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My navel piercing has been red for a few days is that normal...

<< Back to: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 5--Care of New Piercings

Answer by Sarah
Submitted on 3/19/2004
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hey, I just got my Navel pierced and I love it. It was my 18th B-day present to myself. It cost me $43 and it was well worth the money. The areas around the holes are still a little red but the piercer told me that it's normal and you have it changed by a professional at 3-4 mths or you can change it yourself at 6 mths. but only use antibacterial soap or a surgical soap, saline and non iodized sea salt. With the sea salt you need to dissolve 1/4 of a teaspoon in 8 ounces of warm to hot water. Then soak a cotton ball and let it sit on the piercing for 10 Min's then wipe the holes with a Qtip and the crusty stuff should come off easily. Fare warning it may bee just a little tender for about an hour to an hour and a half afterwords.

Answer by SUNNI
Submitted on 4/7/2004
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YOU SHOULD NEVER PIERCE YOUR NAVEL YOURSELF. IT ONLY COSTS AT THE LEAST $35 DOLLARS TO GET IT DONE PROFESSIONALLY. SOME PEOPLE DO IT AND IT WORKS OUT FINE, BUT THERE'S JUST TOO MUCH RISK OF INFECTION INVOLVED. NEVER EVER USE ALCOHOL, IT CAN DO SERIOUS DAMAGE TO CELLS AROUND YOUR PIERCING AND CAUSE VERY BAD SCAR TISSUE TO DEVELOP. TO CLEAN USE AN ANTIBACTERIAL BAR SOAP THAT IS NOT TOO HARSH ON YOUR SKIN 2X'S A DAY. IN BETWEEN THAT USE A SALT AND WATER SOLUTION TO CLEANSE. AN ALREADY MIXED SOLUTION CAN BE BOUGHT AT YOUR PIERCING SALON, JUST ASK FOR IT. IT'S NOT RECOMMENDED TO CHANGE YOUR JEWELRY UNTIL YOUR FULLY HEALED. THAT CAN BE ANYWHERE FROM 3 MONTHS TO 2 YEARS. YOU KNOW YOUR BODY BETTER THAN ANYONE ELSE IN THE WORLD BE YOUR OWN JUDGE. JUST REMEMBER, WHEN IN DOUBT SEE YOUR PIERCER OR DOCTOR. ALSO, IF YOU DON'T FEEL RIGHT ABOUT SOMETHING, JUST DON'T DO IT UNTIL YOU DO.

Answer by Caty
Submitted on 4/7/2004
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Dear young friends getting piercing without parental permission. I am a mother (of 4). I just got my navel pierced 4 weeks ago and am reading this because I want to make sure the piercing is healing as it should (mine is still a little red around the holes). I definitely believe that if at all possible you should have a professional do your piercing. A professional can advise you on appropriate jewelry and after-care (and can be a reference if you have problems...body piercings are prone to them). If this is really impossible, do your own research on-line. Several piercing shops have sites and offer info re jewelry and care. I would look at several reference points and really prepare yourself with information.

Answer by Amanda
Submitted on 5/10/2004
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Hey Guys, I have wanted my belly button pierced since i was 14 when my best friend got hers done. I didnt end up getting it untill April 26, 2004 for my birthday! So i have had it done for about 2 weeks now. When I went i was so0o nervous, I mean from this web site i ready that some girl passed out and others said it was the worst pain they have ever felt. But my best friend kept telling me that it didnt hurt at all and plus i really wanted it done. I went to a place called "Red's Tattoo's" In providence. That place was very nice and clean. I would suggest for anyone who wants it done to go there. Anyways When igot in the room i was with my mom and my best friends mom. My best friends mom sat with me in the little room, and my mom waited outside. the person who pierced it was named mike and he was very nice and talked to me about how i was in god hands and ho0w many he has done that came out perfectly fine and that it didnt hurt at all. So He amde the dots on my belly button with a purple marker to show where he ahd to stick the needle. Then he rubed it with cleaner and put the clamp on me. ( A little metal clamp that looked ike a tweezer) Mike told me this was the worst part. It pinched a little...i dont even wanna say pinched maybe like squeezed but i didnt hurt at all and i knew then that if that was the wors part i could def. go thru with it. So i didnt watch him stick the needle in me i watched my friends mom's face as she watched the needle go thru me, and her mouth just droped, and i didnt feel anything, i was like "did he do it?" and he was like "yup , i just need to put the ring in" And they even gave a cute steal barbell with a gem in the bottom ball. He told me not to change it for 3 months but i already changed it and it didnt hurt. I had to change it though because I got all knew belly button rings for my birthday. Mike said to use saline solution 3 times a day, and anti bacterial soap once everyday to keep it cleaned. Its been 2 weeks and its a little red and a little crusty and pusie but it dosnt hurt and Mike said that it is normal just make sure to clean it like he said. He told me it takes 6 months to FULLY heal. And while it is getting crusty and pusie and red that just means its healing. I say if you really want it go get it done. UIt really dont hurt...while i was getting mine done my friends mom even got hers done and she even said it didnt hurt. Any questions email me at TeenAngel4358 Amanda

Answer by ��.��`�.��O��k�ð��O��.��`�.��
Submitted on 5/23/2004
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hey ...i just got my belly button pierced about 4 months ago and it's not sore at all but i got a little bubble on the top and on the bottom i got what look like a bubble of skin iv had the bubble of skin there secne i got it done but the bubble is new it's been there for a bout 3 weeks now....i clean it ...but i did miss cleaning it a few days ...but now i clean it two to three times a day...i did a bit of research and i think it is a keloid...dose it go away?the bubble seems to b gettin smaller.....anyone with something like this or got any advice please e-mail at munchkin_0812@hotmail.com....thanks so much!!

Answer by Jaclyn
Submitted on 5/30/2004
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Yesterday I finally got my belly button pierced after a long time waiting. I had been able to get it because its my 16th birthday next week! Going into it I was so scared , and sitting in the waiting room for 45 minutes didn't help much. Then I got into this tiny room, and watched as my sister got hers done. She didn't flinch at all when the needle went in, and the guy didn't even use a clamp/vice whatever. So I figured that since she didn't flinch, that I would be ok...but I thought wrong. I could feel the needle go in, no problem, but coming out was a different story. It hurt real bad. But it didn't hurt for long...a few seconds...but it did hurt. But then he put in my pink barbell, and took a picture. When I saw it, I knew it was well-worth it. I have to clean it with saline solution 4 times a day for the first month, and so far, everything is good...no redness, no swelling, but its just a little sore. So if you want it that bad, then you should definitely go for it! Make sure the place you are going to is sanitary though! Real important.

Answer by ~~sophie~~
Submitted on 5/31/2004
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Hello guys, well i finally got it done!! :D I was so scared it was unbelievable, but my friend came wit me 2 hers done a second time. I am not very good with pain and i really fort it was gonna hurt but it didn't. I didn't feel the needle go through at all. Of course i felt a little bit of pain, but it wasn't like a Bee sting or a horrible or unbearable pain, it felt more like falling over and cutting yourself (strange i no, but thats wot it felt like) but it only felt like that for about 10 seconds. It hurt for about 2 hours afterward, it stung just like wen u get your ears pierced (sorry 4 those who haven't got pierced ears) but I'vehad it done about a month now and its fine. I've changed the bar and its going great. i would suggest sea salts and a anti-bacterial soap (with no smell or scent) to clean it with at least twice a day. But once you've had it a couple of weeks, don't clean it as much otherwise the salts will dry out the piercing, which is bad. Anyways, I'mover my phobia of needles and I'mgetting my Tragus done on saturday :D Hope I'vehelped a little bit. Go for it, you only live once and the pain is nothing like u expect it 2 b. Love ya all Sophie xxx

