Avoid playing with the new piercing as much as you can. You may be advised to gently clean the area with a sterile saline solution. Piercings heal from the outside in, meaning that even if you think the piercing is healed, you should give it some extra time, according to Koox Diving. Do Wrangler Jeans Shrink? Neosporin is an antibiotic product that is used to prevent infections and speed up the healing of wounds. Each day, clean the piercing with a mild soap and warm water daily. Last medically reviewed on December 21, 2018. You should be soaking your piercing 2-3 times a day in warm saline water. Wash your hands before handling the piercing, Using disposable products to clean the area. In Swimming: Weird Things Asked About Swimming? When getting instructions from your piercer, one of the things they should tell you is that you should not go swimming with your piercing. You'll most likely find 14- and 16-gauge offered for this style, which hugs the navel and lays outward, so the side of the ring is showing. First, the area will be cleaned, and if you have some hair there, your piercer will most likely shave the area with a disposable razor to allow for a smooth and clean piercing site. Along with making sure to wash your piercing and wait for it to heal, there are a ton of dos and don'ts when it comes to making sure your piercing heals probably (via NHS). By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Wash your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap, and dry them with a disposable towel before touching or washing your piercing. Although they disinfect the area, they do not promote healing. How to Shower in the Locker Room without Feeling Nervous. Copyright Thoughtful Tattoos & Buzzle.com, Inc. As piercers, we tend to be as cautious as we can when it comes to the wellbeing of our clients. But, make sure that you dont forget to follow the instructions mentioned below before stepping inside the pool. If you decide you want to get a better or different piece of jewelry, youre most likely going to have to pay more. Alcohol and peroxide are too drying. Next review due: 8 October 2024, belly button (navel) 6 months to 1 year, it's swollen, painful, hot, very red or dark (depending on your skin colour), there's blood or pus coming from the piercing, which may be white, yellow or green and foul-smelling, Do not use contact lens saline, eye drops or other saline solutions on a body piercing, Do not use homemade salt water solution, as this will be too salty and strong and can affect the healing process, Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial soaps, iodine or any other harsh product, as these can damage cells. How many times should I clean the piercing? This means that it will take time before swimming after you have had a belly button piercing. An autoclave is typically used to sterilize tools that are reusable, such as opening and closing pliers for body jewelry. It's normal for the area to feel sore for a few days after the piercing. Soak the piercing 2-3 times per day in a mixture of warm (not hot) water and non-iodized salt. Wet the area using plain warm water. But the more the aftercare deviates from the recommendations of the artist the lesser the chances of having an easy and successful healing process, she says. That way, its healed and ready to be shown off at the beach, the lake, or by the pool! After the placement is confirmed, the piercer will use a hollow needle to create a hole in the designated location. I need help badly and I really dont want to go to a doctor plus my mom doesnt have time for that and I dont want to stress her out so can you please help me? Considering laser tattoo removal? wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. During this time, the piercing goes through three stages of healing. Do it in your own, clean bath. When having physical activities or exercises, take care to avoid getting the area hurt. Even if you can cover the entire area with a waterproof bandage, swimming at all is not advised by either Brooks or Figueroa unless youve waited at least the minimum healing period. How to Swim? Later on, you can follow the tips so as prevent an infection and enjoy your splash in the pool. By the time this phase comes to an end, the piercing is considered almost healed. It is recommended to avoid swimming with a new belly button piercing, and hence, three weeks is the duration that you need to consider as the time to strictly stay away from the pool. This means six to eight weeks for a simple ear piercing, and up to 6 months for nipple/navel piercings and at least two weeks for a tattoo. While youre at the shop, ask the piercer about their process and the sterilization methods they use. Try pure aloe gel for new piercings. Be sure to wash your hands before cleaning, and dont rotate the piercing! We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Answer (1 of 9): It's all about risk. This is why choosing your piercer is so important. These are yeast and bacterial infections. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Then, its recommended to clean your piercing twice a day with a sterile saline solution. How long does it take for ear piercings to heal? To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Let the establishment be a clean one to minimize the likelihood of infection. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'outdoorfavor_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_3',672,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outdoorfavor_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); There may be some times when its necessary to expose your piercing to water, like taking a shower. Her work can be seen across the web on Backstage Magazine, Merry Jane, Vulture, and more. It is recommended to avoid swimming with a new belly button piercing, and hence, three weeks is the duration that you need to consider as the time to strictly stay away from the pool. When it comes to new piercings and working out, the location of said piercing is the main issue to contend with. Whether youre getting your belly button (or any other body part) pierced, its important to get quality jewelry. You should have the opportunity to confirm the placement or discuss the possibility of piercing a different area. They may contain bacteria that could cause infections on the piercings. Most people know that they should avoid swimming after getting a tattoo, but it's the same for a piercing. Pus is not to be confused with sebum which is a normal secretion. Infections in the belly button are common. An infection can be painful, cause scarring, and increase healing times. The full breakdown, according to NHS, is that ear piercings take six to eight weeks, belly button piercings take six months to a year, and nose piercings take up to six months. Next - you'll want to make sure you are completely healed up before you head back in to get re-pierced. Now put a few drops of antibacterial liquid soap on the belly button. This article has been viewed 159,697 times. (n.d.). Keep it moist with a mild disinfectant such as Bactine. Get the details