Belly Button Ring Infection?

Feb 1, 2012

Britt A.

Might be TMI, sorry in advance!

I have had my belly button ring for a year in December. About a week ago it started hurting, and was sore. I examined it a bit, and IDK what prompted me to do it, but I squeezed around it. I guess it was the pressure. There was a little popping sound a some blood and whiteish clear fluid came out, and it felt sooo much better. I cleaned it with soap and water and made sure to cleanse it until it cleared up.

Then tonight I was looking at it in the shower and noticed it was red, so I squeezed it like last time and the same thing happened again, and I noticed a little bubble on the top hole too. Everywhere online says not to take the piercing out because it allows the infection to drain and keeps it from getting trapped under the skin. I just want to know how to heal the infection once and for all.

I've been using tea tree soap and hot water to clean it when I shower, but IDK what else I can do. I don't want to take it out :( I love it and I don't want there to be that awkward scar. Advice, please?

Thanks in advance. :(

Feb 1, 2012

Alyson P.

First of all STOPPPP popping it,your just making it a lot worse,by popping it your opening it up to let bactaria get in and letting the puss come out stop touching it or when you do make sure your hands are clean,go buy some SEA SALT its the best put a lil bit in a cup with lukewarm water take a q-tip dip it in the sea salt and apply it about a few times a day untill you see it get better,hope that helps xox

Feb 1, 2012

Soma S.

I agree! You can buy the h2O ocean spray from hot topic or any piercing retailer might have it. I use that to clean my body piercings. Sometimes, it could be that you didn't clean it well, which resulted in the bubble... But don't let it grow out of hand. That can lead to keloids or your piercing being rejected. Take care to rinse it gently with saltwater, but don't use anything crazy abrasive!

Feb 1, 2012

Heather H.

You can also use H2Ocean. Its sea salt in a spray can... I've always found it 100% more convient, and easy to to travel with if you are on the go. Good luck, and DO NOT touch it!

Feb 2, 2012

Andrea F.

When I got mine done after a month it was SOOOO infected. So pus-y and infected and swollen and painful. It got to the point where I was rinsing in in the shower and the top ball sunk INTO the whole. The whole ring went into my piercing and I had to push it back up. I'd say STOP popping it! Get saline water or H20cean and soak it, then dry it with a paper towel. Make sure it's always dry. Leaving it wet with anything will gather more bacteria. If it's leaky or anything, just wipe with a dry towl again. soak it twice a day.. Don't use soaps just saline. Don't over wash it. Mine got so bad that I probably definently should have taken it out and healed it up but I didn't. Mines fine now but it got very bad and when it sunk in, it was the worst sight ever

Feb 2, 2012

Britt A.

Thanks ladies! I'll have to pick some up. I appreciate it! Now I can be comforted my bellybutton isn't gonna fall off ;)

Feb 4, 2012

LeeAnn B.

I agree with the sea salt, just curious, what did you use to clean your piercing while it healed and how long did you clean it for? I was told when I got mine done that every body is different and the average healing time is between 6-12 months or even in some cases longer. None of my piercings or tattoos have ever gotten infected, you may want to visit your doctor to see what he or she has to say about it just to be safe. I hope you ring gets better girly! =]

Feb 4, 2012

Lisa U.

Keep away from the soaps and use salty water to clean it :) you can use Tea Tree Oil as well. Don't touch it as well unless you have clean hands. My tongue became infected so I know how you feel. Just keep it clean and try not to irritate it and it should heal up xx

Salty water is the best thing to clean it,

Feb 12, 2012

Lizz N.

same thing happened with mine... i agree h2ocean & tea tree oil are what i used. unfortunately... my infection cleared up a month later... THEN the ball was loose and it fell off while i was asleep... so it went away anyways. good luck!!!