Answer by ellygrl
Submitted on 6/3/2004
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Hey every one there seems to be a ton of confusion about after car for belly rings so I figured i would lay out all I know, (spent four year(16-20) researching getting mine done and polled all my pierced friends) 1) alcohol IS bad, it kills off everything in an open wound(a piercing is a wound) even what is there to help heal that wound 2) all soap is antibacterial, liquid soap makes cleaning easier than bar soap but there are some really good all natural soaps that work wonders. The brand your piercer recommends is probably the kind they buy in bulk and want to sell you. Also go for an unscented un-dyed soap 3) Bactine or some other similar antibacterial liquid to rinse your piercing after washing is a great idea for the first few weeks 4) Epsom Salt, Un-iodized sea salt, or a saline wound wash are great for the next few weeks or for helping clean out all those nasty crusties 5) Tanning( any prolonged UV exposure) should be avoided for at least 4weeks, unless you cover your piercing. I forgot and ouch that new metal ring def. intensifies the light around my piercing 6) Swimming this is the most controversial of all the piercing do'sand don'ts I was told 4 weeks NO SWIMMING! but I work at a pool teaching swimming lessons and water aerobics so this was not going to be easy. Most of my friend who go their piercing in the summer were not told any thing about swimming and did go swimming with in 24 hours of getting pierced. 2 of them even went in the ocean. the tegaderm or other patches to cover you piercing to keep it dry while swimming work great but when you have to wear one every day for about 8 hours they wreak havoc on you skin so I stopped using them about 1/2 way through the 3rd week of having my piercing done and my piercing was fine I just made sure to wash my piercing well after I finished my lessons for the day. 7) Def check with and listen to your piercer about when to change your ring, and like a few people said before you know your body and how well your piercing heal and how fast. I know that mine take a long long long ass time to heal almost a year for an ear piercing and even then I can't be with out an earing for a day or two for the next 4 months before i can be sure i didn't waste my money (but now there is so much scare tissue in my lobes I can do it my self with out any pain cause I don't feel much of any thing in them any way ) best of luck to every one considering a piercing or who just got theirs done! and i will repeat what many other have said before the cost of a belly piercing is only $20 - $40, bite the bullet and see a professional , there is no sense in scaring yourself for life over something so inexpensive. ~Elly~

Answer by ~``* Tickle me Pink *``~
Submitted on 6/5/2004
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HI! email me with the title navle piercing,o.k. i'm in DESPERATE need of these ansewers!!!! fuzzyferret5@yahoo.com 1) is 15 a good age? 2)can you bring your own barbell to the piercer? 3)barbell or ring? 4)if in years i deside to take out my barbell will there always be a whole? 5)i want to get it done 6 monthes after my birth day, b-day in march, so i can swim in the summer and start school, how long til you can you can swim? 6)what do you use to clean it? after care tips? 7)what are the risks of getting it done? all! 8)is it true somtimes you cant bend over? if so when? 9)i'm pretty sure mom will let me get it done, cause i'm not doing the baby thing and bage,i'm reaserching for a year(i'm 14), but got any winning mom over tips? 10)walk me through the procedure. what questions should i ask the piercier? HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer by jamie
Submitted on 6/6/2004
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hay every 1, i just got my belly button pierced yesterday...and it really didnt hurt bad at all!! it feels like someone is pinching you reletivly hard for about 2 seconds, and then you dont really feel anything. i dont know how any 1 could faint!! it stung a little for like 2 hours and then i couldnt even feel it unless i bumped it or something. anyways, its a little red around the top hole but thats normal. im cleaning it like i should and noot playing with it too much...and i love it. if you want it, go for it cuz its totally worth it. now the only thing is that i have to keep it hidden from my dad cuz my mom let me get it done even though he didnt want me 2! oh well happy piercing...buh bye

Answer by Fashionably Pink
Submitted on 6/7/2004
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PLEASE READ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! used to be tickle me pink. to ellygrrl & to all girlz!: i've been reaserching constintly. and i recently found more than 3 forums with piercers that tell the following. if you pay less than $50 chances are your piercer is just out for money, and has know concerns about your health! if its above $70 than there probobly gipping you! and on the "you know your body " thing is not at all right!!! it takes atleast 6 months to fully heal. not to look pretty, or stop pussing, its healinmg on the inside too! bactine. it wont help do anything but spread germs. your piercing is a puncture wound! not a cut,scrape or misquito bite. it might help some pain or itching, but it hurs MORE than it helps! and DON'T use sterling jewlery for your piercing, i could turn you hole black. i'm not being mean, i just want this info to get out cause it may have worked on a few, but theres much more who have had horrible experiences! *i have 3 questions though? 1)if yo have it pierced with a barbell, can you change the heads,even if you can't change the bar? 2)what is the procedure step by step?details,gauge,etc. 3)how much is sea salt,and the stuff they ask you to buy usualy? EMAIL ME: fuzzyferret5@yahoo.com title: Fashionably Pink Q's

Answer by natali
Submitted on 7/17/2004
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Hi, I got my navel pierced about 3 weeks ago. The first couple of days it was fine. My piercer had told me to clean it with antibacterial liquid Dial twice a day. My problem was with the captive bead ring that was put in. The ring made my piercing so irritated-my clothes rubbed against it and it would bend to the side when i did exercies. True...CBR are easier to keep clean but they were just not for me. I did some research on the internet and ordered a PTFE banana bar and had my piercer put that in after 3 weeks. My irritation completely cleared up! The PTFE piece is so comfortable and bends with my body movements. It is less irritating to the sensitive skin around my healing piercing. PTFE is teflon, so nothing sticks to it...like the crusties. I changed my care regime a bit by going by the recommendations of the national association of piercers. I soak at least once a day with sea salt soaks: 1/4 tsp to 8oz warm water for 10 minutes. I clean twice a day with Provon medicated lotion soap and rinse well. My piercing has improved so much in a few days time. I recommend PTFE for anyone that is active and moves around alot. It is the stuff that heart valves are made of...it has to be good in the body. I'm loving my new piercing now. :) natali

Answer by Steph
Submitted on 9/20/2004
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hey I just got my navel pierced Friday night...about 3 days ago...i've been cleaning it with bactine...and yesterday i cleaned it with dial antibacterial soap I didn't have any so I went out bought some...well I'm just confused because I don't know what I should clean it with because I am so scared of it getting infected...I also ordered H2Ocean because I heard it's very good and it speeds up the healing process...it's just condensed sea salt in a spray bottle...well I wanted to know if you had any suggestions, if i should use some products and not the others....well thank you for taking your time out to read this...and if it's possible can you please write back a response....thank you so much... Stephanie

Answer by Tiffany
Submitted on 11/29/2004
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I just got mine done , On friday and it is now MOnday , It is red and Sore but only at certain times during the day. I can sleep on my stomach with almost no discomfort at all. IT didnt hurt that bad to get it done but i think she put a numbing stuff on it cuz i didnt feel it for like 4 hours and then It started to hurt. Umm. I just want to kno , there is a yellow crust on the edge that yesterday i was stupid enough to pick and that hurt adn it bled but not much at all. I use peroxide a little bit and I dont use alcohol but i dont have all the special soap u guys talk about and I have no money adn my mom has no patience for buying stuff like that. So.. Any Suggesetions, i"ve had this done once before and they peirced it behind that scar tissue. Well Thats all i can say for right now but , its buggin me and i want to know if its supposed to hurt and sting and stuff. And If bacitration and regular soap help it at all. And for all u people mine only cost 25$ and That was after i checked 4 proffesionall Places. So this 45$ stuff isnt true. well I"m a 14 yr old girl and if you have any questions or coments then e-mail me at Cute_lil_Angel_Gurl@yahoo.com . well Pz!!

