Belly Button Piercings Swimming

The time it takes before you can go swimming with belly button piercings is usually a month after getting pierced. Others will suggest that you stay off pools and spas for about 3 months. Whether you swim in the pool or ocean water, always clean the piercings afterwards.

Covering the Piercings

If you can’t wait for a month to swimming, you can still swim provided there is a cover and it is cleaned afterwards.

Required Materials

Small glass or cup
1/2 teaspoon non-iodized sea salt
Water
Q-tips
Antibacterial soap
Waterproof bandage

Step 1

Put waterproof bandage on the piercings before you go swimming. You can wear it for a month, 3 months or even longer. Those who want to be extra sure can wear bandages for six months.

Step 2

After you swim, dip a Q-tip in clean warm water. Use it to remove any debris around the belly button or piercing area. Clean the belly button and piercing with warm water and antibacterial soap.

Step 3

Boil one-quarter cup of water. Let it cool to room temperature. Mix ½ tsp of non-iodized sea salt in the water.

Step 4

Bend to the waist and put the glass opening over the belly button. Lie back down carefully and keep the salt water on your belly for 15 minutes.

Step 5

Rinse the area and pat it dry. Repeat this every time you go swimming with belly button piercings.

Other Information and Tips

You can wait until the piercing is totally healed before you go swimming. However, this can take anywhere from 3 months, 9 months up to a year. Unless you can wait that long, it is best if you cover the area when you go swimming for a few months.

Swimming in ocean water is all right since it is salt water. Nevertheless as stated, it should still be rinsed off. If you’re going to swim in a pool without bandage covering, cleaning afterwards is necessary.

While getting into the water is all right, you should avoid activities like diving because it puts pressure on the piercing. Aside from the salt solution mentioned earlier, you can also use other disinfectant products. You can also ask the person who pierced you for advice and help.

As you can see, there is no consensus as to when you can go swimming with belly button piercings. Many will follow the one month rule, but if you want to be sure, you can wear the bandage.