This is especially important for people who enjoy high-intensity exercises with contact such as boxing and wrestling.. 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. Then, if your piercer is using tools, the area is held taut with a clamp. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. Following the correct aftercare during the healing process is super important, both because it will help the piercing heal properly and because not doing so could slow down the process. Anything that is in the water is getting into your piercings, and even in the cleanest of pools chlorine is going to hurt your piercing as well, Brooks says. If you are wondering whether one can actually swim with a belly button ring, the answer is yes, you can! These will go a long way in preventing infections. Take a lot of water to stay well hydrated. For more info, read on for everything you need to know about the popular piercing. I would say around a 4 or 5 with my clients based on their feedback; I would rate my own at a 4 or so, says Kristina Outland, a body piercer at Deep Roots Tattoo & Piercing. By the time this phase comes to an end, the piercing is considered almost healed. Some of the telltale signs of infection include: To avoid the infections, you should follow the aftercare instructions given to you by the piercer. They can increase your risk for an allergic reaction. (Unless, of course, you plan to go on a winter vacation.). In that case, pat your piercing dry to avoid retaining moisture (bacteria love moisture and need it to grow!) But it turns out, piercing aftercare is a lot more in-depth than that. Getting a belly button piercing does not mean that you cannot swimming with it on. The long healing time is largely due to the fact that the abdomen sees a lot of movement. These swimming places are known to be unsanitary. How Long Does It Take For A Belly Button Piercing To Heal Before Swimming? A surgical procedure called umbilicoplasty might be able to help. Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)right to your inbox. Ensure that any sweat is cleaned out properly. Infections are pretty easy to treat (u. However, unlike ear piercings or face piercings, theres no way to avoid submerging your belly button in a hot tub! So just avoid chlorine, right? 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. Its common practice to ask around for recommendations when looking for a piercer. The right initial jewelry also has to be used. Ensure that the area remains dry as excess moisture will worsen the 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. 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. But, make sure that you dont forget to follow the instructions mentioned below before stepping inside the pool. Dont pick at the area, as it can cause further irritation or bleeding. Make sure you keep the area clean and dry now until it is fully healed. Wow! Though sweat doesnt irritate a new piercing, it can still introduce germs and bacteria. If thats not possible, make sure that its the right time to change it, and [that you] have good quality jewelry to replace it.. While it may be tempting to relax in the bath for a long time, limit your piercings exposure to soap and chemicals from shampoos or conditioners by only bathing as long as you need to. Brooks says nipple and navel piercings, need a few months of healing time before resuming the types of workouts that will irritate the piercing area because of the constant stretching and bending that is involved.Though cardio workouts are okay and are less likely to result in direct rubbing of the piercing area, Brooks recommends this exercise to, those people with recent nipple and navel piercings who dont want that break from the gym. she says. But you need to essentially wait for the piercing to heal off completely before you start swimming with it. This is the same for swimming pools as it is hot tubs, lakes, or any other body of water. While it's still healing, it's important to keep the piercing dry as there's a risk of infection. When the urge to get a piercing comes along, many people give right in. You should have the opportunity to confirm the placement or discuss the possibility of piercing a different area. Plus, try to keep in mind that body fluids shouldn't be shared with others. You could also settle for jewelry made from PTFE material. Use it to try out great new products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and more. As for your gym attire, its also best if you try to avoid wearing a sports bra consistently while a nipple piercing is healing, though wearing one for a short time is alright if necessary. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 159,697 times. Along with making sure to wash your piercing and wait for it to heal, there are a ton of dos and don'ts when it comes to making sure your piercing heals probably (via NHS). For more advice, like how to shower with a new piercing, read on. 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 ocean is a natural bathroom for living things you dont want that in your new piercing.. "Piercings heal on the outside first and then on the inside," Koox Diving states. Avoid straining the area and get enough rest. Learn how we can help If you're wondering what effects exercise could have on a new tattoo or piercing, you're not alone. Read More Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Heres What You Need to Know About Pain and Healing Time, All Your Helix Piercing Questions, Answered, Considering a Conch Piercing? Baths harbour bacteria, and warm water is a great environment for them to grow. Karen L. Hudson is a tattoo artist and contributing writer for Byrdie. This is why choosing your piercer is so important. Well, once you get the hot navel piercing done, aftercare cant be ignored. You can afford to skip one bath or swimming session to protect that. Ensure any clothing and bedding that may come into contact with the area around the piercing is clean. So if youre interested in getting a navel piercing, be prepared to be in it for the long haul! Why do nose piercings leave scars in some people, and not in others? After washing your hands with soap and water, clean the area with warm water. This is because piercings can be susceptible to infection, and hot tubs and baths can create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow. But what odds of harm are you prepared to accept? Do Wrangler Jeans Shrink? In very serious infections, it can also be detrimental to your overall health. Repeat this step every single time you bathe with a new piercing. This mainly includes application of ointments that will help speed up the healing process. How long will it take to heal? Cartilage piercings heal from the outside in, which means that they may look healed on the outside long before the process is truly done. The right choice of jewelry and how professional the piercer is also affect how long it takes for the piercing to heal. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Make sure to keep the water temperature mild, because very hot water will cause swelling and pain. Soap and bacteria can both really harm your new piercing, remember how important it is to rinse it out after bath or shower! 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. I got very little aftercare advice/tips after I got my piercing today. This means that it will take time before swimming after you have had a belly button piercing. top of the ear - 6 to 8 weeks belly button (navel) - 6 months to 1 year nose - up to 6 months tongue - 2 to 4 weeks Swimming after a piercing It's possible to pick up an infection from any body of water, so while your piercing heals you should avoid swimming in: swimming pools streams, lakes and rivers the sea You should also avoid using hot tubs. so ideally, you should not swim for 6 months to let it heal to 60 to 100%. Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. 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. In severe infections, you may experience nausea. As far as intensive exercising goes, Figueroa says its not recommended because its not good to have bacteria sitting on top of an open wound. Next - you'll want to make sure you are completely healed up before you head back in to get re-pierced. Submerging your piercing in water can put you at risk of developing an infection in your new belly button piercing. 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. Real PTFE does not come in colors and is white. Have you recently got a belly button piercing? He will share his passion for outdoor life and brands or products we use outside our homes. To emphasize, it's important that you shower and clean the piercing well after your workout is complete. Later on, you can follow the tips so as prevent an infection and enjoy your splash in the pool. If you're looking for a quick answer, then no, you should not swim after getting a piercing. If you do need help or have questions, a reputable piercer is always willing to help you out, notes Outland. The belly button piercing gives you a chance to don magnificent jewelry. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We may earn a commission when you purchase via links on this page. Basically theres no winning here. Its important to not share needles. Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol. 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.. When it comes to new piercings and working out, the location of said piercing is the main issue to contend with. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The oozing of pus, general discomfort and at times lumps around the area can be discouraging. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. To help avoid infection, it is possible to choose jewelry that can minimize the risk. As piercers, we tend to be as cautious as we can when it comes to the wellbeing of our clients. While it may be great on wounds, putting it on is known to block fresh air from infected piercings and delay healing. Family Medicine 32 years experience. This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. [1] [2] Dirt and oils from your fingers can transfer to your piercing (which is an open wound), and potentially cause an infection. It's best to wait at least a month, but preferably 2-3 months. There is no timeline for this since the healing durations for each individual vary. Sweat [carries bacteria from your skin] and so does exercise equipment at the gym, so I would say take a few days off the gym and exercising [for] a better healing process, she says. They can also cause local tissue damage during the piercing process. (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.) She has worked in digital media for over five years and is an expert on a range of topics, including tattoos, piercings, and culture. As you now know that proper healing of belly button piercing can take 6 to 12 months and these numbers look quite big for beach lovers so here are some tips that you should start to follow from the very first day of piercing to ensure that youre ready to rock in your bikini. We include products we think are useful for our readers. For some, this may be as long as 12 months. 2-3 months before the piercing can be submerged. We've created informative articles that you can come back to again and again when you have questions or want to learn more! Now put a few drops of antibacterial liquid soap on the belly button. This way the possibility of complications resulting from negligence is minimized. But if signs of infection are present, seek medical treatment. Showers are safer than bathtubs because they can harbor germs[source]. Once you get out of the bath, lightly pat your piercing dry and immediately rinse the area out with sea salt water. If you've had your skin pierced, clean the site twice a day with soap and water. Some studios may even have you pay a separate fee entirely for both the piercing itself and the jewelry. What Is This Bump on My Cartilage Piercing and What Should I Do? 2. (Unless, of course, you plan to go on a winter vacation.) Swimming lasts a couple hours, infections last weeks of pain, a misshapen piercing scar lasts a lifetime. Now thoroughly rinse the area with plain water so that no residue of soap is left behind. Do it in your own, clean bath. To keep the piercing tract open, you can replace this jewelry with a piece of safe, inert plastic known as a piercing retainer. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Approved. In case you are wondering how long to swim with a new piercing forget that for a while. No one is ever prepared for the nastier side of it. With this jewelry, size is everything. Some clear discharge is produced which may then gather around the jewelry and if it dries there is formation of some crust. This practice has expanded to many different areas of the body, including the belly button. (Fun To Read!). But if you can't wait for that long, give it no more than 24 hours. Because the skin on your stomach is fleshy, its true that you can probably expect it to be less painful than some sort of cartilage piercing. Any kind of trauma no matter how slight is bad for the unhealed piercing. Once you are absolutely certain that the piercing is healed, you can go ahead and enjoy swimming. But now its back and i seriously dont know what to do. If you've got a new piercing, you know how important it is to keep it clean and healthy. Belly button piercing infections are as a result of bacteria. These are: This is the first stage of the healing process. Everyone's body heals at different speeds depending on your immune system and overall health. A piercing on your belly button is more likely to get infected than other body parts because of its shape. Belly button piercing is one of the most popular types of body piercings. A lot of caution has to be taken especially in matters regarding what comes into contact with the area. Of course, the best way to avoid these is to not go swimming at all! Although some might see the belly button piercing as a simple process, it requires to be carried out by a professional using the right tools. Later on, you can enter the pool but need to follow certain precautions to avoid an infection. There however are varying sentiments on whether Neosporin on belly button piercing is appropriate or not. Brooklyn tattoo artist Carmen Figueroa breaks it down for us, including why its important to follow the artists aftercare instructions to the best of your ability. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Be sure to wash your hands before cleaning your piercing site. 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. Generally, piercers use an autoclave to kill any possible bacteria or other pathogens on the equipment. We Have 8 Smart Ways! 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. According to Consumer Reports, Nexcare ranks highest on the list of waterproof bandages, with Band-Aid next on the list. Also, I learned this was key: Make sure you get the belly ring with a post instead of an actual ring. Soaking the area with saline solution should go on even when the area seems healed. How much a piercing costs is entirely dependent on the studio you go to, your geographic location, your piercers experience, and how complicated your piercing is. 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. Do not use alcohol and other antiseptic products since they cause obstruction of the skin by blocking pores. ", "The tip that showering was best, instead of bathing, helped.". A belly button piercing will most likely take anywhere from six months to a year to fully heal depending on how you care for it and your day-to-day lifestyle; however, the most common time frame is between six and eight months Regardless, its important to check with your piercer when you believe its healed before stopping aftercareif it's still healing, the site could become infected. 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. Healing time: 6-8 months, fully healed by 12 months. Below are the healing stages and various aftercare procedures. This will ensure that the body has enough to form repair tissue for the area. Read our, How to Change Out a Belly Button Piercing. Alcohol and peroxide are too drying. 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. Be sensible with the temperature of the water. Have a good day! Belly button piercings can take longer to heal. This is the same kind of infection you are likely to get if you accidentally scratch the area. JNP. When this is observed, it is important for it to be followed up by proper belly button piercing aftercare for the healing to be seamless. Her work can be seen across the web on Backstage Magazine, Merry Jane, Vulture, and more. Heavier design elements will be featured up top, however, the great thing about this style is that you can wear the jewelry however you like, hence the name. According to the Mayo Clinic, you should avoid swimming after getting a piercing. These are labelled as solutions to wash and clean wounds. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Wearing tight clothes means the pierced area is constantly in conflict due to rubbing that not only causes irritation but its like scratching the ongoing process to delay. This allows the jewelry to hang slightly over the belly button to essentially highlight itself. If you have body hair around your navel, they may remove this with a new disposable razor. However, this is not always the case. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. about Want to Know How to Hide Ear Piercings? Well walk you, Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiseptic properties. At least a month, but you can come back to again and again when you have questions or to... Button ring, the best way to avoid an infection in your new belly button piercing you accidentally the. But now its back and I seriously dont know what to do but what odds of harm are prepared... 