Answer by xxTrigxx
Submitted on 12/2/2004
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Hiya, i had my belly pierced about a month ago at a recommended professional place. I looked around for ages before deciding where to go as i think its important that you don't just go to anyone because you don't want it to go badly wrong. I asked around and everyone i know that has had it done (a lot of people) said that a barbell was the best option especially as it doesn't get caught as easily and contrary to what people may say IS still easy to clean. Thats if you use the right stuff, but if you have a good professional piercer they will recommend a cleaning solution for you. I'm not going to say it doesn't hurt as it varies for each person. Personally i did not even feel it. (no i did not get it froze, and i would not recommend anyone else getting it froze) But my best friend told me it hurt her so badly she almost cried. But if you really want it, then it wont matter. Just think how good it will be. you should not pierce it yourself as its just too risky, i mean it does not cost a lot (where i live its �20 for ring �25-30 for barbell) Titanium barbells are best if you aren't sure what you are allergic to as less people are allergic to titanium. I researched navel piercings a lot before i had mine done. I bet some people will think I'myoung to have my belly pierced but i am responsible enough to get it done at my age (13) but i think if you want it done and you are my age you should only get it done with your parents permission as anyone that does it at 13 without your parents there, isn't very professional. And you do not want to ruin your body do you?

Answer by Livia
Submitted on 12/5/2004
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I'm desperate... I don't think my navel piercing is healing correctly... It's about a week and a half old but it's a little puffy and red around the hole on the top... I'm afraid it's getting irritated or maybe it's forming a keloid. There is no puss coming out of it tho. I want to know if it is normal. I always wanted a belly ring and I will be extremely sad if something is going wrong... I clean it twice a day with an anti-bacterial soap or surgical soap and i make sure to do the salt soaks ... the salt soaks i was doing twice a day but i noticed that it was drying it out and it would hurt... so i am doing it once a day now.. at night and i make sure to dry it really well after wards. So... why is it red and puffy? i have read the threads and i have noticed that redness is normal... but how about puffiness? help please!

Answer by Hardcorebabe15
Submitted on 12/7/2004
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~hey~ i dont really have anything to answer for anybody,sorry! i do have a question or two though.....ummm lets see i have had my pierced for about 7months and off and on it has been acting funny for example one month or week it will be tender,red and pussing and other times it will be perfect. i dont know what to do about it...i have been soaking it with hot water to get some of the puss out then i have been cleansing it with bactine. what should i do,what kind of soap should i use? everybody says that it hurts when you get it pierced...to me it depends upon the person...for me it hurt really bad because she said something about me having really tough skin...when she was pushing it through you could see that she was tryng her hardest to push because she was shaking....anyways iam very happy with it and wish that it will get better a.s.a.p! good luck with everyone that is thinking about it is very very worth it. thank you for your time and hopefully i get some good answers.....o yeah and how much would you suppose the soap will cost and where should i get it....i live in vancouver washington....thanx so much laterz!!!

Answer by Mary
Submitted on 12/14/2004
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Hi! I have had my nostril pierced 2 weeks ago. It seems to be healing very well - no pain, no pus, no discomfort anymore, BUT what I a worried about this red part around my piercing. There is no pain - just that redness that would not go away. My friend tells me (she has 7 piercings) that it is totally normal and that she has had the area around her nostril piercing red for 4 months after it has been pierced!!! So maybe I should not panick? Tell me, if there is infection, it would hurt for sure? There would be some kind of pus coming out or anything? There is no pain - nothing.. just this redness. When it can be gone? PLEASE give me your opinions! I am SO worried about that!

Answer by Pro Piercer!
Submitted on 1/18/2005
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Basic Care for a Piercing Always wash hands with antibacterial soap before touching your piercing. If you are not cleaning your piercing, do not touch it. Clean the piercing twice a day with following recommended products Liquid Antibacterial Soap such as liquid Dial. (Bar soaps are contaminated by other uses. Avoid all dyed or perfumed soaps, which can irritate new piercing.) Always wash your hands first with an antibacterial soap. Next lather the entire piercing, including the jewelry. Remove any scabbing (crust) or residue from the jewelry. (Q-tips are helpful.) Rinse. Lather the piercing again and rotate jewelry through the piercing. Allow solution to sit in the piercing for at least one minute. Rinse while rotating the jewelry to rinse the soap completely. Dry with a clean, soft cloth or tissue. Use Benzylkonium Chloride (An active ingredient found in most ear solutions, such as Ear Care.). Completely saturate your piercing with the solution using a Q-tip. Remove any crust or discharge from the jewelry. Work the jewelry through the piercing five to eight times. The solution does not need to be rinsed away. A couple of times a week is enough. If an infection occurs, repeat the process 2-3 times a day until it goes away. Use a sea Sault Soak 5-10 minutes a day 1/4 teas spoon sault to 8 once of water. If you are still having a problem, call your piercer. Betadine (Povidone-iodine). Betadine is too harsh and can prolong healing. It is helpful in taking care of an infection, but it can also destroy developing skin cells. Betadine can tarnish or discolor jewelry. Always avoid hot tubs and public pools during healing. Swimming, and chlorine cannot benefit your piercing, any pollution or bacteria that can be in the water can be harmful. Always clean piercing after swimming. Avoid tight clothing (especially when healing a navel). Clothing must be low enough that it does not hit your piercing at any time. Oral contact - Mouths are full of bacteria. Keep them away from piercings. Bodily fluids - Do not let a healing piercing come in contact with any bodily fluids, more than bacteria can be exchanged (Genital, lip and tongue piercings.) DO NOT Use These Products: as the dry out skin. � Hydrogen peroxide � Rubbing alcohol any more questions you can reach me at sab1oo@hotmail.com

Answer by Pro Piercer!
Submitted on 1/18/2005
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Basic Care for a Piercing Always wash hands with antibacterial soap before touching your piercing. If you are not cleaning your piercing, do not touch it. Clean the piercing twice a day with following recommended products Liquid Antibacterial Soap such as liquid Dial. (Bar soaps are contaminated by other uses. Avoid all dyed or perfumed soaps, which can irritate new piercing.) Always wash your hands first with an antibacterial soap. Next lather the entire piercing, including the jewelry. Remove any scabbing (crust) or residue from the jewelry. (Q-tips are helpful.) Rinse. Lather the piercing again and rotate jewelry through the piercing. Allow solution to sit in the piercing for at least one minute. Rinse while rotating the jewelry to rinse the soap completely. Dry with a clean, soft cloth or tissue. Use Benzylkonium Chloride (An active ingredient found in most ear solutions, such as Ear Care.). Completely saturate your piercing with the solution using a Q-tip. Remove any crust or discharge from the jewelry. Work the jewelry through the piercing five to eight times. The solution does not need to be rinsed away. A couple of times a week is enough. If an infection occurs, repeat the process 2-3 times a day until it goes away. Use a sea Sault Soak 5-10 minutes a day 1/4 teas spoon sault to 8 once of water. If you are still having a problem, call your piercer. Betadine (Povidone-iodine). Betadine is too harsh and can prolong healing. It is helpful in taking care of an infection, but it can also destroy developing skin cells. Betadine can tarnish or discolor jewelry. Always avoid hot tubs and public pools during healing. Swimming, and chlorine cannot benefit your piercing, any pollution or bacteria that can be in the water can be harmful. Always clean piercing after swimming. Avoid tight clothing (especially when healing a navel). Clothing must be low enough that it does not hit your piercing at any time. Oral contact - Mouths are full of bacteria. Keep them away from piercings. Bodily fluids - Do not let a healing piercing come in contact with any bodily fluids, more than bacteria can be exchanged (Genital, lip and tongue piercings.) DO NOT Use These Products: as the dry out skin. � Hydrogen peroxide � Rubbing alcohol any more questions you can reach me at sab1oo@hotmail.com

Answer by Tana
Submitted on 1/24/2005
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to poohbear i got my bellybutton done by a friend no not a professional and she did it with a gauge needle bigger then the bar so that bar would go in easier. but using a 14 guage needle along with a 14 gauge bar is fine to just b sure to get the bar in ASAP after peircing it to prevent it from closing because my friend waited like 3 seconds to long and it closed and she had to repierce it..but piercing it urself isnt that bad just look up information on it to make sure u pierce it right..and DONT switch out the bar until 8 months AFTER uve had it peirced clean it 2 times a day with dial liquid soap and soak a cotton ball in hot water and sea salt or regualr salt and set the cotton ball on it then move the bar up and down and twist it to prevent the piercing from healing to the bar.

