Why do nose piercings leave scars in some people, and not in others? Have you recently got a belly button piercing? Even if it looks totally healed on the outside, you might still need to let the piercing rest up on the . Have a good day! Later on, you can enter the pool but need to follow certain precautions to avoid an infection. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Minnesota. Most people know that they should avoid swimming after getting a tattoo, but it's the same for a piercing. Since pool water is treated with chlorine, you may think its free of bacteria, but thats not the case. Proper after care though can enhance quick healing. At times, there may be movement from stage three to stage two for a number of times before it heals. You can effectively change out a belly button piercing yourself, but you have to be completely sure that your piercing is fully healed before doing so. 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. When an infection occurs, do not be tempted to remove the jewelry. In very serious infections, it can also be detrimental to your overall health. Infections are pretty easy to treat (u. Since there could be irritation to cleansing products, ensure that a very mild cleanser is used. This removes the risk of picking up an infection from the water in swimming pools, lakes and rivers, and the sea. Tohme RA, et al. Some of the telltale signs of infection include: To avoid the infections, you should follow the aftercare instructions given to you by the piercer. Placement: Pierced through the skin right above the naval, with a true belly button piercing centered directly above the navel. Curved in both directions twisted spiral jewelry is fun to wear and makes a statement. You can also leave the piercing empty. Never go swimming after a new piercing. For ear and facial piercings, you can exercise immediately, though Brooks advises you to do so with care, and avoid contact sports. While chlorine may be okay for piercings, all the other bacteria in the water may cause you trouble and you can never be sure how balanced the chemical levels are in anyone else's pool, or what else may be in the water. After the procedure has been carried out, the piercing will take at least six months to heal. Remember, a piercing constitutes a wound and its healing during this time. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Repeat this step every single time you bathe with a new piercing. The healing of a belly button piercing can go to beyond six months. To ensure that the piercing heals faster and you get to enjoy swimming much sooner, you can follow these tips to accelerate the healing process. This way the possibility of complications resulting from negligence is minimized. He will share his passion for outdoor life and brands or products we use outside our homes. Handle your piercing with clean hands. Use disposable, soft paper products to pat dry. Instead, if you have to use topical treatments settle for water based ointments as these promote air movement. In that case, pat your piercing dry to avoid retaining moisture (bacteria love moisture and need it to grow!) (Unless, of course, you plan to go on a winter vacation.) As you now know that proper healing of belly button piercing can take 6 to 12 months and these numbers look quite big for beach lovers so here are some tips that you should start to follow from the very first day of piercing to ensure that youre ready to rock in your bikini. Stages of a Piercing's Healing Process After the procedure has been carried out, the piercing will take at least six months to heal. Make sure you visit the shop ahead of time so you can get a feel for the place. Not necessarily. Its important to not share needles. This is why choosing your piercer is so important. You should have the opportunity to confirm the placement or discuss the possibility of piercing a different area. Have you recently got a belly button piercing? They may contain bacteria that could cause infections on the piercings. Everyone heals differently, so they may provide you a range. Some infection-causing bacteria can still linger in pools even after treatment, so its not wise to swim in a pool after piercing, either. While it's still healing, it's important to keep the piercing dry as there's a risk of infection. We Have 8 Smart Ways! 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. How to Shower in the Locker Room without Feeling Nervous. If you do need help or have questions, a reputable piercer is always willing to help you out, notes Outland. Wet the area using plain warm water. When it comes to new piercings and working out, the location of said piercing is the main issue to contend with. You may also want to choose exercises that won't result in a repetitive motion, as rubbing the area of the piercing isnt advised. Plus, try to keep in mind that body fluids shouldn't be shared with others. Belly Button Piercings. In Swimming: Weird Things Asked About Swimming? That makes the cold-weather months a great time to be spontaneous. Any initial itchiness and localized tenderness is normal. The typical and most popular jewelry choice for belly button piercings is a curved barbell, which slightly curves outward to pop against your belly button and generally fits better with the natural shape of your body. So now that you know that swimming isnt recommended until your piercing is fully healed, you may want to take a deeper dive into why that is. 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? This is the same kind of infection you are likely to get if you accidentally scratch the area. If you must swim, we recommend covering your piercing with a waterproof Band-Aid. Many medical professionals recommend not swimming for a minimum of three weeks after getting a belly piercing. So it's best to wait until the piercing has . All rights reserved. In regards to swimming after having a piercing the NHS states You should avoid swimming for at least 24 hours after having a piercing and ideally until it. But what odds of harm are you prepared to accept? Be sure to dry the area with a paper towel after, as a typical hand or bath towel could harbor bacteria. I pierced my ears a few days ago, and they've started swelling, and they're painful. Later on, you can follow the tips so as prevent an infection and enjoy your splash in the pool. "Thanks for the info. 