What does an infected belly ring look like

Bacteria can infect a belly button piercing before healing is complete. Symptoms can include pain, discoloration, and swelling. Improving hygiene and using antibiotic ointment can help.

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Belly button piercings are popular and generally safe with proper precautions. However, incorrect aftercare or unsanitary conditions can lead to bacterial infections. It can take from 9 months to 1 year for a belly button piercing to heal completely. Even an injury to an old piercing may lead to infection.

What does an infected belly ring look like

A healing belly button piercing is when the normal process of repair of tissue occurs, while an infected piercing is one where bacteria have invaded the pierced area, causing infection. A normal healing process is important after you have had a piercing. The process involves a number of steps. The first stage of healing is inflammation, which is normal after the skin has been injured. The inflammatory response includes immune system cells arriving at the site and working with growth factors to help in healing. The proliferation stage occurs next and is when new connective tissue and blood vessels are laid down, and the wound contracts. The final stage of maturation is when new collagen is deposited, and the tissue gets back its original strength and flexibility. It can take up to one year for a belly button piercing to heal. A clot will have formed after the bleeding, which happens immediately after the piercing. For about 48 hours after the piercing, the area may be red and swollen due to inflammation, but this will improve in time. Once healing is complete, the hole of the pierced area will be pink and have smooth edges. There will be no complications if a piercing heals correctly. To ensure the piercing heals, you need to gently wash it once or twice a day. A piercing that is healing normally requires no treatment. An infected belly button piercing is when a pathogenic organism, such as a bacterium, invades and infects your pierced area.

The doctor can prescribe an oral antibiotic ointment to put on the wound. The signs that you have an infected belly button piercing include the following: pain at the site that does not go away, redness and swelling, a foul-smelling discharge that is yellow, green or brown at the site of the piercing, fever, nausea, vomiting, red coloring and streaks extending from the wound. When to Get Medical Care.

Your belly button doesn't serve much purpose after birth, but it's a popular place to accessorize with body jewelry. There are risks to this popular piercing site, though. The belly button is usually turned inward, so cleaning it can be challenging, which puts this piercing at risk for infection. This article will tell you how to spot an infected belly button piercing and what to do if it happens to you. An infected belly button piercing will look much like any other skin or soft tissue infection, with symptoms like:. More severe infections could enter the bloodstream from the piercing site and produce a widespread infection. If this happens, additional symptoms can include:.

While most belly piercings heal without any issues, some individuals may experience an infection. Understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and healing process for an infected belly piercing is crucial to ensure a safe and quick recovery. One of the most common signs of an infected belly piercing is pain and tenderness around the piercing site. The area may also become swollen and red, indicating inflammation. Additionally, an infected piercing may produce discharge that is yellow or greenish in color and has a foul odor. Cleaning the piercing with a saline solution or an antimicrobial solution can help reduce the risk of further infection.

What does an infected belly ring look like

Your belly button doesn't serve much purpose after birth, but it's a popular place to accessorize with body jewelry. There are risks to this popular piercing site, though. The belly button is usually turned inward, so cleaning it can be challenging, which puts this piercing at risk for infection. This article will tell you how to spot an infected belly button piercing and what to do if it happens to you.

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Getting your belly pierced is a sure shot way of upping your hotness quotient. Medically reviewed by Jenneh Rishe, RN. Baby Names. Tenderness, scabbing, and bleeding are expected side effects of a new piercing. Redeem now. If you think your piercing site is infected, contact a healthcare provider. Follow us. The abscess turned out to be a more severe issue with abdominal pain and eventually required surgery to correct a torn diverticulum. Even with the best aftercare, a bump may form around a nose piercing. Medical News Today. Email Twitter icon A stylized bird with an open mouth, tweeting. A healthcare team will closely examine any possible causes of infection—including recent piercings. Art of prevention: a piercing article about nickel. Place a warm compress on the infected piercing. Even an injury to an old piercing may lead to infection.

Belly button piercings are a popular way to modify your body and show off your personal style, but they come with the risk of infection. Infected belly button piercings can be painful, unsightly, and dangerous if left untreated.

Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices? The swelling of a pierced belly button will decrease if it is healing. University of California, Berkeley. Follow us on. Allergic reactions usually begin as soon as a person inserts the jewelry into the piercing. These choices will be signaled to our partners and will not affect browsing data. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. No treatment is needed if a belly button piercing is healing. Once healing is complete, the hole of the pierced area will be pink and have smooth edges. MLA 8 Osborn, Dr. Remember not to rub or scrub at your piercing since this can dislodge new skin and slow healing. Signs Causes of irritation Diagnosing an infection When to see a doctor Treatment options Cleaning tips Takeaway Bacteria can infect a belly button piercing before healing is complete. Redeem now. Medically reviewed by Kristen M. Share on Pinterest Red skin around the piercing could indicate an infection.