Infected Belly Button Piercing can make you worry about the cool piece of work that you have done on your body. All the anticipation of wearing the cropped tops goes in vain. The counting of days and the excitement of looking cool gets spoiled with the problem. it is one of the unfortunate side effects that some people have to face with the piercings. So, you need to get smart and look out for the signs that indicate infection. With appropriate action, you can control the situation. You need to understand that a belly button piercing can look bad for the first few days even without the infection. Therefore, you must never worry too much about the complications. You can wait for the first few days and monitor the signs closely. If you suspect the piercing is not healing well, then you need to take action.
Infected belly button piercing can cause several complications that will take the fun out of making you look cool. So, you need to read the article to know the signs and symptoms indicating infection. With proper care and caution, your piercing can heal quickly without any hitch. Read the article ahead to know the steps you can take with the infected belly button piercing to prevent complications or other issues.
What Is Infected Belly Button Piercing?
Getting a belly button is immensely popular among the youngsters. It is the sure shot method to enhance your hotness quotient. Unfortunately, some people experience soreness in the area along with fever or chills. It means you have infected belly button piercing. In most cases, the piercings heal without any complication. But, the bacteria can affect the healing process. So, it results in the infection. Among the different types of piercings, the belly button takes a long time to heal. The healing can take up to nine to twelve months. The piercing is basically a healing wound. Therefore, until it heals, you can experience redness, soreness, and swelling. You need to adopt good hygiene to take care of the piecing from getting infected.
But, the infected belly button piercing is common. It is due to the fact that keeping the area clean is highly challenging. The friction from your clothing or bending can cause irritation. Therefore, it makes the belly button piercing more prone to infection compared to other piercings. The swelling or oozing of the pus from the area indicates infected belly button piercing. Hence, you need to take swift action to avoid further complications.
Signs Of Infected Belly Button Piercing
Piercing the belly button is one of the most common and stylish body art forms. A professional with experience and proficiency can perform it without complication. A clean environment and right needle choice also play an integral part in avoiding infected belly button piercing. But, poor aftercare and unhygienic conditions can trigger a bacterial infection. The use of bad metal can lead to an allergic reaction. An old injury can like the piercing getting caught on the dress can cause infection. In such cases, you can experience the following symptoms:
- Burning sensation at the piercing site
- Intense pain at the navel
- Bright skin or red streaks from the skin around the piercings
- Fevers or chills
- Bad smelling pus/discharge from the site of the piercing
- A swollen bump near the belly button piercing
When you look closely for the infected belly button piercing, you must not confuse it with normal healing symptoms. Therefore, you need to differentiate between regular healing and infection. The most common sign of healing is the pain as well as swelling for a couple of days after getting the piercing. You need to monitor the symptoms closely to detect the change of symptoms. In normal cases, the pain steadily improves. It signifies your normal healing of the piercing. The experiencing of new symptoms after some time indicates infected belly button piercing.
Complications Of Infected Belly Button Piercing
The body piercing itself has a greater risk of transmitting several infections. Without sterile equipment, the chances of getting affected by blood-borne diseases like Hepatitis B, HIV, and Hepatitis C are higher. You also have a greater chance of getting the complication with unsterile jewelry and sharing of piercing needles.
The infected belly button piercing can cause fatal complications. Spreading of the infection to the different organs of your body can result in multi-organ failure. The infections can lead to other health issues that cause you distress and discomfort.
