Although belly button piercing is one of the most popular body piercings, it is also one of the most difficult ones to heal. Read the article to know how to care for navel piercing.

Care For Navel Piercing

Belly button piercing is basically painless and can look very flattering when shown off in a bikini or tank top. It is easier to get your navel pierced, but then stringent aftercare is the most important thing. Also, healing a pierced navel can take anywhere from two months to as long as one year for some people. With proper care, your navel piercing can heal faster. Care is also important to avoid infection, migration (the piercing moving in your skin) or it growing out. Read on to know how to care for a pierced belly button.
Image: mmmarilyn@flickr
 
How To Care For A Pierced Belly Button 
  • Wash your piercing twice a day with a soap containing antibacterial properties. Be careful not to overwash it.
  • Dilute some rock salt in boiling water in a small glass. Let the water cool slightly and then lean towards the glass. Put the glass on your stomach and lean back. If done correctly, the glass will seal your stomach and will not leak. Keep it on for 10 minutes and remove.
  • Use a clean tissue to gently dab the navel and dry the water. Do not use a towel or dish cloth as they carry lots of germs. Continue this for 3 to 4 months until the piercing has completely healed.
  • When required to take a bath, use clean water and bathe usually. Do not add any bubble-mixture, strong bath oils or soap in the water.
  • Do not shave any part of your body while in the bath as the small hair can get caught in the piercing. Instead, shave your hair after avoiding wetting your piercing.
  • Avoid wearing big belts as they will put pressure on your piercing and limit the fresh air getting to it.
  • Wear clothes that are lose fitting as tight clothes tend to rub against the piercing and irritate the area.
  • Wear cotton or soft fabrics as they will irritate your skin less.
  • Do not move your navel jewelry around frequently. If you desire to see it, look into the mirror.
  • Remember to sanitize your hands before touching your navel jewelry.
  • Avoid swimming pools and spas. If you must, be sure to clean your navel immediately afterwards with an antibacterial soap.
  • You can also wear a waterproof bandage over a new piercing when swimming in order to avoid bacterial contamination.
  • You can use lavender oil and tea tree oil to speed up the healing of piercing. But, consult your piercing professional before using them.
  • Curved barbells should be used to wear initially after the piercing as they allow for the safest and fastest healing.
  • Replace your belly button piercing jewelry only after the piercing has completely healed which usually takes 6 to 12 months.
  • Select a good quality piece of jewelry for your pierced navel which does not contain nickel to avoid possible allergic reactions.

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