Answer by Not a pothead
Submitted on 2/11/2005
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yo. I'm 15 and i really want my bb pierced. I convinced my parents before... but it took weeks and tears and i ended up trading it in for an awesome stereo and permission to get an industrial in my right ear... now my itching to get it pierced is back full blown and i really want it done. I also really want my industrial and don't know which would be cooler. THe fact my parents think i'm on drugs doesn't help either...I'm also pretty chubby... so if anyone knows if weight can be an issue please let me know. Should i wait to get my weight down and then pierce or would it be okay to just get it now.... any help on would be really appreciated. just email me at paint_myworld_black@yahoo.com thanks and stay cool

Answer by Elyse
Submitted on 3/9/2005
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Okay well.. it is normal to have crusties and a little bit of puss depending on the colour! Black isnt good. I just got mine done about a week ago and I only experienced a little bit of red right after i got it done and thats it. my belly button has never pussed.. and your supposed to wait 3 months to be totally sure that your belly button can be changed. and you NEVER use alcohol on your piercing... any of them!!! Its gunna make it worse and its going to dry your piercing out! You dont want that! If you just got it done, a good way to help keep it clean is soak like a kleenex or paper towel in saline solution and microwave it for 10 seconds. I know it sounds stupid but it really works and many piercers have recommended it to my friends who have done that and never had a problem with infection! Good lu7ck with your piercings people!

Answer by Nykole
Submitted on 3/18/2005
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Alright. Eveyrone has a different skin type. Alcohol can be used, but if you use it for too long you can infect your piercings or cause terrible dry skin. Tea Tree Oil and Warm Salt Water can be used to clean your piercing. Dial Soap can also be used- but if you have VERY sensitive skin {like myself} you can just use the salt water or mild ear-piercing cleaning solutions. To use the Tea Tree Oil:: You must have the Oil, a Q-Tip, a cloth {to clean up mess} and..thats about it. You want to place some oil around the top of the piercing and the bottom. Then simply but gently, move the barbel up and down to move the solution. If you have a ring, just run the ring around in the hole. GENTLY. You don't want to irritate your piercing too much or else it will get VERY infected. TRUST ME I know. For the Salt Water Treatment:: Get a little plastic cup. And by little, I mean small enough to go around the outside of your belly button. Fill it with some warm water- not really hot, not cool, WARM. Now, get a small tea spoon of SEA SALT- not table salt or cooking salt, SEA SALT! After you mix the salt and the water- bend over and put the salt water cup over your belly button. Hold it TIGHTLY to your navel piercing to create suction. Hold the cup there for about five minutes to let the salt water suck out all of the pus and dead skin. You should already know how to clean with the dial soap... just do it in the shower and gently get the soap into the piercing. Also, make sure you rinse it extremely well to prevent the soap from burning your skin.

Answer by Tasha
Submitted on 4/20/2005
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This is my second time getting mine down.. the first time i did not wait long enough for it to be healed b4 changing out the ring.. and it started growing skin at the end of my barbell... now this time i just barley changed it and it will be two years on the 26th of April.. Sea salt is the best and not touching it a lot ..get a shot glass and put a little sea salt in it will warm water and tip it over on your belly ring.. sit there for like ten or fifteen mins and ... then don't touch it or mess with it... the less germs the better you'll be.. NEVER use ALCOHOL...never i like to use Bactine on mine it worked really well along with the sea salt.... good luck oh i have a question anyone know the best ring to put in for sensitive skin... surgical steel maybe??? and what do the gages mean?

Answer by Kristi
Submitted on 5/18/2005
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i have pierced my own belly button and you dumbasses can not use alchol, it will only make it worse and irritated and MORE red. also i would not suggest cleaning it with soap.. wash your stomach with baby soap when in the shower but if soap gets cought in the piercing that wont be very good. my piercings only stayed red for a few days, but thats probably because i started out with a smaller gage and SLOWLY moved it up, but you can only do that after it is completely healed, with my first piercing i gaged it way too soon and it just started to rip through to the point that i just took it out and i am left with a big scar. Good cleaning products would probably be using piercing solution and neosporin or antibiodic ointment, im sure occasionly proxide would be ok because i have used it a few times but it will dry it out so you must be careful.

Answer by princessmelly
Submitted on 8/23/2005
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hey! I've had my belly button pierced since January. my sister and I got it done together. the amount of pain all depends on your tolerance level. my sister didn't feel a thing, while I however almost hyperventilated (basically because I'm a wimp, lol). it stayed red for a little while and I didn't change my ring until the end of March when I replaced it with a curved barbell. it has not gotten infected so far (fingers crossed)! mine always has a little bit of puss (ick!) but I just clean it and it's fine! as for what I use to clean it with, my piercer recommended Baciguent; it's a Bacitracin Ointment used to prevent infections in wounds. I was told to use nothing but this and some anti-bacterial soap, but everyone's told something different =) I definately recommend it though, it works wonders! just thought I'd share my piercing experience! ~Mel

Answer by mrs.depp
Submitted on 8/29/2005
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ok to TICKLE ME PINK I have not got my bb piereced yet but I am going 2 in 2 weeks. I only can answer 1 question wich is #9 and what I did was aproach with a good additude and just asked "can I get my bb done" if she says no then ask can I get a fake one I know its not all that great but oh well then if she says yes say " I have a little debate how come I can get a fake one and not real, is it because of my apperance or that it might be permanent because its not I can always take it out". then if she says I will think about it say if you have a job tell her you will pay 4 it and if you dont say how about I will pay for the piercing by doing more chores(if you realy want 2 get it done) OR BABYSITTING or somthin and she could pay for the bar bell or the other way around she could pay 4 the piercing and you could pay 4 the bar bell. thats how I convinced my mom and I am only 12 going on 13 next month on the 11th! well hope I helped bye!

Answer by xxxnervousxxx
Submitted on 9/18/2005
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im 13 and im having my belly pierced tomorow, im going with my mum and my best freind.im soo scared and dont no what 2 exspect.me and my mum went to the tatoo/peirsing place 2 book an apointment the other day but it was really small and didnt look very apealing,but its 2 late 2 do anything now cause i really want it done.my friends sister went 2 the same place and she fainted and said she felt everything and was very painfull because they dint leave it in time 2 numb!how long should they leave it 2 numb so i no?i dont even no what i should be cleaning it with or anything.will it really hurt is there any way 2 make it less painfull?if u have any advice that would be fantastic but as soon as possible because im gonig tomorow! thanx u all rock xxxnervousxxx xxxx plz add me on msn if u have any advice at all:summerrockchic@hotmail.co.uk xxxxxx

Answer by +Steph+
Submitted on 10/17/2005
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Hey everyone.. well i have had my belly button perieced for about a year now.. but had to take it out just the other day because it got too infected and the skin in between was like 2mm apart.. and looked really werid when i put a belly ring in.. ahhh im soo mad that this happend.. i think part of the reason is b/c i went to this place called PERFECT.. to get it done.. and it wasnt a really clean place either... and the guy didnt really tell me anything about cleaning it..and he periced it like kinda above my belly button and not really in the right place..? but anyways.. yeah i took it out.. and i was wondering how long will i have to wait to get it re-periced?... and will it look really bad because of the scar? PLEASE answer my questions asap! thanks.. --Steph