Therefore, you need to choose a licensed and experienced piercer who practices safe piercing. If you suspect unsterile piercing conditions, then you need to get tested for infections. Having a weak immune system also increases your risks of getting infected belly button piercing. So, talk to your doctor before getting any body piercing. People with the following diseases must proceed only after getting clearance from their doctor:
- Cancer Patients
- Diabetes
- HIV
- AIDS
- People with Chronic Illness
Causes Of Infected Belly Button Piercing
Infected belly button piercing can cause pain and severe discomfort. The occurrence of unusual signs or symptoms around the piercing indicates something is wrong. Sometimes, problems other than infections can make you uncomfortable. In such cases, it is better to seek advice from your doctor to overcome the issue. But, you may wonder what leads to the infected belly button piercing. Several causes can result in the infection. The common causes are:
Method Of Belly Button Piercing
The main cause that leads to infection is the method of the piercing. When you opt for body piercing, you must have adequate information about the piercer, his experience, and the method he/she opts. Two types of method are available for the piercings:
- Hollow Needle
- A Piercing Gun
The belly button piercing is the most sensitive and has the risk of tissue damage around the skin at the site. So, the piercer who opts hallow needle has the expertise to perform it well. Piercers opting piercing gun can offer you cheap rates. But, never fall into the trap as the piercing gun can do a lot of damage to your belly button area. It can result in out-of-control infected belly button piercing and expensive doctor’s bills. Ultimately, the much-anticipated body piercing can cause more harm and pain. The piercing gun can introduce tissue and blood into the belly button area. It can trigger infections or other problem. Therefore, it takes a long time to heal. Using the hollow needle is ideal as it reduces the risk of tissue damage. The piercer must wash their hands and use disposable gloves before getting the piercing.
Allergic Reactions
Allergies are another common problem that can result in an infected belly button piercing. The allergy is triggered due to the metal in body jewelry. The cheap type of jewelry containing nickel can trigger an allergic reaction. You need to opt for metals that cause no allergic reaction. It is also good that you opt for smooth jewelry that causes no nicks or bumps. Therefore, it reduces the chances of skin irritation. You can experience an allergic reaction as soon as the jewelry is placed on the piercing the intense reaction can lead to a painful rash or swelling. It starts as a minor one but escalates making it worse. So, you need to opt for the following metals that cause fewer risks.
Titanium
It is the safest metal that causes no risks even for people with sensitive skin. Therefore, it is the hardest material with a layer to fight corrosion. It is the safest option for people with metal allergies.
Niobium
It is a chemically non-reactive metal with high strength and flexibility. So, it is ideal for people with sensitive skin.
Surgical Stainless Steel
It is the cheaper element that is also popular for its use in body jewelry. Most people can tolerate metal. But, it is not safe like titanium. It is not 100% biocompatible like titanium. So, it is not a good choice for people with sensitive skin.
Platinum
Though it is safe for sensitive skin, it has a high price tag. So, people with a limited budget for the body piercing cannot opt for the metal.
Gold
Gold is a beautiful metal that looks great on your body. But, your body can reject the metal. Gold piercing causes no issue once it is placed on a fully healed piercing. Therefore, it is better to use the jewelry after complete healing. Using gold plated jewelry is not advised due to the triggering of an allergic reaction.
Silver
Pure silver causes no allergic reaction. But, a silver blend of jewelry can increase your risk of getting an allergic reaction.
Injuries Leading To Infected Belly Button Piercing
The belly button piercing can in the way of your clothing. So, the catching of the jewelry can lead to tearing or injury of the tissue around the skin. When such an event happens, your piercing can look larger. You also feel immense pain. It can result in slow healing or incorrect healing. Therefore, you need to seek medical advice. It will help you assess the healing. In some cases, you need to redo the piercing to avoid infection.
Skin Disorders
The pain, irritation, and infection can result from skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema. The infected belly button piercing can occur when you have such disorders close to the tissue. Therefore, it results in rash, redness, irritation or peeling. Preexisting skin disorders are triggered by injuries. Skin piercing is one such injury.
People At Risk Of Infected Belly Button Piercing
Some people are more at risk of getting the infected belly button piercing compared to others. So, people coming under the following category need to consult their doctor before getting piercing:
- People having a skin infection in the site of piercing (navel area or belly button)
- Individuals with a weakened immune system
- People with a history of getting an infection after getting body piercing
Therefore, you need to get piercing after medical consultation. Also, make sure to get piercing from a professional with experience and expertise.
