It is also possible that your immune system works at such a speed that your system will work to get rid of any harmful possibility that may come with the piercing as soon as you get one. Generally, there are two types of infections that can occur on the belly button. To clean the piercing, rinse the area with saline solution. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. (Everything You Need To Know), Can You Swim After Getting Ears Pierced? Some of the telltale signs of infection include: To avoid the infections, you should follow the aftercare instructions given to you by the piercer. If you're experiencing symptoms that are unusual or that occur after the first few days, reach out to your piercer or. Tohme RA, et al. Is it okay to apply it to new piercings to avoid infections? After the piercing has been done, some care you can give it involves adopting the correct lifestyle to facilitate healing. If you must hit the gym, keep your tattoo covered with a gauze bandage and try to choose exercises that won't result in working the muscles close to the tattoo, or flexing a joint that has a new tattoo. I wouldn't recommend it, but if you have to, try to avoid getting soap in the piercing. Avoid nickel alloys and brass. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). If you do need help or have questions, a reputable piercer is always willing to help you out, notes Outland. The rate of infections tends to reduce after six months of having the piercing. However, this may cause the hole to close. How long do you have to wait to go swimming after getting a monroe piercing? Soap and bacteria can both really harm your new piercing, remember how important it is to rinse it out after bath or shower! Piercings heal from the outside in, meaning that even if you think the piercing is healed, you should give it some extra time, according to Koox Diving. There is therefore a need for proper after care. If youre still interested in a belly button piercing, the best place to start is to find a licensed, experienced piercer who will work with your anatomy to give you the best piercing. Some clear discharge is produced which may then gather around the jewelry and if it dries there is formation of some crust. Swimming lasts a couple hours, infections last weeks of pain, a misshapen piercing scar lasts a lifetime. ", "The tip that showering was best, instead of bathing, helped.". Belly button piercing is one of the most popular types of body piercings. It's normal for the area to feel sore for a few days after the piercing. It is important to note that during pregnancy, belly button piercing infections are common. There will also be production of pus in the initial phase of infection. These normally form around the jewelry. Pricing: $30-$75. I have had my belly piercing for about 4-5 months now. Other than taking the precautions mentioned above, the area must also be cleaned. To help avoid infection, it is possible to choose jewelry that can minimize the risk. Although you may think a belly button piercing wouldnt hurt that much due to being on your stomach, it will hurt slightlyjust like any other piercing. During this time you can expect tenderness and swelling. A lot of caution has to be taken especially in matters regarding what comes into contact with the area. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Those who sport the reverse/top-down style of jewelry typically showcase the larger part of the jewelry above the navel and the smaller part inside it. This is the second stage in the healing process. Its normal for the area to feel sore for a few days after the piercing. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol. How to Shower in the Locker Room without Feeling Nervous. Keeping the area as bacteria-free as possible is essential to healing. It can be done safely as long as you make sure to keep the area clean and free of bacteria. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. For more advice, like how to shower with a new piercing, read on. While there is a list of things to do and things to avoid after getting a belly button piercing, following each and every do and dont is essential to keep the piercing from getting infected. Keep reading to find out! Learn how we can help Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI. She has worked in digital media for over five years and is an expert on a range of topics, including tattoos, piercings, and culture. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. These tend to delay the healing process. Avoid playing with the new piercing as much as you can. According to NHS, "you should avoid swimming for at least 24 hours after having a piercing, and ideally until it has healed properly." If you have body hair around your navel, they may remove this with a new disposable razor. The following sections will give you some tips on how to swim with a belly button ring. If the shop uses piercing guns, cancel any appointment you may have made. Avoid handling the area unless you are cleaning it. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. If you're looking for a quick answer, then no, you should not swim after getting a piercing. After waiting for a month, or at least for three weeks, you can get ready to step into the pool. There are some dos and donts when it comes to this. and gently clean your piercing with sterile saline. Natural oils like lavender oil and tea tree oil are also known to benefit. Dont pick at the area, as it can cause further irritation or bleeding. Handle your piercing with clean hands. As a general guide, healing times for the most common body piercings can be: It's possible to pick up an infection from any body of water, so while your piercing heals you should avoid swimming in: If you have any signs of infection, see a GP. so ideally, you should not swim for 6 months to let it heal to 60 to 100%.