Answer by lou lou
Submitted on 12/25/2005
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Every one who wants to get a navel pirceing and is too scared to get it done the pain is like a cramp from your period if you can go through your period you can go through it. when i got mines pirced it didn't really notice till it came through the other side. the pain came and went just as fast. I f you are doing your pirceing your self get a freind to do it for you becuse you might stop in the middle and you have to pirce it with a curve. Make Sure it's a 14 gauge neddle B/c it has to be hallow beause if it is soild it would push the skin to the sides and make it unpleasent to look at.I say get done by a professional. I got mines donewithout my parents knowing but i made sure it was a clean neddle and cleaned everything i don't play with poeple with my body or personal stuff. mimes hurt ocassionally but i'll never change my mine about getting it. mines cost $30 b/c i wanted the pretty blue one but its only $25. if you ever had your upper ear pirced it hurts less than your belly and the lower ear and the belly are the same but the lower ear hurts longer!! I had mines for 1 week and it saw puss (the norm) the 3rd day. puss is normal and if you have any freinds who had it done ask them about it i have 6 freinds wh had it and all said they saw the puss. i had the puss in all 6 of my ear pireings. when you get it pirce like a month later you should go to the beach the salt water works wonders for it. i heard you have to wait six months to change it and my freinds who got it done expect one who don't got infections said only 2. the cutest thing is were your bathing suit machtes your belly ring. If you don't want it go to shecoolhecool.com and click navel rings there gareentee to make you change your mine.... Loulou XOXOXOX

Answer by AAA
Submitted on 2/2/2006
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I think navel piercing are quite tricky things to have pierced because of the time they take to heal. If you are very mature with your piercing you should not remove or change the jewelry for at least a year but you can get it changed by a professional piercer at any time after it is pierced. I suggest H2Ocean to be used if you feel it is infected or not healing as well as it should. Piercing yourself is not a bright idea believe me i pierced my nipple myself and it got infected and my mum killed me when she found out and i did the top of my ear but quickly took it out again because an infection in the helix is dangerous.only pierce yourself with the proper equipment and with the proper instructions. I also have a question my helix piercings are healing but not as quickly as i had hoped and the bottom piercing is red and has been for 6 months and the lump has been getting bigger and i can't order H2Ocean because i live in england so can someone suggest a piercing product cleaner you can get in England .Thanx AAA

Answer by T-Baby Strange
Submitted on 2/7/2006
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i just pierced myself last night. yeah, it did hurt, but only b/c i just pushed the ring through. its about the size of a ear ring. it didnt really hurt, but it took a long time to get it all the way through. this is my second time to pierce myself, but the first was really healthy. i just got in trouble though. my boyfriend is a tattoo and piercing artist on south padre island and trust me, do not use alcohol for more than a few days to a week. it doesnt allow the piercing to heal completely and is very harsh. use a dial antibacterial soap. (its orange) and take care. i surf all the time, and while doing water activities, especially in the ocean, cover it well with a waterproof bandage to prevent damage and tears. trust me guys, getting it caught on the board hurts. take care. oh, p.s. its all usually easy to pierce until it gets to the very last bit of skin. thats pretty tough. i hope u can use my advise. peace

Answer by BlubBlub911
Submitted on 3/8/2006
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This sounds really wierd but for all you recently pierced ppl out there ill give u some tips. 1) if u pierce it yourself be really careful- the first time i pierced mine it wasnt deep enough n it resurfaced. The second time was perfect and i couldnt be happier 2)As you all know it is normal to have the pierced spots be red or pink, but if its also pink in the skin over the bar keep an eye on it- if your body is slowly pushing the ring out (resurfacing)- TAKE IT OUT-you dont want to have a big ugly scar there, and i reinforce the words big and ugly. 3) Use dove soap in the shower and dont play with the ring by moving it around to get the soap in- the soap will go down your chest and stomach and get to the piercing on its own. 4) Go to a place like Claires or places that sell rings and buy a bottle of cleansing liquid. U dont need a big bottle unless u like to drench your belly button in the solution. 5)This will sound like the strangest tip but i found it to work pretty well. Buy a big ol box of bandaids but not the really cheap ones. take a bandaid aid and poke a tiny little hole on the middle of the cloth part. then take the ball off the ring and put the bandaid over the ring so the metal is through the bandaid then screw the ball back on so u have the bandaid keeping infection out and keeping it moist. While the bandaids on i pour some sort of gentle healing solution on the cloth part so its soaked into the cloth part directly against the pierced skin. I leave it like that over night and the results are suprising. Most of the redness is gone. **For future referance after about a year of having your belly button pierced it will probably look like the ring resurfaced a little, i have heard this from many people some who pierced there own belly button and others who had it done professionally. im havent figured out if this is bad or not but it seems normal. So dont get to worried if it happens to you. I hope my tips helped , these were based off of my personal experience if you have any questions you can contact me at kittykisses1988@yahoo.com. If you have any questions i would be happy to see your piercing and tell you my opinion.

Answer by Courtney
Submitted on 5/21/2006
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Anybody who says "USE ALCOHOL!" DO NOT LISTEN TO THEM. Use one TEASPOON OF SEA SALT with 8oz(1 cup) of warm water. Soak it for 5 minutes in the sea salt (use a small cup and lean forward onto the cup and lean back and let it soak on your piercing for the FULL 5 MINUTES.) Then, rinse it for 3-5 minutes under warm water (A shower head is good) but not directly on the piercing, I'd say aim the water slightly above the piercing so it can run off onto your belly button softly, not causing it distress. DO ALL OF THESE STEPS 2 TIMES A DAY FOR 6 WEEKS. (once in the morning, once at night-most likely after you have taken a shower)Then change it to once a day (morning or night) after your six weeks of double-day cleanings is over. Unless it gets infected, which will delay your healing time I am sorry to say. Any more questions I'd be happy to answer.

Answer by Ash
Submitted on 6/15/2006
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I got my belly button pierced last week on the 8th of June. It not really bothering me but im getting a dark ring around the hole and above the hole where the top ball rests on my skin. I also have a bruise between the two holes..well i was told it was a bruise, they are dark spots and they appeared the night i got my belly button pierced. it started to go away but it looks to me like its getting darker. But the skin around the upper hole is red and it seems to be raised i dont know what that is and if i should get it checked out. My mother doesn't know I have it so i can't go to her with it. My cousin got hers piercd the same time as me and she is having the same problems. My friends that have their belly buttons pierced say I shouldn't worry becuz it will go away im only in my first week. if anyone can help with anything u can email me at ashtempgift24@yahoo.com thanks.

Answer by trouble makes
Submitted on 7/30/2006
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Hey ya peoples..im 13 n ever since i was 8 i wanted my navel piercing to be done but my mums allways said 'NO UR TOO YOUNG N U CAN GETTIT DONE WHEN UR 14'...but my dad is like 'YEAH IF U WANT WE CAN DOIT TODAY BUT CAUSE MUM SAID NO U WILL HAVE TO WAIT'..so there i was waiting n yesterday i begged my mum so much she got so annoyed n just said yes to make me happy.im getting it done for my birthday in october n im so excited.im scared cause of the pain but ive been waiting too long to say no. my friend was gonna pierce mine for me last saturday but i freaked out when i sore the needle. but now im finaly getting it done n im so happy-WHAT MY DAD DONT KNOW IS THAT HES PAYING FOR IT. EVERYONE OUT THERE JUST GO N DO IT IT WILL LOOK SO HOT.. PEACE OUT LUV YA ALL X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X XX X X X X

Answer by viki
Submitted on 10/16/2006
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I had my belly button done about 6 years ago, when I was 12. I didn't tell my mother (she point blank refused - I point blank refused to not have it done!), and therefore didn't have enough money...so I went somewhere cheap where they do it with a gun (honestly...how stupid can you get?). So it had an ear stud in it, and I had to go back a week later to have a bar put in. Needless to say, it got infected - stinky green puss all over my clothing eveyday...really red, scabby and sore, for months. It was a nightmare. Someone told me to put lots of Vaseline on it. I knew it couldn't hurt, so I did it, and it healed pretty fast. I'm not sure if this was down to the Vaseline, or it just being ready to heal. Six years on, it's perfectly fine. I suppose what I'm trying to say is, DO NOT get it done by a gun. And also, if a professional did mine with a gun and it went wrong, yours could to...if you do it yourself. One more thing...I know it seems like a big deal when you're young, but if there's no way you can get it done - don't worry. Many of my friends REALLY wanted it done, but never did - and they now don't care at all and aren't getting it done even though they can. Good luck to all - take care!

