How to Care for a Belly Button Piercing

Belly button piercings are very popular and look great. Piercing your belly button is basically painless and can look very flattering when shown off in a bikini or tank top. After you get the piercing, there are certain things that you should do to properly care for it. Read on to learn how to care for a belly button piercing.

Instructions

1. Expect to take special care of the piercing for at least the first four to six months. This will give it enough time to heal.

2. Use an approved metal in your belly button piercing. This will decrease the risk of infection. Good metals to wear include titanium, stainless steel and niobium.

3. Wash your hands before cleaning the piercing. Clean the piercing with warm water or saline solution and antibacterial soap. Use a soft toothbrush to clean any crust on the jewelry. Rinse and dry with a paper towel.

4. Clean all new jewelry before you place it in your naval. This will help reduce the risk of infection.

5. Wear clothes that are loose fitting. Tight clothes will rub against the piercing and irritate the area.

6. Put lavender oil on the piercing once or twice a week. This will help the piercing heal as well as lubricate the area.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't be alarmed if the piercing area is red and releases a white discharge afterwards. This is the body's natural healing process. Call the piercing salon or a doctor if excessive redness or a yellow discharge occurs.

• Don't touch or play with your piercing until it has healed. Only move it when you are cleaning it.

• Don't use alcohol on the belly button piercing. It can cause further irritation.