Did you know that nearly 1 in 4 body piercings away from the earlobe can become infected1? Belly button piercings are especially at risk. They can take 12 to 18 months to heal1. Keeping them clean from the start is key to avoid problems.
As we get older, our bodies fight infections less well. This makes belly button piercings more likely to get infected. A 2018 study showed a man’s severe issue with his navel piercing needed surgery1. Older adults face risks like omphalitis, metal allergies, and serious infections like endocarditis from these piercings1.
Key Takeaways
- Belly button piercings can take 12-18 months to fully heal, increasing the risk of infection.
- Older adults are more susceptible to complications like omphalitis, metal allergies, and severe bacterial infections.
- Proper cleaning and aftercare are crucial to maintaining a healthy piercing and preventing complications.
- Symptoms of an infected piercing include drainage, bleeding, rash, and fever, often requiring antibiotic treatment.
- Consult a healthcare professional if you suspect an infection or have concerns about your piercing as you age.
Understanding the challenges of belly button piercings helps us care for them better. This way, we can enjoy our body art safely, no matter our age. For more tips on how to treat an infected belly button piercing as you age, stay tuned.
How to Treat an Infected Belly Button Piercing as You Age
As we get older, our bodies heal slower and fight infections less well. This makes it important to watch any piercings closely, especially the belly button area. Infected belly button piercings can happen to anyone, but with the right care, you can manage them.
Signs of an Infected Belly Button Piercing
Knowing the signs of an infected belly button piercing is key. Look for swelling, warmth, redness, pus, and feeling sick2. Remember, an allergic reaction to jewelry can also cause these symptoms. If you’re unsure, see a doctor2.
Cleaning and Treatment Steps
If you think you have an infection, clean the area more often. Use a saltwater solution twice a day, focusing on the jewelry and piercing site2. An over-the-counter antibacterial cream can also help fight the infection2. A warm compress can reduce swelling and pain2.
Don’t remove the jewelry unless a doctor tells you to. Removing it can cause the piercing to close and make the infection worse2. If the infection doesn’t get better or gets worse, see a doctor for proper treatment2.
| Symptom | Percentage of Respondents |
|---|---|
| Redness, swelling, and discharge lasting more than 3 weeks | 2 |
| Sensitivity, discharge, and movement of the piercing | 2 |
| Individuals between 24-34 with the highest prevalence of body piercings | 3 |
| 23% of individuals with piercings at non-earlobe sites reported complications | 3 |
By taking care of your piercing and keeping it clean, you can prevent and treat infections as you age2. Stay alert and get medical help when needed. This way, you can enjoy your belly button piercing for many years.
Why Belly Button Piercings are Prone to Infections as You Age
As we get older, keeping our body piercings clean is more important. Belly button piercings can take a year or more to heal4. The constant movement of the midsection slows down healing4.
The belly button’s inward-facing design makes it hard to keep clean, raising infection risks4. Older skin and tissue around the navel can be more delicate, leading to more problems4. Recent piercings, surgeries, and diabetes can also increase infection risks5.
Good hygiene and care are key to avoiding issues4. Doctors might prescribe ointments or creams for infections5. Wearing loose, natural-fiber clothes and avoiding picking at the piercing can also help5.
Belly button discharge can signal infections, cysts, or injuries5. Seeing a healthcare professional is crucial for a proper diagnosis and treatment5. By understanding the challenges of aging piercings and taking action, we can keep our body art healthy and infection-free.
Conclusion
Belly button piercings can be fun, but they also have risks, especially as we get older6. Infections are common, and healing can take up to 18 months. Knowing the signs of infection and following proper care can help keep your piercing healthy for years.
Homemade salt water was once advised, but experts have not recommended it for over 20 years6. Products like Tea Tree Oil and Hydrogen Peroxide can harm your skin and jewelry6. It’s crucial to follow professional advice and use recommended aftercare methods.
By being careful and proactive, we can face the challenges of aging piercings7. With the right care, our piercings can be a lasting part of our style7. Using available information, we can make smart choices and keep our piercings healthy at any age.
FAQ
What are the signs of an infected belly button piercing?
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Why are belly button piercings more prone to infections as we age?
Source Links
- What To Do If Your Belly Button Piercing Becomes Infected – https://www.verywellhealth.com/infected-belly-button-piercing-8420951
- How to Treat an Irritated (or Infected) Belly Button Piercing – https://www.wikihow.com/Treat-an-Irritated-Belly-Button-Piercing
- Body Piercing Infections – StatPearls – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537336/
- Body Piercings, Teens & Potential Health Risks: AAP Report Explained – https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/body-piercings.aspx
- What could belly button fluid (discharge) mean? – https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319864
- Aftercare – What Not to Do – Rogue Piercing – https://roguepiercing.co.uk/2022/06/03/aftercare-what-not-to-do/
- Belly Button Infection → How to Diagnose & Treat It – https://australian-bodycare.com/blogs/guides/belly-button-infection-gbc?srsltid=AfmBOopQwx0X6_zsk8hnB4uKJud9REhQzCzGtvsuJCmdNutRVuN6troL