Assuming that everything went smooth, wait 48 to 72 hours, contingent upon whether or not you experience irritation in the affected area. Showers are safer than bathtubs because they can harbor germs[source]. The right initial jewelry also has to be used. 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. But this time the pain is worse. Placement: Pierced through the skin right above the naval, with a true belly button piercing centered directly above the navel, Healing time: 6-8 months, fully healed by 12 months. Also, if youre sharing equipment with others, disinfect the equipment before and after you use it, so you aren't spreading your germs to others. Running will flex and expand your calf musclesyou cant avoid that repetitive motion, and if you just got a calf tattoo, this could be stressful on it and impact how it heals. But, make sure that you dont forget to follow the instructions mentioned below before stepping inside the pool. Piercing is one of the oldest and most practiced forms of body modification. If you are wondering whether one can actually swim with a belly button ring, the answer is yes, you can! Answer (1 of 9): It's all about risk. 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. How Long Should You Wait To Swim After Getting A Piercing. What do I do? Ideally, you shouldnt swim for the entire healing period. Were committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Halloran L. Body Piercing: Avoiding Complications. 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. Will the tattoo definitely be ruined or infected if a client goes to the gym afterwards? This means they havent been used on anyone else. You can but you need to avoid swimming after ear piercing for at least 24 hours - but ideally, until the piercings have healed properly. At times infections will occur. Plus, chlorinated pools are still a source of germs. While youre at the shop, ask the piercer about their process and the sterilization methods they use. Overall, just be aware and make sure to clean a healing tattoo or piercing immediately after swimming in a pool or natural body of water. 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? 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. He has good research skills, and thats why you can see why his articles are packed with info that is factual and not readily available. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. 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. Make sure to keep the water temperature mild, because very hot water will cause swelling and pain. During the healing period, there may be bleeding or secretion of other fluids, and that can be an entry point for bacteria. Required fields are marked with *. Make sure you visit the shop ahead of time so you can get a feel for the place. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. (n.d.). Do it in your own, clean bath. When you get a piercing, youre at risk for catching a bloodborne disease, such as hepatitis C. The degree of risk depends on where you go to get the piercing and the standards of the place and person performing the piercing. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 159,697 times. Isabelle has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020. The discharge will at times produce a foul smell. These will go a long way in preventing infections. Its common practice to ask around for recommendations when looking for a piercer. 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. This way the possibility of complications resulting from negligence is minimized. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. All rights reserved. The long healing time is largely due to the fact that the abdomen sees a lot of movement. Body Piercing GuideSites, Styles, What to Expect, Healing, and Care, LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES. Also ensure that the piercing is done by a professional. You shouldn't even be taking baths in this early stage of healing. We've got the details on its benefits and how to use it. Figueroa says her advice is a recommendation, and its ultimately up to the client to follow it or not. To avoid this, take good care of the piercing. Read More Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Approved. Bearing this in mind, it is important to keep it away from your piercing which is a puncture wound. These are as listed. This involves observing cleanliness with the aim of keeping the piercing clean and avoiding passing microorganisms to the area. We avoid using tertiary references. Continue with Recommended Cookies. [1] [2] Dirt and oils from your fingers can transfer to your piercing (which is an open wound), and potentially cause an infection. Read Also: Can You Swim After Getting Ears Pierced?if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'outdoorfavor_com-box-4','ezslot_8',667,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-outdoorfavor_com-box-4-0'); While many simple piercings, like the ears, take only around 6-8 weeks to heal, the healing period for a navel piercing is much longera belly button piercing takes 6 months to 1 year to heal completely[source]. 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. This is the second stage in the healing process. No one is ever prepared for the nastier side of it. Opt for a belly button ring made of 14- or 18-karat gold, titanium, surgical steel, or niobium. Belly button piercing is one of the most popular types of body piercings. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Depending on what piercing you have and what kind of workout youre doing you may run the risk of getting snagged or bumped. Always spray with Sterilear Step 1: Clean after swimming and removing the Band-Aid. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Minnesota. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. 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. Answer #1. What Jewelry Material Is Used for a Belly Button Piercing? Never go swimming after a new piercing. Make sure you keep the area clean and dry now until it is fully healed. The UK's National Health Service (NHS) advises, " After having a piercing, it is important to keep the area clean and dry." In regards to swimming after having a piercing, the NHS states,. With this in mind, it is absolutely no surprise that we get so many questions asked about belly button piercings. If you're experiencing symptoms that are unusual or that occur after the first few days, reach out to your piercer or. (Unless, of course, you plan to go on a winter vacation.) Later on, you can follow the tips so as prevent an infection and enjoy your splash in the pool. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. When it comes to new piercings and working out, the location of said piercing is the main issue to contend with. The ocean is a natural bathroom for living things you dont want that in your new piercing.. Association of Professional Piercers. Unless you have an impeccable sports bra, breast bounce when you're running or doing aerobic forms of exercise is kind of inevitable, and can be very irritating. Brooks says, The same is true if your clothing rubs against piercings anywhere on your body. Jewelry for initial piercings. Covering the area surrounding the belly button with something as simple as the vented eye patch (normally available in all pharmacy) will protect from rubbing against clothes and gives room for oxygen to come in. 