How to take care of your Belly Button Piercing

There's all sorts of advice around out there about taking care of your belly button ring piercing. Here is your list of must-do's to take care of your piercing, so you can enjoy it!

by S Bern

Clean the piercing at least twice a day until it has healed.

Do this as follows:

* Always wash your hands with soap and water (or antibacterial soap) before cleaning

* Removing crusty skin from the piercing and from the jewellery with warm water

* Gently wash the piercing with a saline solution (sea salt mixed with water) or antibacterial soap

* Gently rinse the area to remove the solution or soap

* Gently dry the area with a paper towel (do not use cloth towels as these may contain bacteria)

* Do not over wash or scrub as this can irritate the piercing

Check your jewelry while cleaning it to see if any parts have come loose.

* Do not use alcohol or peroxide or any other strong solution as this will cause irritation and/or discolour the jewellery

* Do not let anyone touch the piercing until it is healed

* Unless you are cleaning the piercing, then do not touch it!!

* Avoid taking baths, take showers instead to avoid sitting in bacteria.

* Do not use hot tubs, swimming pools, lakes, seas as these are breeding grounds for bacteria.

* Always clean the piercing after exercise or playing sport as bacteria love damp moist spots.

* Do not use antibacterial cream as these trap bacteria.

* Always wear clean loose clothing while the piercing is healing to allow the air to circulate around the piercing. Clothing should be made of soft fabric and should not cling or rub the piercing. Avoid jeans, leotards, belts, body suits and tights until the piercing is healed.

* Change your bed sheets once a week to help avoid infection.

* Do NOT attempt to change the piercing during the healing process. When you get it pierced ask the piercer how long you need to wait before you can.

* Always look out for signs of belly ring infection; bad smell, discharge, redness, soreness, swelling, rash around the piercing. If you think you have an infected belly ring always go and see your doctor.

Be careful with your belly button ring piercing - it will take time to heal and for you to get used to it.

But most of all, the better you take care of it, the more you can enjoy it!