how long to wait before swimming after belly button piercing

The Answer May Surprise You. 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. You should ideally not have a soaking bath until the piercing is through the initial healing stages, and oozing, bleeding and scabbing have all stopped. (Explained). There are two reasons for it: The pierced area needs oxygen to heal and if you wear form-fit clothes then the cut of oxygen will delay the healing. On average, however, you can expect a belly button piercing to run between $30 and $75. Stay out of pools, hot tubs, rivers, lakes and other bodies of water while your piercing is healing. The piercer will clean up your navel and give you instructions for aftercare. We try to partake in some form of exercise on a daily basis (to varying degrees of success, admittedly) but have been cautioned against doing so, as it can impact the healing process of any new body modification. Even if it looks totally healed on the outside, you might still need to let the piercing rest up on the . If you want to swim at least cover it with a waterproof bandage that can be bought from a pharmacy. This will ensure that the body has enough to form repair tissue for the area. When a piercing is performed outside of a specialized, sterile environment, your risk for contracting an infectious disease increases. 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? According to the Mayo Clinic, you should avoid swimming after getting a piercing. 1. Answer (1 of 9): It's all about risk. According to Figueroa, clients should consider the long term effects working out has on a new tattoo and says its best to continue, avoiding any possible complication that may arise from having an open wound that is not properly taken care of.. First, the area will be cleaned, and if you have some hair there, your piercer will most likely shave the area with a disposable razor to allow for a smooth and clean piercing site. Are your earrings or body piercings causing a nickel allergy? Consider the kind of clothing you wearif you normally wear yoga pants, it might be time for sweats.. It can wait. If you experience any discomfort or tightness, its recommended that you remove the jewelry thats currently in place. Manage Settings Next - you'll want to make sure you are completely healed up before you head back in to get re-pierced. A surgical procedure called umbilicoplasty might be able to help. If the concern with swimming around lakes and rivers is developing an infection, is it okay to swim in a pool? This ThoughtfulTattoos article tells you how to swim with a belly button ring. But if you can't wait for that long, give it no more than 24 hours. Isabelle has been contributing to Byrdie since 2020. Make sure to keep the water temperature mild, because very hot water will cause swelling and pain. Considering the piercing is fairly painless due to a fleshy placement and easy to take care of since you dont have to look in a mirror to see it, theyre a great choice that has endured the test of time. ", "The tip that showering was best, instead of bathing, helped.". However, its important to note that not everyone can get a belly button piercing. Those dos and don'ts will change depending on where you've been pierced, too. You should be soaking your piercing 2-3 times a day in warm saline water. Avoid pools chlorine kills white blood cells on site. Since there could be irritation to cleansing products, ensure that a very mild cleanser is used. Don't fiddle with your piercings. As piercers, we tend to be as cautious as we can when it comes to the wellbeing of our clients. % of people told us that this article helped them. Wash your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap, and dry them with a disposable towel before touching or washing your piercing. Belly button piercings are done either with tools or freehand by a professional piercer. Enjoy! Were all for embracing our individuality, but something weve been wondering lately is, can this modification affect our daily workout routine? Heres what to do if your body rejects the piercing. I have had my belly piercing for about 4-5 months now. But it turns out, piercing aftercare is a lot more in-depth than that. You can also leave the piercing empty. Anna Harris is an experienced fact-checker and researcher and a beauty writer and editor. But if signs of infection are present, seek medical treatment. It's best to wait at least a month, but preferably 2-3 months. Her work can be seen across the web on Backstage Magazine, Merry Jane, Vulture, and more. If you have body hair around your navel, they may remove this with a new disposable razor. If you are wondering whether one can actually swim with a belly button ring, the answer is yes, you can! 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. For more info, read on for everything you need to know about the popular piercing. That way, its healed and ready to be shown off at the beach, the lake, or by the pool! To emphasize, its important that you shower and clean the piercing well after your workout is complete. This information helped. In that case, pat your piercing dry to avoid retaining moisture (bacteria love moisture and need it to grow!) Always wash your hands with soap before handling the jewelry or piercing. How Long Does It Take For A Belly Button Piercing To Heal Before Swimming? The right initial jewelry also has to be used. "Your ear piercing after swimming needs to be rinsed under running water to rinse off any germs that could cause infection." 