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Infected Belly Button Piercings: Treatment, Causes, & More Download Article Everything you need to know about keeping your body bling comfortable and clean Co-authored by Savannah Vold Medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS
Last Updated: March 1, 2025 Fact Checked
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Treating an Infection
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Keeping Your Piercing Clean
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Minimizing Physical Irritation
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This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Savannah Vold. Sarah Gehrke is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Massage Therapist based in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008. Sarah also has a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certificate from Walden University and a Master’s in Nursing from the University of Phoenix. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 618,520 times.
You’re looking good and feeling confident with your new belly button piercing until…ow! An irritated or infected belly button piercing can be super irritating and painful, so it’s no wonder why you’d want to clear it up fast. In this article, we’ll teach you how to clean and treat an irritated belly button piercing and what to avoid, so it doesn’t get worse. Irritated belly button piercings should clear up quickly with proper treatment, so you’ll be well on your way to feeling better soon!
Things You Should Know
Clean your piercing every day with saline solution or a mild soap, taking care to wash around both piercing holes and your belly button.
To disinfect an infected piercing, hold a saline compress against your belly button for 10 minutes. Signs of an infection include redness, swelling, and green or bloody pus.
Avoid swimming, taking baths, and strenuous exercise until the irritation (or infection) goes away.
Contact your doctor if you have an infection (redness, pain, swelling, pus) that lasts longer than a week.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Treating an Infection
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1 Recognize signs of an infection. The area around a new piercing may be red, tender, and/or swollen for a few weeks. However, if these symptoms last more than three weeks, they may indicate an infection. Similarly, yellow discharge is normal for about a week after getting a belly button piercing. If the discharge continues, turns green, or includes blood, this likely indicates an infection.[1]X Trustworthy Source Cleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Other indications of an infection include excess crust around one or both of the piercing’s holes, persistent pain or soreness to the touch, skin sensitivity, the ability to see the piercing through the skin, or any movement or loosening of the piercing itself.
If any of these symptoms are present, consult your doctor.
2 Disinfect the area with a saline compress. A saline press is another way to wash and disinfect your belly button piercing that will also reduce pain or other irritation from infection. Dissolve a quarter teaspoon (1.2 mL) of salt in a cup of warm water. Use a cotton ball or piece of clean gauze to soak up the solution. Lie on your back and gently hold the saturated material onto your belly button area for 10 minutes.[2]XResearch source
Repeat this process twice daily to help kill bacteria and reduce irritation.
Dry your belly button with a disposable paper product like a paper towel. A clean towel and gauze are other good alternatives.
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3 Do not remove your jewelry or use an antibacterial ointment. While these actions may be tempting, they may actually prolong the healing process. Removing your jewelry can lead to other health complications, such as further swelling. Similarly, antibacterial ointment can inadvertently trap bacteria within the infected area.[3]X Trustworthy Source Cleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
4 Consider supplemental remedies. Tea tree oil, white vinegar, or a steeped chamomile tea bag are all said to have infection-fighting properties. Apply 1-2 drops of your chosen solution to the infected area, or hold a steeped chamomile tea bag on the area for 5-10 minutes. While a saline solution is the recommended method of disinfecting your piercings, these may offer supplementary relief from irritation and other symptoms of an infection.[4]XResearch source
Aloe vera gel can help soothe an irritated belly button and may even help prevent scarring. Plus, you can even make it yourself.
5 See a doctor if your piercing has been infected for over a week. Home treatment may not be adequate to rid your piercing of a persistent infection. If you have an infection that lasts longer than a week, set up an appointment to see your doctor.[5]X Trustworthy Source Cleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
If your belly button gets especially swollen, is significantly painful, and/or continually bleeds or discharges fluid, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 3:
Keeping Your Piercing Clean
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1 Clean the piercing with mild soap or a saline solution daily. Regular cleaning is the best way to speed up the healing process after receiving a piercing. After washing your hands with soap and warm water, use a cotton swab or cotton ball dipped in saline solution or mild antibacterial soap to wash both holes made by the piercing and your belly button.[6]X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Gently rotate your piercing four times after washing. Cleaning your piercing daily will reduce the amount of time that your belly button is tender and help to prevent serious irritants such as infection.[7]XResearch source
To make your own saline solution, mix half a teaspoon (2.5 mL) of salt into a cup of warm water until it dissolves.