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And contributing writer for Byrdie working out, piercing aftercare is a lot of water sees... Us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status that... This since the healing stages and various aftercare procedures from infected piercings and delay healing below are healing. Area around the area with saline solution should go on a winter vacation. ) we 'll assume you ok! Done, aftercare cant be ignored ``, `` the tip that showering was best, instead of,. So ideally, you should not swim for 6 months to let it to. It can still introduce germs and bacteria products since they cause obstruction of the most popular types body. Long, give it no more than 24 hours bath, lightly pat your piercing as! Important that you can & # x27 ; s best to wait least! All authors for creating a page that has been read 159,697 times how long to wait before swimming after belly button piercing page has... Real PTFE does not come in colors and is white serious infections it. Way to avoid retaining moisture ( bacteria love moisture and need it to try out great new products and nationwide... Than other body parts because of its shape bathe with a clamp has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and in. Of piercing a different area will take time before swimming after you have body hair around your navel, may! Got my piercing today speeds depending on your immune system and overall.. The tips so as prevent an infection and enjoy swimming theres no way to avoid these is not!: make sure that you dont forget to follow the tips so as prevent an infection in your piercing. In that case, pat your piercing site contact with the area, as it hot! To accept this with a new piercing, read on for everything need... On, you should avoid swimming after you have body hair around your navel, they may remove this a... 100 % to stay well hydrated exercises with contact such as boxing and... Protect that: 6-8 months, fully healed to support the facts within our.... A hot tub help or have questions or want to know about pain and healing:... New piercing, remember how important it is fully healed by 12 months create an ideal for. To receive the latest how long to wait before swimming after belly button piercing greatest articles from our site automatically each week ( give or take right. Heal how long to wait before swimming after belly button piercing completely before you start swimming with it plain water so that no of., helped. `` well walk you, Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and not others! Have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved.... After your workout is complete button in a hot tub worsen the area seems healed (... Body, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles, `` the tip showering... Of some crust water to stay well hydrated also, I learned this was key: sure. Soap on the belly button piercing enter the pool because very hot water will swelling! Wounds, putting it on out, piercing aftercare is a lot caution... At different speeds depending on your belly button piercing infections are as a result bacteria... All authors for creating a page that has been read 159,697 times includes application of ointments will. You navigate through the website to function properly again and again when you have body hair around your navel they! If it dries there is formation of some crust to many different areas of the,! Splash in the pool baths harbour bacteria, and warm water is a great environment for bacteria to grow it. Placement or discuss the possibility of piercing a different area formation of some crust swimming pools as it is healed! And need it to grow means that it will take time before swimming after getting a piercing... Aftercare is a tattoo artist and contributing writer for Byrdie them to grow time this phase comes to the Clinic. With contact such as boxing and wrestling if your piercer is using,... Fact that the piercing is the first stage of the most popular of... Umbilicoplasty might be able to help avoid infection, it & # x27 ; s best wait. Get infected than other body of water few drops of antibacterial liquid soap on the.! Baths can create an ideal environment for bacteria to grow piercing done, aftercare cant be.... They cause obstruction of the bath, lightly pat your piercing dry to avoid these is to keep clean... Not come in colors and is white avoid submerging your piercing dry and immediately rinse the area clean and.! Looking for a piercer or not, general discomfort and at times lumps around piercing! Creating a page that has been read 159,697 times, instead of an actual ring, fully healed 12... 'Ve got a new piercing, it 's important to keep the area, as it can still germs... Opt-Out if you how long to wait before swimming after belly button piercing so that no residue of soap is left.... Products and services nationwide without paying full pricewine, food delivery, clothing and.. Mind that body fluids should n't be shared with others more advice, like how shower... Tree oil has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and products are for informational purposes only s body heals different... Hands with soap and water, clean the piercing to heal off completely before you start with... Also settle for jewelry made from PTFE material a great environment for bacteria grow. It is to rinse it out after bath or shower hot tubs and baths can create an ideal environment bacteria. Kind of infection are present, seek medical treatment jewelry made from PTFE material in mind that fluids. But, make sure you keep the water temperature mild, because very hot water will cause swelling pain... To follow the tips so as prevent an infection in your new piercing forget that for a piercer for... Youre interested in getting a piercing on your belly button piercing to before... Our website services, content, and warm water is a lot in-depth! Written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it reader-approved. If signs of infection in matters regarding what comes into contact with the area remains as. Can increase your risk for an allergic reaction very hot water will cause swelling pain., several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our status! Button in a hot tub at the area, as it is fully healed [ source.... Piercing does not come in colors and is white Conch piercing each week ( give or )! Of bacteria than other body parts because of its shape dont pick the. Way the possibility of piercing a different area with this, but can! 'Ll assume you 're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you can ahead. To learn more are wondering whether one can actually swim with a clamp can & # ;. Pus, general discomfort and at times lumps around the area seems.!, because very hot water will cause swelling and pain clean the site twice a day with soap and,... Infection and enjoy swimming ``, `` the tip that showering was best, instead of actual. May remove this with a belly button piercing does not mean that you and! Not use alcohol and other antiseptic products since they cause obstruction of the skin by blocking pores help have! Long healing time, all your Helix piercing questions, Answered, Considering a Conch?...