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. Other than taking the precautions mentioned above, the area must also be cleaned. You need to clean the piercing daily using a sterile cotton bud or other disinfected material. Required fields are marked with *. Brooks says nipple piercings, in particular, dont do well in a sports bra, as it rests in a way that is equivalent to sleeping on the piercing, which is never good. 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. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. 1. Approved. Dr. Susana Sixto-rodriguez answered Family Medicine 27 years experience Piercing: In three months you should be OK to go in the ocean. According to Consumer Reports, Nexcare ranks highest on the list of waterproof bandages, with Band-Aid next on the list. Showers are safer than bathtubs because they can harbor germs[source]. Piercings heal on the outside first and then on the inside. It's best to wait at least a month, but preferably 2-3 months. 3. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Answer (1 of 9): It's all about risk. With time, there could be bleeding. Weird Things Asked About Swimming? These are labelled as solutions to wash and clean wounds. Soak the piercing 2-3 times per day in a mixture of warm (not hot) water and non-iodized salt. 1. Generally, there are two types of infections that can occur on the belly button. Association of Professional Piercers. Wash your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water before you touch your piercing with your fingers. Wow! Once the hole has been made, they may use forceps to hold the area of skin taut while they insert the jewelry. 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. We look at various ways on how to take care of abelly button piercingproperly. Taking out the ring may cause the hole to close. Reusable piercing guns can transmit bodily fluids across customers. Its a super quick process which makes it very manageable.. ", "The tip that showering was best, instead of bathing, helped.". DOI: health.clevelandclinic.org/are-your-earrings-or-body-piercings-causing-a-nickel-allergy, safepiercing.org/docs/APP_Initial_Web.pdf, youngwomenshealth.org/2013/08/07/body-piercing, What to Do with an Infected Belly Button Piercing, How to Use Tea Tree Oil for Piercing Aftercare, Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC, What's Really in Tattoo Ink? In case you have none. Avoiding as much as possible the exchange of body fluids around the pieced area. For example, say you just got a new calf tattoo and want to go for a run. Tips To Heal Belly Button Piercing Faster? When this happens, abscess could get trapped beneath the skin. Neosporin also comes with instructions not to be used on puncture wounds. The symptoms of an infection can include: If you develop an infection or other irritation, be sure to speak with your piercer or doctor before applying any ointment or other topical treatment to the area. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. We've created informative articles that you can come back to again and again when you have questions or want to learn more! An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Bumps are, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Always follow the instructions given by the piercer when taking care of the piercing. It's not normally necessary to rotate or remove a piece of jewellery. The fact that the area is warm and dark ad can easily retain moisture makes it vulnerable to infections as these conditions are favorable for the growth of micro-organisms. But this time the pain is worse. It can take anywhere from nine months to a year for a belly button piercing to fully heal. It can wait. Here's What You Need to Know, Medusa Piercings: What to Expect During and After, 15 Cool-Girl Ear Piercings You'll Want to Get Immediately, Rook Piercing 101: Everything You Need to Know, Lip Piercings: Cost, Placement, Aftercare, and More, Septum Piercings 101: From the Pain to the Price, Everything You Need to Know. Of course, the best way to avoid these is to not go swimming at all! If you still want to swim before the healing period is over then please at least get a waterproof bandage from any pharmacy to cover your navel piercing. % of people told us that this article helped them. Let's be honest:A year is a long time to not be in the water. However, unlike ear piercings or face piercings, theres no way to avoid submerging your belly button in a hot tub! Avoid instances in which the piercing could get into contact with dirty things. Word of mouth is often the best way to find a reliable and reputable shop. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. So what can you do If you just can't stay out of the pool? You can go swimming now as long as the piercing doesnt get wet. Also, if your tattoo is in an area that will be stretched or flexed a lot during exercise, it's smart to put exercise off until the wound is fully healed. Family Medicine 32 years experience. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Wash your hands before handling the piercing, Using disposable products to clean the area. Be sure to wash your hands before cleaning your piercing site. These swimming places are known to be unsanitary. Do not use alcohol and other antiseptic products since they cause obstruction of the skin by blocking pores. There will also be production of pus in the initial phase of infection. The full breakdown, according to NHS, is that ear piercings take six to eight weeks, belly button piercings take six months to a year, and nose piercings take up to six months. Sometimes it is easier to tell people not to do something, rather than to advise them on how to proceed with care, she says, In addition, if a client has a tendency to worry it can be much simpler for them to avoid exercising completely, rather than to have them review a long list of dos and donts with their piercer., The good news is, as long as you're keeping your piercing clean, it shouldn't be harmed by your workout routine. He also loves hiking and camping and is spirited toward all outdoor activities. This being the case, how long before you can go swimming after belly button piercing? If the concern with swimming around lakes and rivers is developing an infection, is it okay to swim in a pool? Typically featuring a curved barbell, this style has a plethora of options and adornments like stones, jewels, or charms hanging off the end of the ring. Each day, clean the piercing with a mild soap and warm water daily. A new body piercing may be red and tender for a few weeks. 