Belly button piercing is undoubtedly one of the most popular forms of body modifications. While the practice has been around for centuries, it has gained mainstream popularity in recent years. With its rise in popularity, comes an increased demand for proper knowledge on how to care for the piercing. Proper aftercare helps to prevent infection, promote healing, and ensure that your belly button piercing stays aesthetically appealing. In this guide, we’ll discuss safe and effective methods for cleaning and caring for your belly button piercing at home.
Choosing the Right Cleaning Solution
When it comes to cleaning your belly button piercing, the type of solution you use is essential. While there are numerous cleaning solutions available on the market, not all of them are safe for use on piercings. Selecting the right cleaning solution is critical to ensure that the piercing remains free from infection and irritation.
The best cleaning solution for belly button piercing is saline solution. Saline solution is a mixture of sodium chloride and water. It is a mild solution that does not cause irritation and is suitable for sensitive skin. You can purchase saline solution in sterile bottles from drugstores or make your own. To make homemade saline solution, mix ¼ teaspoon of sea salt with 8 oz. of warm water.
How to Clean Your Belly Button Piercing
Cleaning your belly button piercing is a straightforward process. However, it’s important to exercise caution and take your time to avoid causing additional harm. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean your belly button piercing.
Step 1: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your piercing. Dirty hands can introduce bacteria into the piercing, leading to infections.
Step 2: Soak a cotton ball or swab in saline solution.
Step 3: Place the cotton ball or swab over your piercing. Hold it in place for 5-10 minutes. Doing so helps to soften any crusty or dried discharge around the piercing, making it easier to clean.
Step 4: Gently remove the cotton ball or swab from your piercing. Use a fresh one for each side of the piercing, if applicable.
Step 5: Gently clean the piercing using a clean cotton swab dipped in saline solution. Move the swab gently back and forth over the surface of the piercing to remove any dirt or discharge.
Step 6: Rinse the piercing thoroughly with warm water to remove any excess saline solution.
Caring for Your Belly Button Piercing
In addition to cleaning your belly button piercing, there are other essential steps that you should take to care for the piercing. These steps are essential in promoting healing and preventing infections.
Keep the Area Dry: Keeping the area around your belly button piercing dry is crucial in preventing infections. After taking a shower or bath, dry the piercing thoroughly using a clean towel. Avoid using rough towels or rubbing the piercing vigorously, as this can cause irritation.
Avoid Touching the Piercing: While it may be tempting to touch your piercing frequently, doing so can introduce bacteria into the piercing. Only touch the piercing when necessary, such as during cleaning or changing jewelry.
Don’t Change Your Jewelry Too Soon: Changing your jewelry too soon can cause irritation or damage to the piercing. It is recommended to wait at least six weeks before changing your jewelry.
Avoid Swimming: It’s advisable to avoid swimming, especially in public pools or lakes, until the piercing has healed completely. Swimming can introduce bacteria into the piercing, leading to infections.
Conclusion
Proper cleaning and care for your belly button piercing are essential to ensure that it heals correctly and remains aesthetically appealing. Saline solution is the best cleaning solution, and proper cleaning involves soaking the piercing in the solution for 5-10 minutes, using a clean cotton swab to clean the piercing gently, and rinsing it with warm water. In addition to cleaning, it’s crucial to keep the piercing dry, avoid touching it unnecessarily, and not change your jewelry too soon. If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as swelling, redness, or discharge, consult a professional piercer or healthcare provider immediately.