Belly button piercing is quite popular in different cultures around the world. It works very much like an ear piercing. The difference is that it takes a lot longer to heal but quickly with no associated complications. However, do take note that navel piercing will usually take less than six months to totally heal. If properly cared for and cleaned, this type of piercing will heal nicely.
No Navel Punctures Involved
The name of this piercing is a bit misleading since you don’t really pierce the actual human navel. Only in very rare circumstances will the actual navel can possibly be pierced, which is when the person requesting the piercing has an outie navel.
Associated with this rare occasion is the urban legend that an infection might continue inward into the human body. As the legend goes, the liver and other organs may get infected as well. This of course is completely baseless, has no basis, and has no evidence of ever happening.
Influence of Pop Culture
One of the reasons why belly button piercing is quite popular nowadays is due to the strong influence of pop culture. In fact, this type of piercing is one of the most popular kinds of piercing in today’s world. Models usually flaunt their navel piercing, which in turn is mimicked by fans and those who would love to go by today’s popular trends. It is also interesting that this type of piercing is very popular among the female population.
Jewelry
When you get your ears pierced, the idea later on is to place a piece of jewelry dangling there. This is also true for belly button piercing. When you get a navel piercing then it is expected that a piece of jewelry will be seen dangling on it. The most common type of jewelry for navel piercing is the barbell, which is basically the first thing you get to wear while waiting for it to heal.
There is a wide variety of jewelry that you can put on your belly button piercing. Pendants, curved barbells, and rings are the more common examples of jewelry you’ll find dangling on a woman’s navel piercing.
Caring for a Belly Button Piercing
One should care for their navel piercing when it is still fresh. You definitely don’t want to get it infected. Avoiding infections will definitely save you a lot of trouble and money. Caring for your new piercing will help it heal faster, giving you more time and options to do other things.
The easiest moments of caring for your new piercing usually occur during the very first week of treatment. However, do take note that your navel piercing will still require some close supervision. Expect the skin to be clear and smooth. As a bit of a warning, never mess around with your piercing.
Remember to remain hygienic all the time. Be sure never to handle your new piercing without washing your hands. Use antibacterial soap if one is available. When you’re done cleaning your belly button piercing you should rinse and dry the piercing as soon as possible.
All jewelry you intend to put into the piercing should first be cleaned and disinfected first. Wear loose clothes for the entire duration that your piercing is healing. Apply some lavender oil on your piercing to help it heal and get some lubrication in the area of the wound. Apply it once or two times in a week if desired.
Tending to an Infection
In case your belly button piercing gets infected you should at least know how to tend to it. One of the first signs that you have an infection is that you will feel pain. It may be or may not be accompanied by swelling. You will also notice some redness in the locality of the piercing. The early signs of an infection will be followed by a release of puss. Given these signs you should seek medical help and treatment.
Treating your piercing will require you to clean the belly button. Next you will have to remove the ring or any other form of jewelry on the piercing. However, if you notice pus is discharged you shouldn’t remove the ring. Doctors can prescribe antibiotics and antiseptic creams to treat the wound. Calling for surgery to remove any abscess is really rare in this treatment.