What do I need to see the doctor?

An inflamed navel piercing can be treated independently at first on a trial basis, as described above for example with consequent antiseptic cleaning and antibiotic cream. If the inflammation persists or the symptoms get worse, however at the latest after five to seven days either the family doctor or the piercer should be consulted. The piercer surely has more experience with inflamed piercings and therefore can often give advice for further proceedings.

A doctor on the other hand knows a lot about inflammations and can recommend or even prescribe appropriate medication. So if you go to the doctor or piercer to have the inflamed piercing examined, everybody has to decide by himself. Above all it is important that at all a professional advice is asked for if the inflammation exists over several days.

How long does it take for the inflammation to subside?

When an inflammation on the navel piercing will subside can hardly be predicted. With effective treatment, which includes hygienic and antibiotic measures, the inflammatory symptoms can subside after a few days to a week. However, an inflammatory reaction can persist even persistently for one or more weeks. In these cases – as already described above – advice should be sought from the doctor or piercer.

Causes

An inflammatory reaction in the body is a complex event of the immune system in which many different cell types are involved. Basically, an inflammation should ensure that the cause is removed and a healing process is initiated. The cause is usually bacteria that have entered an unhealed wound or body cavity.

The inflammation is intended to eliminate the pathogens that disturb the natural functions of the body. In this sense, it is a natural protective function of the body, which can, however, even sötren the natural processes of the body, if it remains. Inflammation is usually caused by the penetration of bacteria into the body.

Such pathogens do not even have to come from outside – often it is bacteria that belong to the natural flora of the skin, but when they penetrate the wounds they cause such a reaction. By piercing a wound is now inflicted on the body, and by inserting the jewelry into the canaliculus it remains open at least for a while.Since the abdominal wall (as opposed to the ear cartilage) is often in motion, the healing process tends to take longer anyway. In addition, the belly button is a body part where bacteria can accumulate particularly well, due to its shape alone.

This creates a favourable situation for the bacteria to enter an open wound. Inflammation at this point can therefore occur. It is then important to recognise the signs early and to intervene accordingly.