Answer by ask_stacey
Submitted on 10/29/2006
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maria - the legal age in the uk is 14. i'm 14 and i got mine done in belfast in northern ireland ( thats where i'm from ). mine was done on the 16 september 06 and doesnt hurt anymore. its still a bit red but thats normal. and then the crustiness thats normal 2. your skin is just gettin used to being pierced. i went swimming 2 weeks after my navel was pierced. mine didnt get infected. the girl that pierced my navel gave me a bottle of ' metal antiseptic' which stops the piercing going septic. i think you should tell your mum and dad u would like to have your navel pierced. if you dont and go ahead and have it pierced it could go infected and yu could end up in hospital. your mum and dad would wonder whats wrong and they'd be shocked to find out that you lied. hope i've given you a good piece of advice. P.S DO NOT USE ALCOHOL BECAUSE IT ATTRACTS BACTERIA

Answer by oX ria Xo
Submitted on 11/28/2006
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HEy! i got my navel periced about 12 dayz ago. When i first got it done it was a little red but thats normal. The guy told me to clean it wit soap. He didnt specify the soap he said any kind of soap. so i did what he told me b/c he was a professional but yea then about the 3rd /4th day it was crutsy n pusy but he also told me that was goin to normal. Then i keep doing what he told me and the about the 8th day and now its red around the area a lil swolen but it doesnt hurt. People keep telling me its infected so i think it is but they also said theirs was infected also. But last nite i stopped using the soap that had deodorant and my mom got me dial soap, peroxide, and neospourin antibacterial cream. so im goin to try that. but i dunno if its a real bad infection because if it was it would really hurt. tell me wat to do or think i should do plZ! Thanks RiA

Answer by mash
Submitted on 4/8/2007
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heyy..... i got my BB done about 4/5 months ago i wanted it so bad.... coz i am a full dancer (like every day) i had 2 get a flexi bar (a plastic bar that bends with your body).... wen i got mine pierced it bleed alot it bleed for 2 days almost but the piercer said that was normal didnt hurt at all... and it didnt hurt 2 lay on 2 my backflips and stuff.... but after a while my skim started peeling of the top of my belly like the part over the piercing the piercing is really little now so i am lookin after it heaps better the doctor told me 2 use backtroban it cleared up the redness and the infection but it started 2 make it hert wen i twisted my body so we went bakk 2 the doctors and he said 2 use sergical spirit or metholated spirits wen eva but at the smallest of twice a day iam goin bakk 2 the piercers 2 mozza and gettin the BB changed to sergical steel... i say dont go for a flexii bar coz the plastic may splinter into yur skin like it did mine i hope you use my advise

Answer by xxxhanxx
Submitted on 4/10/2007
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hi i got my belly pierced 5 days ago didn't hurt i felt the needle go in but that was it got it done at a piercing place called art work was really nice there and my piercer was really nice and reassuring which is gd the whole atmosphere was gd and it really made u feel relaxed i have waited since i was 13 to get it done but my mum has it done and said i wasn't allowed it done till i was 16 so there i was 3 days before my 16th birthday having it done i clean it twice a day with special soup and then use salt water the hole is a bit red but doesn't hert it was deffinately worth waiting 4 and that way i appriciate it a bit more but to all the people who r thinking about having it done i would say go for it, and good luck.

Answer by Socialy_Disabled
Submitted on 4/12/2007
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Hey, I'm about to turn 15 and my mom said she'd let me get my bellybutton pierced but my dad wont let me...So in a few weeks im going to sit down with my dad and try to talk him into it..If he says no i am thinking about getting my older brother's girlfriend to pierce it(She has already agreed to do it and shes 18) for me over the summer...She has her own piercing gun...but i was wondering what would we have to do to prepare to get it pierced...Shes never pierced a bellybutton b4...Does she need a special needle and what do i need to clean it with??Just regular antibacterial soap??She has hers pierced(hers was done by a professional)so she knows about where it should be...any tips would be great u can email me on yahoo (Socialy_disable@yahoo.com)

Answer by Groovy Chick
Submitted on 4/26/2007
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Hi, I got my belly button pierced 2 months ago, i am 32 and had finally plucked up the courage. Those of you who are thinking of doing it yourself should beware. I think halfway through most of you would be wishing you hadn't started. At a shop they freeze it and it is pierced in seconds. I understand you are mostly underage but if your parents knew you were planning to do it yourselves they would more than likely consent so that they could be aware of any likely problems and get you into a reputable firm to do it. You can scar your belly button or touch a nerve if you do it yourself. Also I heard less people are allergic to Titanium.. Also type "navel piercing aftercare" in a search engine to find more accurate information.. Good luck and they are lovely to see when you get them !!

Answer by michelle
Submitted on 5/8/2007
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I GOT MY BELLY BUTTON PIERCED ON JULY,3RD,2006 AND I LOVE IT! I THOUGHT IT WAS WAY TO SCARED TO DO IT BY THE TIME I GOT IN THE SHOP SO I SAW ANOTHER GIRL WITH HERS ON AND ASKED HER HOW MUCH IT HURT! SHE SAID IT DIDNT HURT AT ALL AND THAT SHE DIDNT FEEL ANYTHING BUT IT JUST FEELS LIKE IF YOUR NAILS ARE SHARP AND U PINCH IT AND THATS ALL! SO I OVER CAME MY FEAR (LOL) AT THE MOMENT BUT I WAS STILL A LITTLE NERVIOUS ON THE INSIDE. SO HE SAID "READY?" I SAID "YEA". AND HE CLAMED IT,IT PINCHED BUT I WASNT LOOKING,AND THEN HE STICKED THE NEED RIGHT THRU KINDA SLOW,NOT TOO FAST AND RIGHT WHEN I FELT THE NEEDLE TOUCH MY SKIN I WATCHED HIM DO THE WHOLE THING. AFTER THAT ISTOOD UP AND SAID "THATS WASNT TOO BAD HAHA" AND I LOVED IT EVER SINCE. BUT ITS NORMAL FOR IT TO HAVE PUSS COME OUT AFTER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS AND IT GETS CRUSTY,BUT ALL U HAVE TO DO IS GET A Q-TIP AND DIP IT IN SOME "HIBICLENS" AND RUB IT ON AND TAKE OFF ALL THE CRUSTY STUFF. AND JUST MOVE UR BELLY RING UP AND DOWN TO GET ALL THE INSIDE CLEAN AND THE WHOLE RING. AND NOW ITS BEEN 9 MONTHS SINCE I HAD IT ON AND I LOVE IT SOO MUCH! I BUMPED IT A FEW TIMES THOUGH BUT NOT BADLY! IT GOT CAUGHT IN ALOT OF THINGS BUT ALL YOU GUYS HAVE TO DO IS THINK AND DO NOT FORGET THATT U HAVE A BELLY RING IN UR BELLY BUTTON CAUSE IF U FORGET THEN UR JUST GONNA BUMP IT WITHOUT KNOWING! HAHA AND NOW IM READY TO GET MY EYEBROW NEXT BUT I HAVE QUSTIONS ABOUT IT! I JUST WANTED TO ASK SOME OF U GUYS THAT HAVE UR EYEBROW,IF IT HURTS MORE THEN UR BELLY RING. AND IF U CAN REALLY GET BLIND AND ALL KINDA STUFF LIKE THAT. BUT I KNOW I WILL ALWAYS CLEAN IT AND NOT FORGET I HAVE IT BECAUSE THATS AWHAT I DO WITH MY BELLY RING! AND IT NEVER GOT INFECTED YET! ONLY ONCE BUT ALL I HAD TO DO WAS PUT "STEROID CREAM" ON IT FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS AND IT HEALED BEAUTIFULLY.

