Belly piercing is currently one of the most popular body piercings around. This is quite surprising, considering that it is one of the most difficult piercings to heal. Time needed to heal generally ranges from six months up to a year. This obviously varies between individuals, and some may find that their piercing is healed enough for change after about four months. To ensure safe and fast healing, the initially inserted curved barbell should be worn until healing is complete and wearing tight waistbands; activities involving a lot of bending and swimming should be avoided as much as possible.
To avoid possible infections, the piercing should be left alone, except for daily cleaning with anti-bacterial soap and the occasional salt-water soak, to prevent or clear any pending infections. For this, half a teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt is dissolved in a quarter of a cup of boiled water. Once cooled down, this solution is placed on and around the navel, and left for 15 minutes. It will be fairly easy to tell when healing is complete, as there should be no more redness around the piercing and it should be possible to touch the ring without causing pain or discomfort. If there is any doubt that healing really is complete, it is better to wait a little longer.
Alternatively, the person who has done the piercing can be contacted for advice. They will be quite happy to take a look and determine whether it is safe to change the ring. They will also be able to demonstrate how the ring can be changed in the most efficient and least painful or damaging way. Any replacement ring chosen should be nickel-free. This will avoid the risk of any possible allergic reactions, which could in turn lead to infections.
To avoid possible infections, the piercing should be left alone, except for daily cleaning with anti-bacterial soap and the occasional salt-water soak, to prevent or clear any pending infections. For this, half a teaspoon of non-iodized sea salt is dissolved in a quarter of a cup of boiled water. Once cooled down, this solution is placed on and around the navel, and left for 15 minutes. It will be fairly easy to tell when healing is complete, as there should be no more redness around the piercing and it should be possible to touch the ring without causing pain or discomfort. If there is any doubt that healing really is complete, it is better to wait a little longer.
Alternatively, the person who has done the piercing can be contacted for advice. They will be quite happy to take a look and determine whether it is safe to change the ring. They will also be able to demonstrate how the ring can be changed in the most efficient and least painful or damaging way. Any replacement ring chosen should be nickel-free. This will avoid the risk of any possible allergic reactions, which could in turn lead to infections.