It’s normal for a white or yellow-colored fluid (not pus) to ooze from your new piercing. This may form a crust that can itch or feel tight. Try not to pick at it, since that will cause the area to bleed. This crust will come off on its own as your piercing heals.
Herein, how do you treat an infected piercing?
Gently pat dry the affected area with clean gauze or a tissue. Then apply a small amount of an over-the-counter antibiotic cream (Neosporin, bacitracin, others), as directed on the product label. Turn the piercing jewelry a few times to prevent it from sticking to the skin.
Then, what percentage of belly button piercings get infected?
CHICAGO (CBS) — A Northwestern University research survey at has turned up data showing around 20 percent of all body piercings end up with infections.
What does a infected belly button piercing look like?
Signs of infection include: severe swelling with pain and redness. yellow, green, gray, or brown discharge that has an odor. red lines that radiate from the piercing site.
Is my belly piercing infected or healing?
If symptoms, such as pain, steadily improve, the piercing is probably healing normally. If a person suddenly experiences new symptoms, especially after a period of few or no symptoms, this can signal an infection.
Should I take my piercing out if it’s infected?
When to remove a piercing
If a new piercing is infected, it is best not to remove the earring. Removing the piercing can allow the wound to close, trapping the infection within the skin. For this reason, it is advisable not to remove an earring from an infected ear unless advised by a doctor or professional piercer.
Can a piercing infection go away on its own?
Minor pierced ear infections can be treated at home. With proper care, most will clear up in 1 to 2 weeks.
What saline solution is good for piercings?
Make sure you look for a solution that has no preservatives and is labeled as an “iso-tonic saline” or “0.9% sterile solution.” Avoid saline solutions that are meant to be used for nasal irrigation and contact lens solution, as they contain preservatives that could irritate your piercing.
Is belly button infection serious?
If your belly button is “leaking” clear or colored discharge or blood, you may have a bacterial, fungal, or yeast infection. Crusty skin, strong odor, itching, and redness are also signs of infection. If discharge and crust stick around after you wash your belly button, you should see your doctor.
How do I know if my belly button piercing is rejecting?
Symptoms of piercing rejection
- The jewelry has noticeably moved from its original place.
- The amount of tissue between the entrance and exit holes gets thinner (there should be at least a quarter inch of tissue between holes).
- The entrance and exit holes increase in size.
- The jewelry starts to hang or droop differently.
Why does my belly button smell like death?
Even if you don’t develop a yeast infection, the accumulation of sweat, dirt, dead skin cells, and lint can cause your bellybutton to smell. Omphaloliths. As dead skin cells and sebum — the oil secreted by your skin — accumulate in your bellybutton, they can form an omphalolith over time.
Can I clean my belly button piercing with alcohol?
Clean the piercing
Follow with a mild antibacterial soap and water cleansing. … Pat the area dry with a clean towel. Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can dry out your skin and irritate the area around the piercing.
How can I treat an infected belly button at home?
For an infection
- Remove the jewelry.
- Soak a cotton ball in a mixture of antimicrobial soap and warm water, and gently wash your belly button with it. Try to keep the area clean and dry at all times.
- Avoid wearing tight clothing because it can irritate the affected area.
How do you treat an infected belly button piercing when pregnant?
Watch for infection
If you have minor tearing or injury to your belly button due to stretching of your skin, washing the area with warm water and antibacterial soap can help prevent an infection. You can also apply a topical antibacterial ointment to the skin.
