Ssensual and glamorous, the navel piercing seems to have returned to the fore among the most loved trends. Also called navel piercingit is a small hole that is made in the area around the navel and where a small is applied necklace.
It goes without saying that, being a particularly delicate part of the bodybefore choosing to treat yourself to this aesthetic treat, it is good to know what the risks may be and above all what hygiene rules must be respected to avoid running into annoying infections.
“The navel piercing infections they are very widespread compared to those caused by other types of piercing – underlines the Dr. Marta Brumana, dermatologist at Humanitas San Pio X in Milan. – This is for several reasons: the navel is a small natural cavity in our body where it is not always possible to cleanse correctly. Plus it’s one area very exposed to contact: It’s easy for jeans, belts or t-shirts to go to touch the wound, with the risk of reopening it and therefore leave a free space for the entry of any fungi or bacteria. For these reasons the navel is an area that requires particular attention.”
Choose a safe place
First rule: choose a safe place. As also underlined by L‘Higher Institute of Healthwhen you decide to have a piercing applied, it is of fundamental importance to contact a qualified piercerin possession ofcertificate of attendance of a specific training course regional and operating in compliance with hygienic-sanitary requirements provided for by “Ministry of Health guidelines for performing tattoo and piercing procedures in safe conditions”. It is also necessary that the procedure is performed in an authorized centerby the competent authority in the area, to carry out piercing activities.
It can only be done if you are adults
The piercer has the obligation to make sure the customer is of age and in the case of minors, it must require the consent and presence of a parent or guardian.
«As far as performing the piercing is concerned, it is essential rely on a professional who guarantees the sterility of the materials used – Dr. Brumana also recommends. – It must in fact be about disposable materials or properly sterilized in an autoclave. Obviously the piercer must use gloves during the application and must open the packages of disposable materials in front of the customer.”
Navel piercing: how to cure it
Once the piercing is done it is then fIt is essential to treat it in the right way.
«In the meantime, we must keep in mind that the Healing of navel piercing is very long – underlines the expert. – If the pierced ears heal in five weeks, the navel is needed different months. A time that is also very subjective because it depends on different factors. For example, how you wash yourself, the physical activity you do or even the clothes you wear.”
The rules you need to know
«The piercing applied must not be replaced for at least three months, sometimes it may be necessary to wait even longer – continues the dermatologist. – For the first few weeks it’s fine avoid swimming in the sea and swimming pools. It is fundamental try to touch the piercing as little as possible, because hands are often a vehicle for bacteria. As regards hygiene, it is necessary, after having carefully washed your hands, try cleaning the area with a mild cleanserbeing careful too to dry it well. If the navel remains with traces of water and detergent it can become irritated more easily.”
It can be just as important try not to wear tight clothing such as, for example, tights, belts, skirts or high-waisted trousers, since the rubbing of the piercing against the tissues could irritate the wound and delay healing times.
And disinfectants?
Me too’use of disinfectants must be dosed appropriately.
«Some types of disinfectants, such as hydrogen peroxide, can slow wound healing – specifies Dr. Brumana. – If there are no signs of infection, it is fine use a mild cleanser every day And, once or twice a dayclean the area with a sterile saline solution and gauzein a very delicate way.”
Navel piercing and allergy
Having said that, it may happen that after having your navel pierced you find yourself dealing with a allergic reaction.
«Generally an allergy manifests itself with appearance of localized irritationcharacterized by rednesstherefore erythema, and from edema, that is swelling – explains Dr. Brumana. – In the same way they can appear blisters, scabs and above all a strong sensation of itching. In these cases one is important medical evaluation. If a hypoallergenic material was not used for the piercing, you can also think about replacing it.”
What to do in case of rejection?
The symptoms described above can also be a sign of real rejection.
“The Rejection is a reaction of the body that perceives the piercing as something foreignor – explains the expert. – It’s about a local inflammatory reaction that can look a lot like an allergy but which tends not to resolve itself, leading to actual expulsion of the piercing after some time. Also in this case the medical evaluation is fundamental: a dermatologist will be able to prescribe tests that allow you to understand if it is an allergy, a rejection or an infection».
Should the presence of pus and pain be a concern?
If the presence of pus is not always a specific symptom of the infection, a sign that should not be underestimated is persistent pain.
«Feeling pain in the first 2 or 3 days after the piercing is performed it is normal, because in any case it is an alteration of the skin – specifies Dr. Brumana. – After this period of time, however, the pain should disappear. If it persists it is a sign not to be underestimated, because it means that a condition to be investigated is underway. Also in this case it is best to contact the dermatologist who will be able to prescribe patch tests for allergies or culture tests to identify the responsible bacterium and thus identify the causes of the problem.”
Belly button piercing infections
«In principle, neglected infections can lead to serious complications in those with particular health problems and does not have a particularly efficient immune system – continues the expert. – However, even if they remain localized in a healthy person, they can still determine abnormal healingnot to underestimate”.
Navel piercing: when it is better not to do it
For these reasons, there are cases in which navel piercing should be avoided a priori.
«It is not recommended in case of patients with multiple allergies and also people predisposed to the formation of keloids, or hypertrophic, thickened scars. These are patients for whom every new wound can cause damage – specifies the expert. – They should also avoid piercings fragile patients, such as diabetics, more susceptible to infections and who need more time to ‘heal’ and people with immune problems for which it may be better to evaluate with the opinion of the doctor. Also during pregnancy it is best to avoid piercing the navel given that there is still a minimal risk of infection.”
Is it better to remove it during pregnancy?
And what about expectant mothers who already have a navel piercing?
“In this case it is not always necessary to remove it. Much depends on the shape of the belly – concludes Dr. Brumana. – Sometimes the tension on the abdomen is great, so the future mother can be given the possibility of replacing the navel piercing with a more flexible model or longer. In this case you will have to talk to your doctor and your piercer, so as to identify the best solution.”
iO Donna © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED