What does an infected belly ring look like

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. That's why it's best to take good care of your piercing to prevent infection in the first place.

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:.

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.

What is the risk of infection with a nipple piercing? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects.

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.

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. Complete healing can take 9—12 months. In the meantime, a piercing is technically a healing wound, and it may be sore, red, or irritated. Intense pain, swelling, or a fever , however, can indicate a severe infection. It can be challenging to keep a belly button piercing clean and irritation-free, especially when there tends to be friction from clothing.

What does an infected belly ring look like

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. That's why it's best to take good care of your piercing to prevent infection in the first place. If your belly button is freshly pierced, it's normal to experience some redness and swelling around the piercing, says Howard Sobel MD , board-certified dermatologist at Sobel Skin and Clinical Attending Dermatologic Surgeon at Lenox Hill Hospital. However, if the swelling becomes severe and is accompanied by pain that feels like soreness, this may be a sign of infection, Sobel says. Other symptoms that signal you may have an infection include:. To treat an infected belly button piercing, it's important to keep the piercing in. You may be tempted to remove it, but if that happens, you risk the wound closing up and trapping the infection inside your body, Sobel says. Keeping the piercing in also allows any pus to drain. You also need to make sure the area stays clean.

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What Is Piercing Rejection? Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M. What is the risk of infection with a nipple piercing? Tawk A, et al. 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. In rare cases, you could develop a more severe allergic reaction that causes anaphylaxis. Place a warm compress on the infected piercing. More Videos. There will be no complications if a piercing heals correctly. Cleaning your piercing is important, both to prevent and treat an infection.

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In pics: Shraddha Dangar's graceful aura india. A normal healing process is important after you have had a piercing. Bollywood Wedding Veil. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification. August ;11 2 :e List of Partners vendors. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Thinking About a Tongue Tattoo? Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Follow with a mild antibacterial soap and water cleansing. Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. Written by Ashley Laderer ; edited by Samantha Crozier.