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What to Do with an Infected Belly Button Piercing

Medically reviewed by Chris Young, DNP, RN, NE-BC, NPD — Written by Rena Goldman — Updated on April 25, 2023

Symptoms
Allergic reaction
Keep the hole open
Clean the piercing
Use a warm compress
Apply cream
See your doctor

Belly button piercings are popular and generally safe with proper precautions. However, incorrect aftercare or unsanitary conditions can lead to bacterial infections.

It can take from 9 months to 1 year for a belly button piercing to heal completely. During that time, you’re at risk for infection. Even an injury to an old piercing may lead to infection. For example, if the piercing gets caught on pants or belt buckles.

In this article, we’ll explain how to tell if your belly button piercing is infected, how to treat it, and when to talk to your doctor.

Symptoms of an infected belly button piercing

When a piercing is new, it’s normal to see some swelling, redness, or discoloration around the site. You may also have some clear discharge that dries and forms a crystal-like crust around the piercing. These symptoms should get better over time.

Two of the most common complications are bacterial infections and allergic reactions.

Bacterial infections arise when bacteria from dirt or foreign objects get into the open piercing while it’s still healing. Remember, piercings are open wounds that need to be kept clean.

Signs of infection include:

severe swelling with pain and redness
yellow, green, gray, or brown discharge that has an odor
red lines that radiate from the piercing site
fever, chills, dizziness, upset stomach, or vomiting

Choose carefully
The piercer is registered with the Association of Professional Piercers (APP).
The shop is clean.
The piercer uses sterile instruments.

How to tell if you’re allergic to the metal

Allergic reactions happen if you’re allergic to the type of metal being used. For example, piercing jewelry made of nickel is known to cause allergic reactions in susceptible people.

Metals that are safe for body piercings include:

surgical steel
solid 14-karat or 18-karat gold
niobium
titanium
platinum

Signs of an allergic reaction include:

development of an itchy, inflamed rash around the piercing that spreads to a larger area
a pierced hole that looks larger than before
tenderness that may come and go

1. Keep the piercing hole open

If you suspect an infection, don’t remove the jewelry on your own, unless your doctor tells you to do so. Most piercings don’t need to be removed to treat infections.

Keeping the piercing hole open allows pus to drain. Allowing the hole to close may trap the infection inside of your body, causing an abscess to form.

2. Clean the piercing

Cleaning your piercing is important, both to prevent and treat an infection. Experts recommend cleaning a piercing no more than twice each day.

Use a saltwater mixture (1/2 tsp sea salt per 1 cup of water) to help remove any dried healing secretions. Follow with a mild antibacterial soap and water cleansing. You could also use either one of these cleansing methods alone.

First, remember to wash your hands with antibacterial soap. Then use a cotton swab and your cleaning solution to gently wipe the area around your belly button and the ring. Pat the area dry with a clean towel.

Do not use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as these can dry out your skin and irritate the area around the piercing.

3. Use a warm compress

Place a warm compress on the infected piercing. This can help the pus drain and cause the swelling to go down.

Using a wet compress, like a warm washcloth, with your cleaning solution. Place the compress on the piercing. Gently dry the area with a clean towel after using the wet cloth.

4. Apply an antibacterial cream

Consult a dermatologist before using an over-the-counter antibacterial cream, like Neosporin, as there’s a risk for allergic irritation of the skin and reduced airflow to the piercing site, which may increase risk for infection.

When to see your doctor for an infected belly button piercing

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any significant signs of infection, especially a fever or nausea. Even minor infections can get worse without treatment.

Your doctor may need to prescribe an antibiotic cream like mupirocin (Bactroban). They may also prescribe an oral antibiotic.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Body piercing. (2019).https://familydoctor.org/body-piercing
Body piercing. (2020).https://youngwomenshealth.org/2013/08/07/body-piercing/
Body piercing infections. (n.d.).https://www.salisbury.edu/administration/student-affairs/student-health-services/services/acute-care/piercing-infections.aspx
Gavin M. (2017). Body piercing.https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/body-piercing-safe.html
Infected piercings. (2020).https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infected-piercings/
Troubleshooting. (2020).https://safepiercing.org/troubleshooting/

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Medically reviewed by Chris Young, DNP, RN, NE-BC, NPD — Written by Rena Goldman — Updated on April 25, 2023

Infected Belly Button Piercing: Cleaning Tips & More - Healthline

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Symptoms of an infected belly button piercing

How to tell if you’re allergic to the metal

1. Keep the piercing hole open

2. Clean the piercing

3. Use a warm compress

4. Apply an antibacterial cream

When to see your doctor for an infected belly button piercing

How we reviewed this article:

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