on how you can lower your chances of developing blisters and other possible side effects. Proper after care though can enhance quick healing. If you're wondering what effects exercise could have on a new tattoo or piercing, you're not alone. Even in case of redness or pus, you must completely avoid swimming. Though sweat doesnt irritate a new piercing, it can still introduce germs and bacteria. While chlorine may be okay for piercings, all the other bacteria in the water may cause you trouble and you can never be sure how balanced the chemical levels are in anyone else's pool, or what else may be in the water. After having a piercing, it's important to keep the area clean and dry. But you might want to slow down and plan your piercings out more strategically. Avoid straining the area and get enough rest. He has good research skills, and thats why you can see why his articles are packed with info that is factual and not readily available. i have a question? Continue with Recommended Cookies. so ideally, you should not swim for 6 months to let it heal to 60 to 100%.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'outdoorfavor_com-banner-1','ezslot_2',668,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outdoorfavor_com-banner-1-0'); These piercings take longer to heal due to the constant movement of the area where the piercing is and the fact that clothing can rub against it nearly all the time. Last Updated: January 29, 2023 Association of Professional Piercers. To keep the piercing tract open, you can replace this jewelry with a piece of safe, inert plastic known as a piercing retainer. At times, there may be movement from stage three to stage two for a number of times before it heals. Your piercer may recommend you do the following during cleaning: If you become pregnant after having your belly button pierced, you dont have to part with your jewelry unless it becomes uncomfortable. Make sure you visit the shop ahead of time so you can get a feel for the place. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Once the hole has been made, they may use forceps to hold the area of skin taut while they insert the jewelry. A belly button piercing, also known as a navel piercing, is a piece of jewelry thats typically inserted through the skin, directly above the belly button. Body Piercing GuideSites, Styles, What to Expect, Healing, and Care, LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES. Choosing to get a piercing is a big decision that requires a lot of aftercare. This practice has expanded to many different areas of the body, including the belly button. With this jewelry, size is everything. Taking a bath with a new piercing is best avoided, if possible; showering is safer and easier. Any kind of trauma no matter how slight is bad for the unhealed piercing. Clean the bath thoroughly first. Read our, How to Change Out a Belly Button Piercing. If the customer chooses another option, we charge [for] the jewelry.. Anything that is in the water is getting into your piercings, and even in the cleanest of pools chlorine is going to hurt your piercing as well, Brooks says. Make sure you clean the area very slowly and thoroughly including the piercing jewelry. JNP. For ear and facial piercings, you can exercise immediately, though Brooks advises you to do so with care, and avoid contact sports. Absolutely do not go swimming in the first month. These will go a long way in preventing infections. Eat healthy and ensure your meals are balanced. To ensure that the area heals properly avoid things that may pull or push the piercing and the jewelry. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. While it may be tempting to relax in the bath for a long time, limit your piercings exposure to soap and chemicals from shampoos or conditioners by only bathing as long as you need to. Remember, a piercing constitutes a wound and its healing during this time. Some studios may even have you pay a separate fee entirely for both the piercing itself and the jewelry. [1] [2] Dirt and oils from your fingers can transfer to your piercing (which is an open wound), and potentially cause an infection. If you've got it done, you must have gotten a [Read More] about Swollen Tongue After Piercing. Taking care of your general health can help you heal faster and reduce your risk for developing complications. Safe piercing: FAQ. 3. During this time you can expect tenderness and swelling. While sweat is naturally produced by the body, and is just a sign of your body taking care of itself, make sure to take a shower after exercising as a clean body tends to be a healthier body. Brooks says. No one is ever prepared for the nastier side of it. This is especially important for people who enjoy high-intensity exercises with contact such as boxing and wrestling.. This will help to prevent infections as piercings can quickly regress if mistreated or not well taken care of. Clean skin piercings. A belly button piercing looks wonderful, and is one most common piercings in the world. You can consult your piercing professional for knowing the right quantity and frequency of application of these essential oils or any other healing ointment. Sabrina Crews is a copy editor and fact checker. The piercing forms scar tissue. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Consider the kind of clothing you wearif you normally wear yoga pants, it might be time for sweats.. So, you can swim after getting a belly button piercing if you take all the measures mentioned in this post however for the best of your well being, I truly recommend that you should not swim at least for a few weeks after the navel piercing but it would be much better that you wait till the complete healing before jumping into a pool, river, or lake.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'outdoorfavor_com-leader-2','ezslot_6',673,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outdoorfavor_com-leader-2-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'outdoorfavor_com-leader-2','ezslot_7',673,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outdoorfavor_com-leader-2-0_1');.leader-2-multi-673{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. 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Before being published contact such as opening and closing pliers for body jewelry piercer their... Clean one to minimize the likelihood of infection you wearif you normally wear yoga pants it... Can consult your piercing the beach, the piercer will use a hollow to! Help us analyze and understand how you use this website times per in. Area very slowly and thoroughly including the piercing, it might be time for sweats means that it take! Hollow needle to create a hole in the world with free how-to resources, and dry them with mild... You wish an autoclave is typically used to prevent infections and speed up the healing wounds... Taking care of the pool pliers for body jewelry or pus, you must gotten. Methods they use bath with a sterile saline solution with this, but you can your piercer is so.! Belly button piercing to new piercings and working out, the piercer use!