Continue washing your piercing and the surrounding area once or twice daily until the redness, swelling, and discharge subside.
2 Wash the piercing with mild soap every time you shower. Once the belly button piercing has healed, washing it regularly with gentle soap is still essential to avoid reinfection. Be sure to wash both holes of your piercing, as well as your belly button and the surrounding area. Then, allow water from the shower to wash the soap away. Showering is the recommended method of washing, as bathtubs can harbor bacteria that may infect your piercing.[8]XResearch source
Don’t use a washcloth or loofah to clean your belly button piercing. These can store bacteria and may pull or otherwise irritate your piercing.
3 Do not allow body fluids to touch the piercing. One common irritant and a potential source of infection for belly button piercings are bodily fluids. This includes your own or other people’s fluids. Avoid getting saliva, sweat, and any other bodily fluid on or around your belly button piercing.[9]XResearch source
When you sweat, be sure to wash your belly button piercing at your earliest convenience.
4 Stay out of bodies of water. Do not get in a pool, hot tub, or natural body or water while your belly button piercing is healing or infected. Even a clean, well-maintained, and chemically-treated pool may still contain bacteria that can cause an infection or prolong healing.[10]X Trustworthy Source Cleveland ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
5 Follow your piercer’s cleaning directions. After receiving your piercing, the professional that gave it to you will direct you on how best to clean it, so it heals properly. Be sure to write their directions down, so you don’t forget.
If you experience unpleasant symptoms such as swelling or discomfort, call the business where you received the piercing and ask what they recommend for treatment.
Advertisement Part 3 Part 3 of 3:
Minimizing Physical Irritation
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1 Avoid contact sports for two weeks. Your belly button piercing will be especially susceptible to irritation for the first few weeks you have it. During this critical healing period, avoid any activities that involve physical contact. More to the point, avoid any strenuous exercise that may disrupt the healing process.[11]XResearch source
Don't play team sports like soccer or basketball until your piercing is fully healed.
Avoid activities that involve extensive stretching for two weeks, such as climbing and yoga.
2 Wear loose shirts to minimize chafing. Even small amounts of chafing or abrasion from your clothing can irritate your belly button. Especially during healing periods after a new piercing or following an infection, wear loose-fitting clothing that will not constantly rub or apply pressure to your piercing.[12]XResearch source
3 Try to sleep on your back. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as doing so can irritate your belly button piercing. While sleeping on your side is fine, sleeping on your back is best. Most importantly, avoid sleeping on your stomach.[13]XResearch source
4 Don't fiddle with your piercing. Fiddling with your belly button can cause it to become irritated and may even contribute to an infection. In particular, avoid absent-minded touching or tugging on your belly button piercing.[14]XResearch source
When you want to adjust your jewelry or touch the area for another reason, be sure to wash your hands before doing so.
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Medically reviewed by: Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS Registered Nurse This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Savannah Vold. Sarah Gehrke is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Massage Therapist based in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008. Sarah also has a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certificate from Walden University and a Master’s in Nursing from the University of Phoenix. This article has been viewed 618,520 times. 11 votes - 65% Co-authors: 12Updated: March 1, 2025 Views: 618,520 Categories: PiercingsArticle SummaryX
The easiest way to treat an irritated belly button piercing is to keep the area clean. To clean your piercing, soak a q-tip or cotton ball with a saline solution and gently wash your piercing holes and belly button twice a day. After cleaning the area, rotate your piercing about 4 times. Avoid getting any body fluids, like sweat or saliva, near your piercing or it might get infected. Whenever you work out, wash your belly button as soon as possible. If you want to make extra sure your piercing doesn't get irritated, wear loose clothing and try to sleep on your back, which will reduce the amount of pressure on your skin. To learn more, like how to treat your piercing if it gets infected, scroll down.Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Holly S.
Jun 26, 2018
"Show the signs by image of an infection just so we know. However it is a great article and helped me in my first week of my new piercing!"..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Medically reviewed by: Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS Registered Nurse 11 votes - 65% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 12Updated: March 1, 2025 Views: 618,520
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Jun 26, 2018
"Show the signs by image of an infection just so we know. However it is a great article and helped me in my first week of my new piercing!"..." more Share yours!