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. In case you are wondering how long to swim with a new piercing forget that for a while. Although many pools today are foregoing chlorine because of the toxins and are using sea salt instead, salt can still sting and burn a wound. The initial jewelry should not be changed until such a time that the piercing is deemed healed. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. 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. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. This means that it will take time before swimming after you have had a belly button piercing. (2018). There is therefore a need for proper after care. The right choice of jewelry and how professional the piercer is also affect how long it takes for the piercing to heal. Everyone heals differently, so they may provide you a range. 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. However, its important to note that not everyone can get a belly button piercing. But if signs of infection are present, seek medical treatment. The important thing to keep in mind is that a fresh tattoo is an open wound, therefore it should be treated as such to ensure a good healing, she says. Dont pick at the area, as it can cause further irritation or bleeding. 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. When one gets a new belly button piercing, some of the things that may seem harmless may end up causing infections. If you've got a new piercing, you know how important it is to keep it clean and healthy. We spoke with tattoo and piercing experts to get all the essential info and learn if its safe to work up a sweat while a new tattoo or piercing is still in the healing process. Wet the area using plain warm water. Skimping on the material can lead to undue irritation or infection. An infection can be painful, cause scarring, and increase healing times. It is important to note that during pregnancy, belly button piercing infections are common. A new body piercing may be red and tender for a few weeks. 2-3 months before the piercing can be submerged. Ensure that any sweat is cleaned out properly. All these must be sterile when allowed to get into contact with the raw pierced skin. Even before putting into place regular care procedures, there are some basics that should not be ignored. Because they are very anatomy dependent, some piercers may deny you service or suggest a different type of belly button piercing (like a floating navel piercing) or location over the traditional style and placement. That way, its healed and ready to be shown off at the beach, the lake, or by the pool! (n.d.). We recommend to avoid swimming for the first two weeks after a piercing. [3] Disinfectant and a very good rinse. You can go swimming now as long as the piercing doesnt get wet. If you do need help or have questions, a reputable piercer is always willing to help you out, notes Outland. But if you can't wait for that long, give it no more than 24 hours. As tempting as it would be, crusts should not be picked with our hands. According to Outland, the top of the jewelry usually comes unscrewed, allowing for the jewelry to be slipped out and easily replaced in the same manner. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. You should have the opportunity to confirm the placement or discuss the possibility of piercing a different area. 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. Wash your hands before handling the piercing, Using disposable products to clean the area. Swimming lasts a couple hours, infections last weeks of pain, a misshapen piercing scar lasts a lifetime. That means that summertime and vacation might not be the best time to add another hole to your body. Well Help. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Tohme RA, et al. With any fresh piercing we generally recommend you avoid swimming for the first month, though the risk to your piercing depends on where you're swimming. Infections are pretty easy to treat (u. Alcohol and peroxide are too drying. That makes the cold-weather months a great time to be spontaneous. It's normal for the area to feel sore for a few days after the piercing. When Is The Best Time To Get My Belly Button Pierced? Keep scrolling to find out more, and remember, its your choice whether you hit the gym, but the facts dont lie. According to our experts, its best to adhere to the recommended healing time for tattoos and piercings before submerging in either chlorine or seawater, with natural bodies of water actually carrying the higher risk of infection. All piercing needles should come in sealed, sterile packages. Dont pick at the area, as it can cause further irritation or bleeding. Later on, you can enter the pool but need to follow certain precautions to avoid an infection. Though sweat doesnt irritate a new piercing, it can still introduce germs and bacteria. How Long Should I Wait Before Going Swimming After Getting A Belly Button Piercing Quora So ideally you should not swim for 6 months to let it heal to 60 to 100. You shouldn't need anything else to clean your piercing. Since its recommended to avoid swimming for most of the healing period (at least 6 months), getting your belly button pierced in the winter is a good idea. However, if your only option is to take a bath, some precautions can help you avoid infections. Infections can cause misshapen piercings, ones that point in off directions, scarring, complete rejection of the piercing, permanent damage, and blood poisoning if not dealt with quickly. Leave the belly button piercing in. Page last reviewed: 8 October 2021 Last Updated: January 29, 2023 Clients dont need to completely avoid exercise after a new piercing, they just need to exercise with care. Brooks says. In very serious infections, it can also be detrimental to your overall health. Choosing to get a new tattoo or body piercing is an exciting endeavor, and something to celebrate. Your piercer should also wear disposable gloves at all times. For a traditional belly button piercing, theyll mark the true center above your navel. Use saline solution to clean up the area every day. By using our site, you agree to our. Hi! Wait and be wise. 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. Cycling might be a better choice than running, because there's no jiggling in the chest area. (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.) We Have 8 Smart Ways! After the placement is confirmed, the piercer will use a hollow needle to create a hole in the designated location. For more info, read on for everything you need to know about the popular piercing. Tips To Heal Belly Button Piercing Faster? But you need to essentially wait for the piercing to heal off completely before you start swimming with it. (2012). Take a lot of water to stay well hydrated. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Take-a-Bath-with-a-New-Piercing-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Take-a-Bath-with-a-New-Piercing-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Take-a-Bath-with-a-New-Piercing-Step-1.jpg\/aid7373968-v4-728px-Take-a-Bath-with-a-New-Piercing-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"