You might be worried about how uncomfortable getting the belly button punctured is. It can be uncomfortable for a short while, but overall, it’s one of the less painful piercings you can receive. The majority of folks said it feels similar to getting a fast injection at the doctor’s office. Preparation. Process the table or other countertops, where you will work, with a disinfectant. Take a shower or at least wash your hands and lower arms with antibacterial soap a few times. If you haven’t taken a shower, wash your navel and around it with soap. Using a Q-tip clean the inside of your navel as well. Apply alcohol to your belly button and the surrounding area.

While this is less common, some individuals with an infected belly button piercing might experience a fever or flu-like symptoms. This suggests that the body is working overtime to combat an invasive infection and shouldn't be taken lightly. Why Infections Happen Right after getting your belly button piercing, it's not uncommon to experience some redness, swelling, and slight pain. This is your body's way of reacting to the new addition.Clean your piercing twice a day. The cleaning instructions listed above can be used to prevent infections, too. Commit to making it a habit. When choosing your jewelry, take your piercer’s advice into consideration as they generally have a better idea about what type of jewelry would suit you best especially when your piercing is still healing. Omphilitis: Omphilitis is a bacterial belly button infection that primarily occurs in newborn infants during the first 4 weeks of their lives (the neonatal period). It can be caused by bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus, group A streptococcus, Escherichia coli, and others. Omphilitis can rapidly progress into a serious and even deadly infection. If you or a caregiver notices symptoms such as abdominal swelling, discharge, or a red rash around your child’s belly button or umbilical stump, seek immediate medical attention.

Before you get any holes in your body, make sure you're feeling good about your piercer. Harris recommends you look for a piercer who will take the time with you, answer your questions, and make you feel comfortable above all else. "Trust your gut," Joshua David Harris, a piercer at 108 Studios, tells POPSUGAR. "If you go into a shop and get weird vibes, go somewhere else. You don't have to do it just because you are there. Your body, your choice." How Much Does a Belly Button Piercing Cost?A belly button piercing requires some long-term dedication. The piercing will need between 9 and 12 months to recover completely.

As we stepped into the 20th century, the piercing started to emerge from the shadows of royalty and exclusivity. The 1950s and 60s saw the rise of the bohemian culture. This article was co-authored by Indy Chabra, MD, PhD. Dr. Indy Chabra is a Board Certified Dermatologist and a Board Certified Mohs Micrographic Surgeon. He is the Founding Member of DMC Dermatology & Mohs based in Tucson, Arizona. With over 15 years of experience, he provides medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care for adult and pediatric patients. Dr. Chabra earned a BS in Chemistry and Biological Sciences and an AB in Economics from Stanford University. He also received his MD and PhD in Microbiology and Genetics from Stony Brook University. He completed his Dermatology residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh. While at UPMC, Dr. Chabra received extensive training in complex Medical Dermatology, hair and nail conditions, Pediatric Dermatology, Cosmetic Dermatology, and Mohs Skin Cancer Surgery. Dr. Chabra is a Fellow of the American Society for Mohs Surgery, a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and a Fellow of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Chabra also provides in-patient Dermatology consults at Tucson Medical Center.And if you have a deviated septum or similar condition, this kind of piercing can hurt even more because your septum nerves can be overactive. Once you're happy, you'll be asked to lay down comfortably on the bed. “Some piercings are clamped [where your skin is held in a clamp to keep it taught] and others are done free hand — it all depends on the skin type,” she adds. An infection can lead to bright red marks or discoloration on your skin. “It’s the sort of change that will be noticeable.” Signs of pus The very cornerstone of effective piercing aftercare is maintaining utmost cleanliness. You might wonder what the best approach to cleaning a fresh piercing is.

Harris says that oftentimes, irritation is confused with infection. "More often than not, piercings become irritated, not infected. If you are having concerns about what is happening with your piercing, it's always best to go see your piercer in person so they see exactly what is going on. Everything is fixable, so there's nothing to stress about if your piercing gets irritated." Your piercer can let you know if you really do have an infection and advise when to see a doctor.

RELATED: 9+ Excellent Nose Piercing Ideas To Look More Stylish Pros Of Belly Button Piercing Excellent Piercing That Can Be Easily Covered If Necessary Although belly button rings are lovely, not everyone likes them. Thankfully, you can simply cover up the piercing if you feel it’s essential. To keep your piercing a secret, for the time being, wear a long blouse or dress. There aren’t many piercings that are as “inconspicuous” as this one. It Is Not As Painful As Other Types Of Piercings I'm a true child of the early 2000s. In the early aughts, you would have 100 percent found me sporting all the most bitchin' trends, from a bedazzled flip phone to micro denim skirts to those Steve Madden platform sandals. And of course, who could forget that most unholy pairing that defined the early 2000s: low-rise jeans and a crop top. Aftercare. Wash your hands and navel with antibacterial soap. Don’t use alcohol or peroxide. Stay away from swimming in pools, rivers or hot baths. Remember that until your new piercing is completely healed (it takes 6-12 months), it serves a direct line to your blood stream. Now your after care routine should include showers with antibacterial soap (once a day), H2Ocean spray or Bactine (twice a day). After shower use salt water soaks – ¼ teaspoon of mineral salt, dissolved in a cup of previously boiled water. Use the solution to spray on your piercing every 2-3 hours or for 10-minute soaks. And secondly, piercings have got way chicer. As a cool Gen Z-er, you will be pleased to hear that 2021 belly button jewellery is much more subtle compared to its ‘00s predecessors. No longer are we talking big, chunky bars — dainty is now the name of the game (with just the right amount of sparkle for all you magpies out there).