Navel piercings are a popular form of body modification, but they are a significant wound requiring diligent aftercare. The navel environment is subject to movement, moisture, and friction, resulting in a longer healing period than many other piercings (six to twelve months). Consistent cleaning prevents the accumulation of bacteria and debris, which is paramount to a healthy outcome.
Recommended Cleaning Solutions
The primary cleaning agent recommended for a new navel piercing is a sterile saline solution, often called wound wash. This isotonic solution contains 0.9% sodium chloride, closely mimicking the body’s natural fluid balance. Using a premixed, sterile saline spray ensures the correct concentration and sterility, minimizing the risk of irritation.
The saline solution gently flushes the piercing channel, removing lymph fluid and “crusties” that form during healing. It cleans the site without damaging the delicate, newly forming tissue inside the piercing. Professional associations strongly recommend using commercially prepared sterile saline wound wash, avoiding the overly concentrated or non-sterile mixes that result from homemade salt solutions.
A mild, liquid, fragrance-free soap may be used as a secondary option, strictly for cleaning the skin surrounding the piercing during a shower. If soap is used, it must be gently lathered and rinsed away completely to prevent residue buildup. The focus should remain on using the sterile saline solution directly on the piercing channel, as it is the least disruptive to healing.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Procedures
Before touching the piercing, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water to prevent the transfer of bacteria. A regular cleaning routine should be performed once or twice daily throughout the healing period. This maintains hygiene without over-cleaning, which can cause irritation.
To clean the piercing, spray the sterile saline solution directly onto the entry and exit points, allowing it to saturate the area. For stubborn crusty material, use a clean paper towel or non-woven gauze pad saturated with saline to gently soften and wipe the debris away. Avoid twisting, rotating, or sliding the jewelry, as this action can tear the healing tissue, prolonging healing time and potentially causing irritation bumps.
After cleaning and rinsing, the area must be completely dried to discourage bacterial growth, which thrives in moist environments. Use a fresh, disposable paper product, such as a paper towel or non-woven gauze, to gently pat the piercing dry. Avoid cloth towels because they can harbor bacteria and their fibers can snag on the jewelry.
Products and Practices to Avoid
Many common household antiseptics should never be used on a healing piercing because they are cytotoxic, damaging the cells trying to repair the wound. Products such as hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol are too harsh; they dry out the skin and significantly slow down the natural healing process. Similarly, avoid harsh antibacterial soaps, iodine, and products containing Benzalkonium Chloride (BZK) for being overly drying and irritating.
Topical ointments and creams, including antibiotic preparations, must be avoided as they create a thick barrier over the piercing. This barrier traps moisture, dead skin cells, and bacteria inside the piercing channel, blocking the essential airflow required for healing and potentially leading to infection. Certain practices also hinder recovery, such as unnecessarily touching the jewelry, which introduces bacteria.
During the initial healing phase, avoid submerging the navel piercing in bodies of water, including swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, and baths, as these environments often contain bacteria that can cause infection. Also, avoid wearing tight, restrictive clothing, particularly high-waisted pants or belts. Constant friction and pressure can irritate the piercing, leading to migration or prolonged healing. Finally, resist the urge to change the initial jewelry before the end of the full healing period, as this can damage the delicate internal tissue.