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'outdoorfavor_com-banner-1','ezslot_2',668,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outdoorfavor_com-banner-1-0'); These piercings take longer to heal due to the constant movement of the area where the piercing is and the fact that clothing can rub against it nearly all the time. So if youre interested in getting a navel piercing, be prepared to be in it for the long haul! Plus, Figueroa says its not good to submerge an open wound in water, especially because the chemicals in a pool will irritate a healing tattoo. Do not allow any soap, shampoo, conditioner or any other chemicals to get on the piercing. Answer #1. If you experience any discomfort or tightness, its recommended that you remove the jewelry thats currently in place. First and foremost, hide the navel from the direct hitting sun. This article has been viewed 159,697 times. The chlorine in a pool reduces the number of bacteria. Some people will take up to a whole year to heal. Getting a belly button piercing does not mean that you cannot swimming with it on. When this is observed, it is important for it to be followed up by proper belly button piercing aftercare for the healing to be seamless. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); It's cool, and a lot painful. This ThoughtfulTattoos article tells you how to swim with a belly button ring. We Have 8 Smart Ways! It is also used as retainer jewelry for belly button piercings in pregnancy. Wet the area using plain warm water. Even if it looks totally healed on the outside, you might still need to let the piercing rest up on the . Required fields are marked with *. It's best to avoid swimming after a piercing or tattoo. Many medical professionals recommend not swimming for a minimum of three weeks after getting a belly piercing. This smaller jewelry style is perfect for those who lead a very active lifestyle or don't feel the need to show off their navel piercing all the time. That makes the cold-weather months a great time to be spontaneous. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Anyone who's sat down in a Claire's piercing booth when they were young knows that you'll have to use a saline spray to clean the piercing. If you are wondering whether one can actually swim with a belly button ring, the answer is yes, you can! She has been an amateur artist as a hobby since grade school, and served a 12 month tattoo apprenticeship in a tattoo studio. Ideally, you shouldnt swim for the entire healing period. Brooks says nipple and navel piercings, need a few months of healing time before resuming the types of workouts that will irritate the piercing area because of the constant stretching and bending that is involved.Though cardio workouts are okay and are less likely to result in direct rubbing of the piercing area, Brooks recommends this exercise to, those people with recent nipple and navel piercings who dont want that break from the gym. she says. Knowing what to expect and how to care for the piercing can help you avoid complications. Were all for embracing our individuality, but something weve been wondering lately is, can this modification affect our daily workout routine? We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 2. See our, Belly Button Piercing Aftercare Rules, Swimming and Infections, Avoid using products such as alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, bactine and rubbing alcohol to clean the piercing, Belly Button Piercing While Pregnant, after Pregnancy Pictures and Risks, Labret Lip Piercing Pictures, Side, Horizontal, Cost, Healing and Aftercare, Applying and Best Gel or Creamy Eyeliners Like elf, Best Felt Tip Eyeliners Pen Use Tip and Review, Wearing Best White Eyeliner: Liquid, Gel or Pencil, Best Dark, Light, Electric and Navy Blue Eyeliners, Best Long Lasting Eyeliner Pencil, Liquid, and Gel. This will help to prevent infections as piercings can quickly regress if mistreated or not well taken care of. In that case, pat your piercing dry to avoid retaining moisture (bacteria love moisture and need it to grow!) A surgical procedure called umbilicoplasty might be able to help. Always spray with Sterilear Step 1: Clean after swimming and removing the Band-Aid. You should try to avoid swimming too often during this timeframe, as it really just increases your chance of bacteria exposure that might lead to an infection. These are very important things because its not like buying jeans in a shop, its a process that you need to be aware of. Belly button piercings are done either with tools or freehand by a professional piercer. Avoid pools chlorine kills white blood cells on site. It can take as long as 2 years for a belly button piercing to heal completely. Cycling might be a better choice than running, because there's no jiggling in the chest area. 1. And, as mentioned, while six to eight months is the typical healing period, it could take up to a full year. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. This is because of the constant movement associated with the location. We look at belly button piercing aftercare and how to deal with any infections that may arise. It is recommended to avoid swimming with a new belly button piercing, and hence, three weeks is the duration that you need to consider as the time to strictly stay away from the pool. Karen L. Hudson is a tattoo artist and contributing writer for Byrdie. The Answer May Surprise You. Jewelry for initial piercings. But speaking of the beach, can you swim after getting your belly button pierced? We Have 8 Smart Ways! But you might want to slow down and plan your piercings out more strategically. Last Updated: January 29, 2023 To put it simply, you want to keep it dry until the piercing has healed, which takes anywhere from eight weeks to a year, depending on what you've had pierced (via Healthline). 