Answer by Konni
Submitted on 6/14/2007
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OK. Here is MY advice. FIRST of all, the pain. How much does it hurt you ask? Well, while you're lying on the table waiting for it to happen, you're liable to have anxiety and that will make it hurt more. When I got my naval pierced, I was very nervous. I shut my eyes and grabbed the hem on the sides of my jeans and gripped it tightly. The piercer counted to 3 and it hurt for about 2-3 seconds. I did not open my eyes until he said he was done. And it was great. If you can live through stubbing your toe on the coffee table leg, you can DEFINITELY live through a naval piercing. :) NOW, aftercare. I'll tell you what I did and what I used. I made it a habit to clean my piercing THREE times a day (And I still do that 6 months later now). I used Witch Hazel astringent (Can be found right next to the rubbing alcohol in the store but it is NOT alcohol. It is MUCH more gentle and was recommended by my Piercer.) I used this Witch Hazel once when I woke up in the morning with a q-tip. And again at lunch with a q-tip. NEVER double dip your q-tip in the astringent, or you will be contaminating the solution with the bacteria you just cleaned off your naval. Also, remember when you do this to swam inside of your bellybutton, bacteria hiding in there can get to your piercing. I would then clean it with Dial Antibacterial soap from a pump bottle (don't use bars of soap, they harbor bacteria). This I would do just before bed. All of these steps were done regardless of whether or not I took a shower that day. And in the shower, I used an off-brand anti-bacterial body wash. It worked great and kept my entire body bacteria free. The GOLDEN Naval Piercing Rules: Whether you do it yourself or get the pro, THESE remain the GOLDEN rules... 1. NEVER touch your piercing with dirty hands. 2. DO not let your boyfriend/girlfriend put their mouth on your naval for AT LEAST 1 year! Oh yeah, I know it's a tough one... But don't do it. 3. REMEMBER to clean it at least 3 times a day. # is the magic number excluding a shower. 3 without a shower, and a shower makes it 4. No more and no less people. 5. Remember to check your balls on your jewelry and tighten them otherwise you may wake up one morning with a closed hole and lost jewelry which would just suck, and of course, remember to wash your hands before you do the tightening! That about sums it up. A small amount of puss is normal as long as it isn't green. If it's green, then you have an infection. White to slightly yellow is simply your body ridding the hole in your flesh of the bad things that shouldn't be there. With clean hands, you can gently squeeze at each hole to help this excrement out of you and swab it away with your witch hazel dipped q-tip. There may be some slight scabbing at each hole also, those are the skin flaps that once covered the holes. Don't pick those scabs or be alarmed if they stay red for a while. They will heal in time. Listen to your body. If one moment it felt fine down there and the next it is itching profusely or hurting very badly, go ahead and give it a light cleaning. Sudden pain or itching usually means some bacteria has gotten to it. If it's constant pain and constant itching no matter how well you've been taking care of it, keep an eye on it and decide from there if infection is something you're willing to risk, and see a doctor. Going to the piercer will almost ALWAYS result in them simply telling you to go the doctor. Save yourself a trip and head straight to the doc. Hope all of this helped! And Good Luck getting pierced everyone!

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Question by Kelly_Hoffman
Submitted on 9/30/2003
Related FAQ: rec.arts.bodyart: Piercing FAQ 5--Care of New Piercings
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My navel piercing has been red for a few days is that normal or should i be worried? And there is puss coming out of it sometimes and there's crusties forming to.

Answer by Liz
Submitted on 1/17/2004
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hey my name is liz i got mine done eysterday no i dont understand mine was only red for like 30 minutes then i did not feel it bye bye and for who ever faited u r such a woss

Answer by Star
Submitted on 1/26/2004
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I got my navel pierced on new years & mine is still a little red, but that is normal. It won't totally heal until about six weeks, if not longer. Put alcohol on it for a week after it's pierced. Then wash it w/ dial soap for the remaining five weeks. Do not continue using alcohol after the first week b/c it can cause it to be infected. Trust me. A professional told me.

Answer by jellyhead
Submitted on 2/2/2004
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i got my belly pierced about a 4 weeks ago now and it was red for a few weeks but i made sure i cleaned it twice a day with a solution i was given. they told me to keep my belly bar in for 12 weeks but ive changed it after 3 and it is completely fine. its not red at all and doesn't feel sore either. it will probably be best to still clean it occasionly though. maybe every week

Answer by 254
Submitted on 2/7/2004
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i want o get my belly pierced what are the risks?

Answer by CrownHeights4life
Submitted on 2/16/2004
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It is normal if your piercing is red and if puss is appearing. Continue to clean it everyday. DO NOT PUT ALCOHOL ON YOUR PIERCING!!!!!!!!!!!!! I REPEAT DO NOT PUT ALCOHOL ON YOUR PIERCING!!!! That Star person is wrong. Alcohol will only make it worse. If your piercing continues to form pus, go see the person you got your piercing from for further care.

Answer by black cat
Submitted on 2/27/2004
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i just did it my self two nights ago, i know, i know...... stupid me.... is it supose to get the blackish crusties around it?????? i need some info on this. my mom and dad don't know, they probably will not find out till swim suit weather or till it gets realy infected......yeah like i said, i know i'mstupid... if any one has good advice just e-mail me at brittany.cohen@insightbb.com

Answer by Danielle
Submitted on 3/2/2004
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For all of you asking questions on how to clean your piercing..you use NON-antibacterial unscented DOVE SOAP 2 times a day..it takes about 8 months to a year to COMPLETELY HEAL..you are not supposed to change your piercing within 8 months of piercing it. i've had mine done since july..and it's march now and it is doing fine..any questions? imsososobored16@aol.com, i'll answer any questions you have

Answer by Poohbear1230
Submitted on 3/9/2004
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Okay, I am really, really itching to let my wildness out and get a navel ring. My husband says he does not like them but I do. What is the overall risk to doing it at home? I have the 14g needle and ring and bacitracin and soap, also. But I am worried that I might hit something that should not be hit with a needle while doing it myself. Any advice greatly appreciated. :)

Answer by Melissa
Submitted on 3/13/2004
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It is perfectly normal for your bellybutton piercing to be red and a bit crusty..i just had mine done a few weeks ago, and mine is still a bit red. Some people are dumb though.. 1) don't use alcohol on your piercing 2) after about a month you should go to where you got it done for a check-up and they can change your barbell if you want 3) it takes 3 months for it to be normal again,and before you can do any swimming and stuff but about a year for it to COMPLETELY heal

Answer by EMILY
Submitted on 3/18/2004
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Hey everyone! i just got my belly-button done this afternoon and i LOVE it! Mines really sore right now but i know that that is because i JUST got it done!! But for those of u that dont have one...go out and get one...that is if your at a resonable age!

Answer by ~~~~~~~maria~~~~~~~
Submitted on 3/24/2004
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hiya peepz. mi names maria and i need 2 no da legal age 2 get ur bb done in UK cos i dnt wnt 2 tel mi parents ;-) do u no how much it iz? im 13 and jst so dat u no i can spel, im just bein lazy. pleze repli ~~~~~MaRiA~~~~~ xxx

Answer by Deb20March
Submitted on 3/25/2004
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Answer to Poohbear1230. DO NOT do your own piercing at home!!! I am sure you can afford the $30-35 whatever it costs in your state if you already have the ring. The guy is going to poke your skin with a huge needle. Can you really see yourself having the guts to do that???? Just spring for the extra few bucks and get it done by a pro.

Answer by babie s
Submitted on 3/27/2004
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i did my own navel and i have no idea how to take care of it? please help!

Answer by smilez
Submitted on 3/27/2004
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Do NOT use alcohol on ur navel piercing for whatever reason!!! Alcohol is a HARSH substance that can really damage your piercing. And as for swimming, NO! you can swim in swimming pools as long as you cover up, there is a waterproof patch that costs about $10 for a pack of 8, and it'll reall help out a LOT!! clean your piercing twice a day with antibacterial soap, but i think the brand Provon works a lot better. Its doctor recommended and u can feel it working. Do NOT put any creams or anything thick and gooey because your piercing need oxygen, and the cream is a haven for bacteria to form.