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. How long does it take for your belly to heal after piercing? 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. These will go a long way in preventing infections. 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. She has been an amateur artist as a hobby since grade school, and served a 12 month tattoo apprenticeship in a tattoo studio. Not quite. But this time the pain is worse. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. This means they havent been used on anyone else. While it's still healing, it's important to keep the piercing dry as there's a risk of infection. Of course, the best way to avoid these is to not go swimming at all! Avoid swimming whether it is in chlorine treated pools, in the sea, river, ocean or lake. Now thoroughly rinse the area with plain water so that no residue of soap is left behind. (n.d.). Required fields are marked with *. Dont pick at the area, as it can cause further irritation or bleeding. 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. When an infection occurs, do not be tempted to remove the jewelry. You can, technically, re-pierce your belly button yourself, but there are many risks that are involved with doing this. 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. This involves observing cleanliness with the aim of keeping the piercing clean and avoiding passing microorganisms to the area. I suggest coming to the studio for the first change, says Valentini. Swimming lasts a couple hours, infections last weeks of pain, a misshapen piercing scar lasts a lifetime. Taking care of your general health can help you heal faster and reduce your risk for developing complications. Be sensible with the temperature of the water. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Of course, this price tends to include a very basic jewelry option (if its included at all). Plus, chlorinated pools are still a source of germs. You could soak a cotton ball in the solution and place it over the area for about five minutes two times each day. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Dr. Susana Sixto-rodriguez answered Family Medicine 27 years experience Piercing: In three months you should be OK to go in the ocean. Although they disinfect the area, they do not promote healing. Jason | April 16, 2022. Leave the belly button piercing in. After the placement is confirmed, the piercer will use a hollow needle to create a hole in the designated location. Change the towels and bedding at least once every week. We Have 8 Smart Ways! If swimming is inevitable, I warn clients that chlorine will hurt their piercings and they will need to shower immediately after to rinse the chemical off the recently pierced area, Brooks says. 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. Piercers recommend you wait a month after your piercing to go swimming in chlorinated pools. Later on, you can follow the tips so as prevent an infection and enjoy your splash in the pool. The piercing could secrete fluids that crust around the belly button 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. Well Help. Avoid swimming. Only go back to swimming after the piercing has healed to avoid infections. They can also cause local tissue damage during the piercing process. Cozmo Faris is a professional piercer with more than 12 years of experience who teaches for the Association of Professional Piercers. Transmission of hepatitis C virus infection through tattooing and piercing: A critical review. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Heres What You Need to Know About Pain and Healing Time, All Your Helix Piercing Questions, Answered, Considering a Conch Piercing? In this article, we are going to be answering all of your belly button piercing related questions and queries once and for all. For first time piercings, choose rings made of gold, stainless steel or titanium. After washing your hands with soap and water, clean the area with warm water. Handle your piercing with clean hands. You can afford to skip one bath or swimming session to protect that. An infection can be painful, cause scarring, and increase healing times. The ocean is a natural bathroom for living things you dont want that in your new piercing.. You should have the opportunity to confirm the placement or discuss the possibility of piercing a different area. While it's still healing, it's important to keep the piercing dry as there's a risk of infection. These cookies do not store any personal information. 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. Wait and be wise. You may experience a little bit of bleeding. Reusable piercing guns can transmit bodily fluids across customers. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. On average, however, a belly button piercing takes anywhere from 6 to 9 months to completely heal. Ask your doctor if ther. Belly button piercing is one of the most popular types of body piercings. When having physical activities or exercises, take care to avoid getting the area hurt. You should avoid swimming for at least 24 hours after having a piercing, and ideally until it has healed properly. Please wear clean clothing that has a soft-to-skin fabric when you got a belly button piercing. This can be in the form of gray or green discharge. Think of this as your body coming to terms with the new object in your navel. For more advice, like how to shower with a new piercing, read on. Jewelry for initial piercings. It can take as long as 2 years for a belly button piercing to heal completely. I always recommend seeing a physician, such as a dermatologist, for evaluation and treatment right away if you develop any of these symptoms, says Dozier. The piercer will disinfect the area around your navel. 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. That makes the cold-weather months a great time to be spontaneous. Its important to not share needles. Once you get out of the bath, lightly pat your piercing dry and immediately rinse the area out with sea salt water. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Looking to change the shape and appearance of your bellybutton? The long healing time is largely due to the fact that the abdomen sees a lot of movement. They can increase your risk for an allergic reaction. It's best to avoid swimming after a piercing or tattoo. Real PTFE does not come in colors and is white. The oozing of pus, general discomfort and at times lumps around the area can be discouraging. Only get rid of them when cleaning the area as at this time they will have soaked and softened up to get off the area when wiped off. It's best to avoid hot tubs, baths, and other forms of water immersion for at least two weeks after getting a belly button piercing. The belly button piercing gives you a chance to don magnificent jewelry. This removes the risk of picking up an infection from the water in swimming pools, lakes and rivers, and the sea. Alcohol and peroxide are too drying. Do not touch, pull, tug, brush against, wash over, scrub around or near the piercing whilst you are in the water. 2015 Jan; 11(1):142-43. doi:10.1016/j.nurpra.2014.10.004, What to Know Before Getting a Forward Helix Piercing, The Complete Guide to Industrial Bar Piercings, Dermal Piercings: Everything You Should Know Before You Commit, Hip Piercings: Everything You Need to Know, What to Know Before Getting Your First Snug Piercing, The Complete Guide to Getting a Septum Piercing, How to Treat Infected Ear Piercings, According to Derms, Considering a Daith Piercing? Karen L. Hudson is a tattoo artist and contributing writer for Byrdie. 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 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. (n.d.). How Long Does It Take a Tattoo to Fully Heal? Answer #1. This allows the jewelry to hang slightly over the belly button to essentially highlight itself. A piercing on your belly button is more likely to get infected than other body parts because of its shape. Most hot tubbers have a hard time waiting this long to re-enter a hot tub. Other placements of belly button piercings include the lower rim, upper rim, and sides of the navel. Bearing this in mind, it is important to keep it away from your piercing which is a puncture wound. Theres no problem going in the sun, just dont face your navel directly to it to avoid sunburns. You can go swimming now as long as the piercing doesnt get wet. Wash your hands before handling the piercing, Using disposable products to clean the area. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Very hot water will cause your piercing to swell and hurt. If you've got it done, you must have gotten a [Read More] about Swollen Tongue After Piercing. This practice has expanded to many different areas of the body, including the belly button. about Want to Know How to Hide Ear Piercings? Keep it moist with a mild disinfectant such as Bactine. Page last reviewed: 8 October 2021 Avoid handling the area unless you are cleaning it. Depending on what piercing you have and what kind of workout youre doing you may run the risk of getting snagged or bumped. Even before putting into place regular care procedures, there are some basics that should not be ignored. 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. In case you are wondering how long to swim with a new piercing forget that for a while. Be sure to wash your hands before cleaning, and dont rotate the piercing! The initial jewelry should not be changed until such a time that the piercing is deemed healed. If you decide you want to get a better or different piece of jewelry, youre most likely going to have to pay more. Take a look. It's not normally necessary to rotate or remove a piece of jewellery. Wow! He also loves hiking and camping and is spirited toward all outdoor activities. "You need to cover the piercing area completely and make sure the bandage is secure," the outlet notes. But what odds of harm are you prepared to accept? This is not to be confused with flexible plastic jewelry. Michael is heavily inclined towards traveling to natural places and documenting cultures/people from different parts of the world. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. Get the details on how you can lower your chances of developing blisters and other possible side effects. Word of mouth is often the best way to find a reliable and reputable shop. Healing time: 6-8 months, fully healed by 12 months. For some, this may be as long as 12 months. Assuming that everything went smooth, wait 48 to 72 hours, contingent upon whether or not you experience irritation in the affected area. Try to follow all of the aftercare instructions directly from your artist in terms of keeping your new piece of body art clean, using a lotion to moisturize, and protecting it from the sun. The odds of infection are significantly less than 25%. JNP. When you get a new piercing, youre welcoming a foreign object into your body. There is no timeline for this since the healing durations for each individual vary. Cycling might be a better choice than running, because there's no jiggling in the chest area. Non-dangle jewelry hugs closer to the belly button and is usually seen as a drop, hinge, or curved barbell. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. When there are infections, pus which is a thick drainage that is yellow or green will be produced. 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. 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. Thoroughly rinse afterward. Have you recently got a belly button piercing? You could also settle for jewelry made from PTFE material. Eat healthy and ensure your meals are balanced. Can I wash my hair in the tub after getting an ear piercing? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. LEARN ABOUT BYRDIE'S EDITORIAL GUIDELINES. These are: This is the first stage of the healing process. Generally, persons with deep belly buttons are at a higher risk of getting infections. Alternatively, soak a clean cloth in the solution and apply to the area. It should be clean, well-lit, and fully licensed. (Unless, of course, you plan to go on a winter vacation.). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Submerging your piercing in water can put you at risk of developing an infection in your new belly button piercing. Tips To Heal Belly Button Piercing Faster? Do not make a decision you will regret just because you want one bath or swim. Knowing what to expect and how to care for the piercing can help you avoid complications. Belly Button Piercing Aftercare. That makes the cold-weather months a great time to be spontaneous. Then, if your piercer is using tools, the area is held taut with a clamp. After waiting for a month, or at least for three weeks, you can get ready to step into the pool. You shouldn't even be taking baths in this early stage of healing. Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there! Getting a belly button piercing does not mean that you cannot swimming with it on. Things You Should Know Before Getting a Double Helix Piercing, Want a Genteel Look But Dont Know How to Hide Ear Gauges? This includes avoiding swimming before you are completely healed. Piercings are relatively inexpensive, and they will eventually heal if you change your mind. https://ironbrush.com/about/piercing-aftercare/, https://almostfamouspiercing.com/tea-tree-oil/, https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/house-and-home/household-advice/a657043/bathroom-cleaning-tips-sparkling-bathroom/, https://www.byrdie.com/body-piercing-aftercare-new-piercing-care-to-common-piercing-problems-4077438, https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/lifestyle/can-i-go-swimming-after-a-piercing/, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/body-piercing/, . Choosing to get a piercing is a big decision that requires a lot of aftercare. 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. Figueroa says her advice is a recommendation, and its ultimately up to the client to follow it or not. When cleaning it, handle the area gently. This is why choosing your piercer is so important. Let's be honest:A year is a long time to not be in the water. How else can you protect your new piercing from water and infection? If you've had your skin pierced, clean the site twice a day with soap and water. If youre experiencing symptoms that are unusual or that occur after the first few days, reach out to your piercer or doctor. Next, theyll mark the spot on your navel they wish to pierce. Dont pick at the area, as it can cause further irritation or bleeding. While it may be great on wounds, putting it on is known to block fresh air from infected piercings and delay healing. Be clean. 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. Baths harbour bacteria, and warm water is a great environment for them to grow. (For Beach Lovers). How long does it take for ear piercings to heal? In case you are changing jewelry, ensure that it is sterilize before putting it on. 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. 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. Association of Professional Piercers. {"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":"