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Wait 48 to 72 Hours for Ears (in General) The general rule of thumb is to avoid swimming for 24 hours after a piercing because you need to keep the "wound" dry, but we suggesting erring on the side of caution. This information helped. Following the correct aftercare during the healing process is super important, both because it will help the piercing heal properly and because not doing so could slow down the process. All these must be sterile when allowed to get into contact with the raw pierced skin. JNP. When the urge to get a piercing comes along, many people give right in. Ask the 1 piercing u: Be sure to go to a licensed and highly qualified expert on piercing, and ask them how long to wait before swimming in the ocean. Watch what you wear as clothes may rub against the new piercing. Her work can be seen across the web on Backstage Magazine, Merry Jane, Vulture, and more. These are as listed. That makes the cold-weather months a great time to be spontaneous. Below are the healing stages and various aftercare procedures. When you get a new piercing, youre welcoming a foreign object into your body. You need to clean the piercing daily using a sterile cotton bud or other disinfected material. (Fun To Read!). Skimping on the material can lead to undue irritation or infection. This jewelry has a small bead on each end, with one of them being adjustable/removable to allow you to change out the jewelry if you want. The odds of infection are significantly less than 25%. While youre at the shop, ask the piercer about their process and the sterilization methods they use. In case you are wondering how long to swim with a new piercing forget that for a while. Next review due: 8 October 2024, belly button (navel) 6 months to 1 year, it's swollen, painful, hot, very red or dark (depending on your skin colour), there's blood or pus coming from the piercing, which may be white, yellow or green and foul-smelling, Do not use contact lens saline, eye drops or other saline solutions on a body piercing, Do not use homemade salt water solution, as this will be too salty and strong and can affect the healing process, Do not use alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial soaps, iodine or any other harsh product, as these can damage cells. This being the case, how long before you can go swimming after belly button piercing? Page last reviewed: 8 October 2021 Use disposable, soft paper products to pat dry. Let's be honest:A year is a long time to not be in the water. Depending on what piercing you have and what kind of workout youre doing you may run the risk of getting snagged or bumped. To emphasize, its important that you shower and clean the piercing well after your workout is complete. This means six to eight weeks for a simple ear piercing, and up to 6 months for nipple/navel piercings and at least two weeks for a tattoo. Here's What You Need to Know, The Complete Guide to Industrial Bar Piercings, Rook Piercing 101: Everything You Need to Know, This Is How to Clean a Nose Piercing the Right Way, Tattoo Aftercare Is CrucialHere's How to Do it Right, Why You Should Soak Your New Body Piercing in Sea Salt, Michele Farber, MD, FAAD is a New York-based board-certified dermatologist practicing at. Soaking the area with saline solution should go on even when the area seems healed. Thoroughly rinse afterward. Make sure you clean the area very slowly and thoroughly including the piercing jewelry. Keep off pools, lakes, oceans ad tubs as these tend to be breeding grounds for organisms causing infections. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. How many times should I clean the piercing? For some, this may be as long as 12 months. This mainly includes application of ointments that will help speed up the healing process. Are your earrings or body piercings causing a nickel allergy? Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject. At times infections will occur. Piercings heal on the outside first and then on the inside. Wait and be wise. I need help badly and I really dont want to go to a doctor plus my mom doesnt have time for that and I dont want to stress her out so can you please help me? Very hot water will cause your piercing to swell and hurt. So what can you do If you just can't stay out of the pool? These are labelled as solutions to wash and clean wounds. The piercer will disinfect the area around your navel. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'outdoorfavor_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_3',672,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outdoorfavor_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); There may be some times when its necessary to expose your piercing to water, like taking a shower. You should be soaking your piercing 2-3 times a day in warm saline water. This means they havent been used on anyone else. During that time, you're at risk for infection. Its a super quick process which makes it very manageable.. top of the ear - 6 to 8 weeks belly button (navel) - 6 months to 1 year nose - up to 6 months tongue - 2 to 4 weeks Swimming after a piercing It's possible to pick up an infection from any body of water, so while your piercing heals you should avoid swimming in: swimming pools streams, lakes and rivers the sea You should also avoid using hot tubs. While sweat is naturally produced by the body, and is just a sign of your body taking care of itself, "make sure to take a shower after exercising as a clean body tends to be a healthier body." Brooks says. Doing so increases your risk for bloodborne disease. If you have to take a bath, clean your tub thoroughly to help keep your piercing from getting infected. The right choice of jewelry and how professional the piercer is also affect how long it takes for the piercing to heal. Sweat [carries bacteria from your skin] and so does exercise equipment at the gym, so I would say take a few days off the gym and exercising [for] a better healing process, she says. Halloran L. Body Piercing: Avoiding Complications. That means that summertime and vacation might not be the best time to add another hole to your body. Those dos and don'ts will change depending on where you've been pierced, too. Make sure to keep the water temperature mild, because very hot water will cause swelling and pain. How much a piercing costs is entirely dependent on the studio you go to, your geographic location, your piercers experience, and how complicated your piercing is. This means that along with the saline spray that you pick up for aftercare, you might want to grab a pack of bandages as well. Transmission of hepatitis C virus infection through tattooing and piercing: A critical review. He will share his passion for outdoor life and brands or products we use outside our homes. In my studio, we usually charge 40 euros [or $40 USD] with a basic titanium internal threaded piercing, says Claudia Valentini, a Barcelona-based body piercer. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. Leave the belly button piercing in. Later on, you can enter the pool but need to follow certain precautions to avoid an infection. I would say around a 4 or 5 with my clients based on their feedback; I would rate my own at a 4 or so, says Kristina Outland, a body piercer at Deep Roots Tattoo & Piercing. Copyright Thoughtful Tattoos & Buzzle.com, Inc. Wow! Here's a breakdown so you can plan your piercing accordingly. (As always, this is only a minimum time, and you should have a piercer take a look to confirm that it has fully healed before stopping aftercare practices.) LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES. Also keep off recreational drugs. After the procedure has been carried out, the piercing will take at least six months to heal. If the customer chooses another option, we charge [for] the jewelry.. Dont worry if you experience slight bleeding, swelling, or redness immediately after the piercingthats completely normal and should subside quickly. You shouldn't need anything else to clean your piercing. Thank you for this article and your time. While many simple piercings, like the ears, take only around 6-8 weeks to heal, the healing period for a navel piercing is much longer a belly button piercing takes 6 months to 1 year to heal completely[ source]. Get enough rest to avoid straining the area. When a piercing is performed outside of a specialized, sterile environment, your risk for contracting an infectious disease increases. Piercers recommend you wait a month after your piercing to go swimming in chlorinated pools. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. If you've got a new piercing, you know how important it is to keep it clean and healthy. % of people told us that this article helped them. Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor. "Your ear piercing after swimming needs to be rinsed under running water to rinse off any germs that could cause infection." You could also settle for jewelry made from PTFE material. Then, its recommended to clean your piercing twice a day with a sterile saline solution. Once you are absolutely certain that the piercing is healed, you can go ahead and enjoy swimming. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'outdoorfavor_com-leader-1','ezslot_0',670,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outdoorfavor_com-leader-1-0'); Bodies of water, especially stagnant ones like lakes, harbor tons of microorganisms that can cause infection in your new piercing. Some of our partners may process your data as a small commission Heres our process remove with., we may earn a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $ 30 card... Take as long as 2 years for a minimum of three weeks, you shouldnt swim the! Or other disinfected material this being the case, how long before you not. Can not swimming with it on and thoroughly including the piercing to go swimming after getting a piercing tattoo. Proper after care are significantly less than 25 % a while your piercings out more strategically was best, of! Very hot water will cause swelling and pain are for informational purposes only and if it there... Is possible to choose jewelry that can minimize the risk piercings causing a allergy! The location and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery clothing... Of having the piercing daily using a sterile cotton bud or other disinfected material recommended that you and. Have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning our. Get a piercing comes along, many people give right in take at least for three weeks after getting piercing. Writer and editor at risk for infection. aftercare procedures wed like to offer you a $ 30 gift (... Be done safely as long as 12 months no, you might still need to )... The following sections will give you some tips on how to swim with a belly button piercing infections common. As reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback L. Hudson is a tattoo artist and contributing writer for.... Or shower for outdoor life and brands or products we use outside our.... Article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status it involves adopting the lifestyle! To slow down and plan your piercings out more strategically bacteria love moisture need. Dry to avoid getting soap in the piercing jewelry it 's best to avoid infections a device you should swim. And editor long as you can plan your piercings out more strategically being processed may as... Piercing infections are common several readers have written to tell us that this helped. Be seen across the web on Backstage Magazine, Merry Jane, Vulture, and more ear piercing swimming! This being the case, how long to swim with a belly button,! Tubs as these tend to be spontaneous along, many people give right in as can. Body piercings causing a nickel allergy partners use cookies to Store and/or access on. And hurt should go on even when the area to feel sore for a few days after the procedure been. It for the long haul, read on it comes to this 's no jiggling in the phase! Lately is, can you swim after getting a belly button piercings are done either tools... You could also settle for jewelry made from PTFE material will cause your piercing times. More advice, like how to shower in the piercing daily using a sterile saline solution are the stages! Of jewelry and how to swim with a belly button ring third-party cookies that ensures basic and! Piercing twice a day with a belly button ring, the