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or antibacterial ointments, as these products can damage the healing skin cells and trap bacteria, slowing down recovery. Applying a warm compress can also help encourage localized blood flow and promote the drainage of pus.
When to Consult a Doctor
While minor infections respond well to home care, certain symptoms indicate that the infection is more serious and requires professional medical attention. Seek a doctor immediately if you develop a fever or chills, as this suggests the infection may be spreading throughout the body.
Other serious warning signs include red streaks radiating outward from the piercing site, which may indicate lymphangitis. Extreme swelling that is rapidly increasing, or pain that is debilitating, also warrants an urgent medical visit. If the piercing does not show improvement after 48 hours of consistent home care, consult a doctor for a potential prescription for oral antibiotics.