So, you’ve achieved another body accessory that can help you stand out when wearing crop tops, the belly button piercing. After getting this done, you want to make sure to keep your ring clean and sanitized, as well as the area around the piercing. Not to mention, regular cleaning of the piercing will keep your belly button from getting infected.

Though the irritation and pain may fade as your piercing ages, it’s essential to clean it until it’s fully healed. However, wearers should carefully look after them, mainly during its healing process. Here are some guidelines for a navel piercing aftercare.

Antibacterial Soap and Water

A new belly button piercing needs to be entirely cleaned at least once or twice a day using antibacterial soap. You can also incorporate it with warm water on the shower. To begin with, cup your hand below the piercing and allow warm, clean water to run over it for about two minutes.

However, avoid using unrecommended soap or other cleaners as it can lead to some infection and it might dry the surrounding skin. Take a gentle liquid soap and put a drop into your palm. Scrub it up, then apply the suds to the piercing to prevent infection and to promote the healing effects. This process should be done once or twice a day until the piercing heals.

Don’t Opt for Ointments

When keeping your new piercing clean and healthy, you should avoid applying creams and ointments as it can prevent your piercing from breathing or coming into contact with air. They block the air out and keep the moisture inside the piercing, making it sensitive to potential bacteria.

Though these ointments and creams might be antibacterial, they can generate infection and immensely prevent the healing process. More so, you should also avoid harsh cleansers like rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide. These disinfectants might kill the cells that help recover the punctures of the piercing.

Carefully Clean With Cotton Swabs

Another way to clean your navel piercing is by using a cotton swab. As the piercing heals, it will discharge a white to an off-white fluid. It is a part of the healing process and is ideally healthy. However, this fluid can build-up and lead to crusting around your piercing site.

To get rid of this, wet a cotton swab in clean, warm water and rub away the developed crust from your piercing gently. Remember, don’t pick the crusting off by your fingers as it can lead to infection. If the wearer neglects on cleaning the crusting, it can freeze throughout the ring, causing wounds when the ring moves. It will be painful and can delay the healing process.

Mix Salt and Water

The application of sea salt is yet another excellent option to clean a navel piercing. Keep the surrounding soaked with the mixture of salt and water for about 10 minutes before washing it off with warm water and drying it up entirely.

However, when using this practice, make sure to be careful enough as there is a chance of loose fibers going into the piercing that can end up causing infections. Only use non-iodized salt as it’s known for its superior quality as well as of its healing properties.

Wear Loose Clothing

Though you’re probably excited to display your latest accessory, you have to cover it up, especially on the first few days. You should wear loose, baggy clothing that comfortably hangs and offers your piercing enough space to breathe.

It’s true that your piercing requires oxygen to help its healing, and it can become irritated and slow down the healing process if tight clothes are continually rubbing it. But if you are worried about ripping on your clothes, a vented eye patch can be an excellent option to protect your piercing without reducing its air supply.

Takeaway

Navel accessory is probably the most common piercing for women. Sure, getting a new piercing is an exciting experience. However, to ensure that your piercing stays a pleasant bonus to your appearance, you should keep your body piercing as healthy as it should be.

Thus, to keep your piercing clean, all you have to do a thorough cleaning cycle in its healing process, while also consciously avoiding some irritants that can prevent adequate recovery.

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