Answer by shy_girl
Submitted on 3/29/2004
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Hi i got my belly ring about 5 month ago and it still red what can i do about it i do the sea salt every day and i got soap to clean it. Should i do the sea salt first and the soap after. please help. If you have info please email me. at therese_dubois@hotmail.com Thanks

Answer by sam
Submitted on 3/29/2004
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i pierced my tummy button a while ago myself using a fresh 1.6mm needle. i soaked a belly bar in surgical spirit then bunged it through. i clean it regularly with the surgical spirit and it's fine, didn't hurt at all ^__^ and maria- legal age in shops, uk, to get your tummy done is 16, unless you have an over 18 with you ^__^

Answer by sexxii beast
Submitted on 3/31/2004
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My friends said that for 6 months every time you take a shower you have to put a water proof bandaid on your piercing or some tape on it or else it will get infected is that true? please help oh yea and how much does it hurt?

Answer by smilez
Submitted on 4/1/2004
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OMFG are you serious? It will not get infected when you take a got damn shower! in fact you should clean it while in the shower, its much easier and cleans better. Im 15 with my navel pierced,secretly, and looking forward to having my tongue pierced in 2 weeks, by a pro, that is.i got the hook up. You know!

Answer by loohzas
Submitted on 4/6/2004
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i'm almost desperate to get my navel pierced, and i'm 13. my parents won't even let me get my ears pierced, so me and my friends r going to buy the real equiptment for the piercing, and my friend r going to help me pierce it. the only problem is i don't know if i'm allergic to copper or metal or sumthing like that. my friend said she was and she found out when she pierced her ears, but i wouldn't kno since my ears aren't pierced. PLZ give me sum advice on this other than "u shouldn't do it"

Answer by femmemirage
Submitted on 4/8/2004
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I am doing some detective work into the world of navel piercing. I am hesitant to get it done cos I am in fact a giant wuss. I just wanted to know if they have a tendency to scar. I have a pro in mind and i know how to care for it...i just need a gentle push. I pierced my ears myself 6 times but this is way to advanced to do it myself. So how much does it hurt? really.....

Answer by alex
Submitted on 4/9/2004
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hey guys..i just got my belly button pierced a few days ago..its just a bit red..it didn't hurt at all..the piercer told me to clean it twice a day with distilled water and sea salt and to clean it with antibacterial soap in the shower..it cost about $65 canadian..dont ever put alcohol on your piecing, it wont help the healing..also it will take about 3 months to heal..it looks awesome so for anyone who's considering getting it done go for it! just make sure u get it done professionally and your parents know peace

Answer by Penguin
Submitted on 4/10/2004
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Do any of you guyz have multiple navel piercings?

Answer by tiffany13
Submitted on 4/11/2004
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PLEASE CAN SOMEONE HELP!!! I REALLY NEED TO NOW WAT MIGRATING/REJECTING MEANS BECAUSE I FEEL I HAVE TO NOW JUST IN CASE!!IS IT WHEN IT LOOKS LIKE THERE IS JUST ABOUT 2mm OF SKIN ACTUALLY PIERCED???? PLEASE HELP ME!!! love from xxxTIFFANYxxx

Answer by yoyogirl
Submitted on 4/11/2004
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u can use alcohol but only for about the first 2 weeks and it does help..and then after that use antibacterial soap. the only cream u can use is antibacterial cream which helps scars heal ..it helps..trust me everyone i no had their belly button healed in about a month..

Answer by chikadee33
Submitted on 4/11/2004
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i'm 14 and i just pierced mine last night by myself and it didnt hurt much, probably cause i used a hella lotta ice. it looks pretty good today and doesnt hurt much at all. it just takes a little while to get the needle all the way through but its worth it i say. just make sure you sterilize the needle man.

Answer by babigurl13902608
Submitted on 4/11/2004
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Hey! The first time i got my navel pierced it got infected...i think b/c there was nickel in the barbell n im alergic so this time i got titanium. Should everything work out ok this time around??

Answer by Moonlight_Fairy
Submitted on 4/11/2004
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Hello yall... I got my navel pierced yesterday by a pro. Makes a quarter of a million a year.. anyways. I am 17 and he told me I can change out my belly ring in a week.. since I am young and will heal faster. Just use soap and water to clean it and keep it away from sprays but I can still do normal activities like swim etc.I dont know about that... =/

Answer by lisapizza
Submitted on 4/12/2004
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hi i am 13 my 2 friends juss got their bellies done but ino my parents wuld never let me get it done but i rele want to but umm culd u tell me a way to secrelty do it and hide it by professionals

Answer by ~..~Cr!zT!nA~..~
Submitted on 4/12/2004
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hey well peopls i got my belly peirced just 3 dayz ago and honestly i didn feel any pain the only lil bit of pain i felt was the needle which onli felt like evry other needlt in ur arm so yeh and its not even red but sumtimes i tend 2 get the crusties but thast nothing a warm steamy shower n antibacterial soap cant fix oh n the sea salt is d best 4 the healing process for any futher details or questions email delightful_stein@hotmail.com by the way my sister is a pro body peircer so any other questions on other peircings i can answer 2

Answer by Blondie31
Submitted on 4/13/2004
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Hi peeps,i got my belly button pierced a year ago and had 2 take it out bout 4 months ago cuz it rejected it!! I want it done again but ive still got a red scar from the 1st time.Can i just have it pierced ova this scar???? Plz help and do u think they wud let me have it pierced wiv the same bar and just pay 4 the piercing?? I really need a reply plz any advise will help thx SAMMY XXXXXXXX

Answer by ~belly piercing
Submitted on 4/13/2004
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hey to anyone that wants to know.. yes it does hurt a bit.. i mean, it is a needle going through your belly button, but maybe thats cuz i didnt get mine numbed, i dunno but its well worth it. it did bleed a little and thats perfectly normal. it is still a little red around the holes cuz i only got it yesterday but it isnt swollen. i think that anyone planning on doing it themselves definitely shouldnt. if u cant get it done by a proffesional then there is a reason for it. if you do it urself u could screw it up (most likely) and then u wont b able to get it done again later.

Answer by Crys
Submitted on 4/14/2004
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Hey.... I'm 14 going on 15 and I am probably going to be getting my belly button pierced. I'm a gymnast and a cheerleader and I'm wondering if I should go through with this because it might affect my gymnastics and cheering. When I'm doing tucks and handsprings, my stomach stretches and I don't know if it would be that bad for the piercing? If I do get it pierced, I probably will at the end of May....

Answer by Haywire_vicki
Submitted on 4/15/2004
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Hey everyone i got my belly pierced a week ago today... I'd just thought I'dtell you that it's looking gr8 its A LITTLE red and has SMALL crusties on it but that is NORMAL i just thought I'dtell you that i was checking all the advice on here and the best thing tot do is to ask you piercer for advice the only thing you can do is clean it 3 times a day at first and not touch it all the time... No it doesn't hurt getting it done a small sting but don't b tence because it will hurt if u are..(my mum was) I'm 14 in 2 months and my age didn't really come into it so ask you're parents if they is cool with it then get it done its well worth it!

Answer by ~~Trish~~
Submitted on 4/17/2004
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I want to get my bb piercied sooooooooooooo bad! my dad said i could but my mom said no way in hell are you getting it done. A lot of people said that getting your cartilage pierced hurts more than getting your bb pierced. I have my cartilage done and it didn't hurt at all.i need to know where and how much it would cost in Massachusetts. O yeah i am a swimmer and i swim all year long. Am i allowed to go swimming after i get it pierced. Which is better a barbell or a ring for the first time????? Please help me!!!!!!!! Thanx evry1 ~~Trish~~