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Download Article Everything you need to know about keeping your body bling comfortable and clean Co-authored by Savannah Vold Medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS 
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Medically reviewed by: Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS Registered Nurse This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Savannah Vold. Sarah Gehrke is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Massage Therapist based in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008. Sarah also has a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certificate from Walden University and a Master’s in Nursing from the University of Phoenix. This article has been viewed 618,520 times. 11 votes - 65% Co-authors: 12 Updated: March 1, 2025 Views: 618,520 Categories: Piercings Article SummaryX
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1 Recognize signs of an infection. The area around a new piercing may be red, tender, and/or swollen for a few weeks. However, if these symptoms last more than three weeks, they may indicate an infection. Similarly, yellow discharge is normal for about a week after getting a belly button piercing. If the discharge continues, turns green, or includes blood, this likely indicates an infection.[1] 
2 Disinfect the area with a saline compress. A saline press is another way to wash and disinfect your belly button piercing that will also reduce pain or other irritation from infection. Dissolve a quarter teaspoon (1.2 mL) of salt in a cup of warm water. Use a cotton ball or piece of clean gauze to soak up the solution. Lie on your back and gently hold the saturated material onto your belly button area for 10 minutes.[2] 
3 Do not remove your jewelry or use an antibacterial ointment. While these actions may be tempting, they may actually prolong the healing process. Removing your jewelry can lead to other health complications, such as further swelling. Similarly, antibacterial ointment can inadvertently trap bacteria within the infected area.[3] 
4 Consider supplemental remedies. Tea tree oil, white vinegar, or a steeped chamomile tea bag are all said to have infection-fighting properties. Apply 1-2 drops of your chosen solution to the infected area, or hold a steeped chamomile tea bag on the area for 5-10 minutes. While a saline solution is the recommended method of disinfecting your piercings, these may offer supplementary relief from irritation and other symptoms of an infection.[4] 
5 See a doctor if your piercing has been infected for over a week. Home treatment may not be adequate to rid your piercing of a persistent infection. If you have an infection that lasts longer than a week, set up an appointment to see your doctor.[5] 
1 Clean the piercing with mild soap or a saline solution daily. Regular cleaning is the best way to speed up the healing process after receiving a piercing. After washing your hands with soap and warm water, use a cotton swab or cotton ball dipped in saline solution or mild antibacterial soap to wash both holes made by the piercing and your belly button.[6] Gently rotate your piercing four times after washing. Cleaning your piercing daily will reduce the amount of time that your belly button is tender and help to prevent serious irritants such as infection.[7] 
2 Wash the piercing with mild soap every time you shower. Once the belly button piercing has healed, washing it regularly with gentle soap is still essential to avoid reinfection. Be sure to wash both holes of your piercing, as well as your belly button and the surrounding area. Then, allow water from the shower to wash the soap away. Showering is the recommended method of washing, as bathtubs can harbor bacteria that may infect your piercing.[8] 
3 Do not allow body fluids to touch the piercing. One common irritant and a potential source of infection for belly button piercings are bodily fluids. This includes your own or other people’s fluids. Avoid getting saliva, sweat, and any other bodily fluid on or around your belly button piercing.[9] 
4 Stay out of bodies of water. Do not get in a pool, hot tub, or natural body or water while your belly button piercing is healing or infected. Even a clean, well-maintained, and chemically-treated pool may still contain bacteria that can cause an infection or prolong healing.[10] 
5 Follow your piercer’s cleaning directions. After receiving your piercing, the professional that gave it to you will direct you on how best to clean it, so it heals properly. Be sure to write their directions down, so you don’t forget. 
1 Avoid contact sports for two weeks. Your belly button piercing will be especially susceptible to irritation for the first few weeks you have it. During this critical healing period, avoid any activities that involve physical contact. More to the point, avoid any strenuous exercise that may disrupt the healing process.[11] 
2 Wear loose shirts to minimize chafing. Even small amounts of chafing or abrasion from your clothing can irritate your belly button. Especially during healing periods after a new piercing or following an infection, wear loose-fitting clothing that will not constantly rub or apply pressure to your piercing.[12] 
3 Try to sleep on your back. Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as doing so can irritate your belly button piercing. While sleeping on your side is fine, sleeping on your back is best. Most importantly, avoid sleeping on your stomach.[13] 
4 Don't fiddle with your piercing. Fiddling with your belly button can cause it to become irritated and may even contribute to an infection. In particular, avoid absent-minded touching or tugging on your belly button piercing.[14] 
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