Diagnosing Infected Belly Button Piercing
Once you suspect an infection, you need medical assistance immediately. Getting proper treatment for the infected belly button piercing is essential to avoid complications. Your doctor can diagnose the presence of infection from the following:
Physical Examination
The doctor usually checks the site of piercing to check for the symptoms that indicate infection. Sometimes, you may just experience irritation. You need to convey the recent changes you have done to the piercing. So, you need to cover information like the change of cleaning solution or the metal used in jewelry.
Medical History
A weak immune system or skin disorders can lead to the infected belly button piercing. Therefore, your doctor may collect complete medical history to understand the root cause of the problem.
Blood/Skin Test
If your doctor suspects an infection, then your doctor can order for blood or skin test. It can provide conclusive results.
Infected Belly Button Piercing Treatment Options
The infection needs immediate medical treatment to avoid further complications. Sometimes, the infection can spread to other organs and enter the bloodstream. Therefore, it can result in severe problems that can result in death.
Medical Treatment Options
Seek an appointment with your doctor immediately to prevent other health issues.
Antibiotics Treatment
The infection is treated successfully with antibiotics. Depending on the severity of the infection, your doctor recommends the right dose of antibiotics. You need to take the antibiotics till the infection subsides.
Changing Jewelry
At times your doctor may recommend removing of the piercing till the infection heals. Another option is to suggest high-quality metals. It will not irritate the sensitive skin.
Home Care For Infected Belly Button Piercing
You can treat the minor infection at home by taking some simple steps. You can follow the steps to ensure the piercing heals well:
- Always wash your hands before touching the piercing to avoid infection.
- Cleanse the area with the anti-bacterial cleansing solution.
- Apply antibiotic ointment as prescribed to avoid infected belly button piercing
- Never remove the piercing by yourself unless your doctor suggests it.
Tips To Avoid Infected Belly Button Piercing
You need to understand that excellent piercing with good aftercare can avoid infections. So, you can prevent an infected belly button piercing by focusing on the following:
Expert Piercers
Always opt for a licensed piercer with a good reputation for cleaning equipment. The proficient piercer must never reuse the needles and follow the health safety codes completely. The professional must wear disposable gloves before piercing. Therefore, you need to gather information properly about the expertise of the piercer.
High-Quality Jewelry
You need to invest in the high-grade, premium-quality piercing jewelry. Choosing the apt one that causes no allergies will prevent infections.
After Care
Follow the guidelines to keep the piercing clean and infection-free. Touching with clean hands, avoiding kissing the piercing, and maintaining the piercing site clean is essential.
- You need to use saline solution or the diluted solution containing sea salty to clean the piercing.
- Always wash your hands before cleaning.
- Clean the belly button piercing at least 2-3 times a day.
- Submerge the piercing completely in the saline solution for optimal effects.
- Use a Q-tip to remove dried blood, excess crust or other fluids.
Things To Avoid For Preventing Infected Belly Button Piercing
You need to avoid certain things to prevent infection of the belly button piercing. The simple steps can ensure good healing without any complications.
- Never fiddle with the belly button piercing jewelry till it heals to avoid tissue damage.
- Avoid prolonged time in water that immerses your belly button piercing in water. So, avoid swimming for a prolonged period to prevent infection.
- Never over clean the piercing site as it can lead to irritation. Therefore, restrict yourself to cleaning it only two times a day.
- Do not use products like hydrogen peroxide, alcohol or ointment. The products can dry the skin or prevent breathing of the skin. While excess dryness can cause irritation, the excess moisture can trigger bacterial breeding.
- The jewelry you select for the belly button piercing can result in irritation or tissue tearing. It can increase your chances of infected belly button piercing.
- Tanning beds can cause irritation leading to infection. So, avoid it till you heal properly.
Conclusion
Infected belly button piercing takes some time to heal properly. It is an injury that needs proper care and attention. Caring for the piercing site like a wound or injury can reduce the risk of infections and other complications. If you suspect an infection, then you need proper medical attention. So, see a doctor immediately to get quick relief. The proper treatment can reduce the risk of infections. Getting treatment at the right time can increase the likelihood of proper healing. So, you can flaunt your piercing with style without the need for removal.
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