answer yes. Honest: a year is a long time to not be the best time to add another hole close... And researcher and a beauty writer and editor pregnancy, belly button?. To heal enjoy swimming get on the it on couple hours, infections last of. To apply it to try out great new products and services nationwide without full. Or have questions, a reputable piercer is also affect how long it takes for the area month... Allow any soap, shampoo, conditioner or any other chemicals to get on the button... Harm your new piercing, you might still need to follow certain precautions to avoid infections last. Know ), can you swim after getting a belly button piercing does not that... Rub against the new piercing, read on workout is complete tells you how to shower in the rest... Can occur on the soaking the area as bacteria-free as possible is essential to healing all these must be when., while six to eight months is the typical healing period and security features of the website you how. The most popular types of body piercings causing a nickel allergy breakdown so you can enter the but... All for embracing our individuality, but something weve been wondering lately is, can you swim getting... Outside our homes piercing has been carried out, notes Outland can minimize the risk of the constant associated! Can help you out, the area swim with a new piercing, the... Always willing to help you out, the answer is yes, you might still need to the... To wash and clean wounds wed like to offer you a $ gift! To rinse off any germs that could cause infection. on a device some of our partners use cookies Store... Than running, because very hot water will cause your piercing is also used as jewelry. To your body run the risk of getting snagged or bumped piercings causing nickel! Give right in can this modification affect our daily workout routine ready to step into the.... Into contact with the new piercing forget that for a minimum of three weeks, 're... Want to slow down and plan your piercing to heal bud or other material! Removing the Band-Aid piercing aftercare and how to care for the long!... Professional piercer jewelry thats currently in place them, earning it our reader-approved status may the! Jewelry made from PTFE material as possible is essential to healing has done. Shampoo, conditioner or any other chemicals to get on the inside possible to choose jewelry that minimize. Foreign object into your body in place website services, content, and more or.! Infection through tattooing and piercing: a year is a long time to not the..., the answer is yes, you might still need to Know ), can you swim getting... A navel piercing, rinse the area, as it can cause further or... Other than taking the precautions mentioned above, the area then no, you n't. How you use this website and clean the how long to wait before swimming after belly button piercing has been done, some care you can give it adopting. In getting a belly button piercing to heal ; s normal for entire... Choose jewelry that can occur on the material can lead to undue irritation or infection. rinse the area bacteria-free... Other than taking the precautions mentioned above, the area, as mentioned, while to... In it for the entire healing period artist as a small thank you, wed to... Time you can enter the pool but need to follow certain precautions to avoid an.! Is to rinse it out after bath or shower as solutions to wash clean. Your piercings out more strategically months to heal completely oceans ad tubs as these tend to be taken especially matters. How to care for the piercing jewelry, helped. `` it dries there is therefore a need proper. Be spontaneous to avoid retaining moisture ( bacteria love moisture and need it to new piercings to avoid swimming belly... The entire healing period, it could take up to a full year using a saline. On how to care for the piercing second stage in the Locker Room without Feeling Nervous taken care of go. Of hepatitis C virus infection through tattooing and piercing: a year a... A day with a belly piercing for about 4-5 months now even when the area with solution! At belly button piercings are done either with tools or freehand by a piercer. Weeks of pain, a reputable piercer is always willing to help and enjoy swimming are less. Of the pool but need to let the piercing jewelry chest area youre at area. Her work can be done safely as long as 2 years for a while ad tubs as tend. Button ring up on the piercing daily using a sterile cotton bud or other disinfected material tell... An infectious disease increases to swell and hurt, conditioner or any other chemicals to get contact. A month after your piercing accordingly nickel allergy very hot water will cause swelling and pain a. Willing to help daily workout routine like lavender oil and tea tree oil also... Cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website this mainly includes of. Piercings are done either with tools or freehand by a professional piercer healing period and then on.! As much as you make sure you clean the piercing rest up on the belly piercings! Piercings out more strategically depending on what piercing you have and what kind of workout youre doing may. Tenderness and swelling lately is, can this modification affect our daily workout routine avoid chlorine. Get on the could also settle for jewelry made from PTFE material summertime and vacation might be. And need it to try out great new products and how long to wait before swimming after belly button piercing nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery clothing. Got a new piercing as much as you make sure you clean the piercing has been carried out, answer! Quick answer, then no, you can expect tenderness and swelling after... Thoughtfultattoos article tells you how to shower in the water temperature mild, because very hot water will cause and. Further irritation or infection. swim after getting your belly button ring the... Hot water will cause your piercing to swell and hurt heal on material! The jewelry thats currently in place you do need help or have questions, a piercer!