Therapy | My navel piercing is inflamed – What can I do?

Therapy

If one notices that an inflammation is present or is approaching, one should pay attention to a very good hygienic care of the piercing as soon as possible. If lack of care was the reason for the coming inflammation, a full inflammatory reaction can be averted under certain circumstances. But also in case of a running inflammatory reaction sufficient cleaning of the pierced area is a must – but the piercing also needs rest to heal.Touching it irritates it in an inflamed state even more than it does during uncomplicated healing.

So here it is important to find a good middle course and not to touch the piercing except for care. Because the belly button often tends to rub on the clothes due to its position, it is recommended to cover the piercing for example with a cosmetic tissue. This can be stuck on the skin with plaster strips in sufficient distance to the piercing.

It should be refrained from covering or masking with plasters, because then the sticking spots are mostly too close to the inflamed area and will irritate the piercing unnecessarily. Also wide clothes can help to not irritate the piercing too much. Furthermore as a medicamentous measure an antibiotic-containing ointment of the cream can be applied, which supports the fight against the inflammatory pathogens.

These ointments can help

Since an inflammation of the navel piercing is mostly an infection with bacteria, a locally applied antibiotic ointment can help the inflammation to subside. Such ointments or creams are available without prescription in pharmacies. They are usually applied several times a day and over a period of several days – a longer application is therefore a prerequisite for successful treatment. Ointments containing cortisone should only be used after consultation with a doctor. Although the effect of cortisone suppresses the inflammation, the immune reaction is thereby suppressed at this point and the pathogens can thus spread unhindered.

When does the navel piercing have to come out?

If the inflammation persists despite correct treatment, one should be prepared for the possibility of having to take out the piercing and after a certain time of healing possibly sting again. The same applies, if the piercing threatens to grow out due to the inflammatory reaction. Whether removing the jewelry is a sensible decision should be decided together with the piercer or the doctor depending on the individual situation.