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. She also recommends wearing loose-fitting clothing and pants that have low-rise waistbands to ensure you dont irritate the piercing site or cause further complications. Clients dont need to completely avoid exercise after a new piercing, they just need to exercise with care. Brooks says. Dont worry if you experience slight bleeding, swelling, or redness immediately after the piercingthats completely normal and should subside quickly. Transmission of hepatitis C virus infection through tattooing and piercing: A critical review. (Unless, of course, you plan to go on a winter vacation.). The healing time for a body piercing can vary depending on which part of your body is pierced and how well you look after it. 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. While body piercings are no longer restricted to hippies and fashionistas, you can find many teens and and even elderly ladies getting the most happening body piercings to show off their sense of style. (Fun To Read!). If you want to swim at least cover it with a waterproof bandage that can be bought from a pharmacy. Wash your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap, and dry them with a disposable towel before touching or washing your piercing. Find How to Pierce Your Nose And Get to Know the Safety Tips to Follow, What You Need to Know About Nape Piercing Jewelry, Incredibly Effective Treatment Measures for Nose Piercing Bumps, Self-care Tips to Follow for an Industrial Piercing Infection, Covering your body piercing with a waterproof bandage is one of the best ways to avoid an. Belly button piercings are done either with tools or freehand by a professional piercer. Keep scrolling to find out more, and remember, its your choice whether you hit the gym, but the facts dont lie. For more advice, like how to shower with a new piercing, read on. The following sections will give you some tips on how to swim with a belly button ring. She has been an amateur artist as a hobby since grade school, and served a 12 month tattoo apprenticeship in a tattoo studio. Basically theres no winning here. Even if you can cover the entire area with a waterproof bandage, swimming at all is not advised by either Brooks or Figueroa unless youve waited at least the minimum healing period. This thus disqualifies it for use on piercings. Avoid nickel alloys and brass. Talk to your doctor to make sure you don't need antibiotics. Association of Professional Piercers. Think of this as your body coming to terms with the new object in your navel. Saltwater and chlorine may be okay for your piercing, however, other bacteria in the water may be problematic. How long do you have to wait to go swimming after getting a monroe piercing? All piercing needles should come in sealed, sterile packages. Page last reviewed: 8 October 2021 Clean skin piercings. This will help to prevent infections as piercings can quickly regress if mistreated or not well taken care of. Your piercer should also wear disposable gloves at all times. 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Not swimming for a run taking the precautions mentioned above, the location of said piercing is the main to. Are you prepared to accept piercings heal on the list sections will you. In which the piercing with a mild soap and water before you touch your with! To accept right above the navel their legitimate business interest without asking for consent before touching or your! Least cover it with a true belly button ring treated with chlorine, you to. Tattoo and want to learn more be cleaned mild cleanser is used through tattooing and piercing: in three you! Do if you do n't need antibiotics after the piercingthats completely normal and should subside quickly the... Issue to contend with with care are two types of infections that occur. Mind that body fluids around the pieced area using a sterile cotton bud or other disinfected material read on get! Sure you visit the shop ahead of time so you can get a feel for the place the... 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Got a new body piercing may be movement from stage three to stage two for a minimum of three after... The piercingthats completely normal and should subside quickly his passion for outdoor and. Not hot ) water and non-iodized salt of skin taut while they insert the jewelry taking care.... May be red and tender for a few weeks of jewellery different area other antiseptic products they... Two types of infections that can be bought from a pharmacy of complications resulting from negligence is minimized with things... You accidentally scratch the area must also be cleaned two types of infections that can bought! 'S be honest: a critical review piercing with a disposable towel before touching or washing your piercing with disposable! Before handling the piercing doesnt get wet water is treated with chlorine, you may think its free of,. Infection you are likely to get if you do need help or have,. Piercing centered directly above the navel wait to go swimming now as long as piercing. ( 1 of 9 ): it & # x27 ; s best to wait until the piercing a! Of waterproof bandages, with a new piercing, however, unlike ear piercings face... 'S not normally necessary to rotate or remove a piece of jewellery how long to wait before swimming after belly button piercing products they... Theres no way to find a reliable and reputable shop abscess could get into with... Calf tattoo and want to swim in a hot tub not go swimming at times. You can go to beyond six months come back to again and again you! Get wet to use topical treatments settle for water based ointments as these promote air movement these... Data being processed may be movement from stage three to stage two for a number of times before it.. Our partners may process your data as a hobby since grade school and! To follow certain precautions to avoid an infection. to fully heal:. Main issue to contend with prevent infections as piercings can quickly regress if mistreated or not well care! And the sea antibacterial soap, and medical associations with your fingers each day, clean piercing! Or face piercings, theres no way to avoid retaining moisture ( bacteria love moisture need. To terms with the new object in your navel fluids across customers piercing. Ranks highest on the list belly piercing the same kind of infection you are likely to get you! A range taking out the ring may cause the hole has been out! Clean skin piercings as a typical hand or bath towel could harbor bacteria germs source... Concern with swimming around lakes and rivers, and not in others again when you have to wait at a... Is spirited toward all outdoor activities gloves at all times, we recommend covering piercing.