Redness around a belly button piercing is common, and understanding its causes is important for distinguishing between normal healing and a potential issue. This article clarifies why redness might appear and what steps to take.
Understanding Redness: Normal Healing Versus Problem Signs
When new, some degree of redness is a natural part of the body’s healing response. This initial redness is typically mild and localized around the entry and exit points of the piercing. Normal healing also includes minimal swelling, tenderness, and the presence of a clear or whitish-yellow discharge that can form a crust. These symptoms should gradually improve over the long healing period.
However, persistent, spreading, or intensely bright redness can signal a problem. Other concerning signs include increased pain, throbbing, significant warmth, worsening swelling, discolored (yellow, green, gray, brown), thick, or foul-smelling discharge, or fever and chills.
Common Reasons for Redness
Redness beyond normal healing often stems from several common issues.
Irritation
One frequent cause is irritation, which occurs when the piercing experiences physical stress. This can happen from snagging the jewelry on clothing, friction from tight garments, excessive movement, or even sleeping positions that put pressure on the piercing. Constant irritation can hinder the healing process and make the area appear inflamed.
Allergic Reaction
Another reason for redness can be an allergic reaction, often to the jewelry material itself. Nickel is a common allergen found in some jewelry, and sensitivity to it can cause symptoms similar to an infection. An allergic reaction typically presents as an itchy, rash-like redness, sometimes accompanied by dry or flaky skin around the piercing. High-quality materials like surgical steel, titanium, 14K or 18K gold, niobium, and bioplast are less likely to cause such reactions.
Infections
Infections are a more serious cause of redness. They often manifest with pronounced symptoms like severe, spreading redness, significant swelling, warmth, and considerable pain. Pus (yellow, green, or other discolored fluids) is a strong indicator. Red streaks radiating from the piercing or systemic symptoms like fever and chills can also occur.
Migration or Rejection
Less commonly, redness can be a sign of migration or rejection, where the body perceives the jewelry as a foreign object and attempts to push it out. This process can lead to the skin between the piercing holes becoming thin, translucent, or calloused-looking, and the jewelry may appear to hang differently or more of the bar might become visible. Redness, soreness, and an enlarging piercing hole can accompany these changes.
Responding to Redness
For mild redness that aligns with normal healing or slight irritation, home care measures are generally appropriate.
Home Care
Begin by ensuring thorough hand washing before touching the piercing. Clean the area twice daily using a sterile saline wound wash. It is important to avoid homemade salt solutions that are too strong, as they can irritate the piercing, and to avoid harsh chemicals like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide.
Gently pat the area dry with a clean, disposable paper product after cleaning, as cloth towels can harbor bacteria. To minimize irritation, wear loose-fitting clothing that does not rub against the piercing. Avoid excessive movement of the jewelry, and do not rotate or twist it during cleaning.
It is also important not to remove the jewelry prematurely if you suspect an issue, as this can trap an infection. Maintaining good overall hygiene and avoiding submerging the piercing in baths or pools during the initial healing period can help prevent further complications.
When to Seek Professional Help
If the redness is accompanied by signs of infection, such as increased pain, warmth, significant swelling, discolored or foul-smelling discharge, or if you develop a fever or chills, seek professional medical help promptly. A healthcare provider can accurately diagnose the issue and prescribe appropriate treatment, which may include oral antibiotics or topical creams. For suspected allergic reactions or signs of migration/rejection, consulting with a professional piercer can also provide valuable guidance on changing jewelry materials or determining if the piercing needs to be removed.