Never Change Belly Button Rings Before Checking for These Factors

Upon piercings one’s belly button, it can be difficult to wait the necessary six to twelves months for healthy healing. Belly button rings are some of the most common body jewelry but belly button piercings are some of the slowest to heal.

Some pieces of body jewelry can be changed in as little as four weeks.  Belly button piercings are much slower to heal, though. Belly button piercings generally have the lowest age requirement and this is part of the reason that new piercees have such a hard time waiting.

The purpose of this article is to provide tips and tricks to speed healing time, as well as how to tell when the piercing is completely healed and ready for changing.

The first and most important thing to keep in mind is that you should not touch your new piercing unless absolutely necessary (like cleaning). It is recommended that people clean belly button rings once a day with warm water and antibacterial soap and avoid using any creams or alcohols that will irritate or dry the skin.

Secondly, remember to wear loose clothing that won’t irritate your new piercing by rubbing against it during your day to day activities. Belly button rings are especially susceptible this form of irritation because people generally wear shirts every day. Staying away from active events and things that will lead to a lot of sweating is also advised.

The following are things to look for that will prove that your piercing is healed and that you’re ready to switch belly button rings.

1. No redness at or around the piercing site.

2. No clear, gray or greenish secretion from the piercing.

3. No scabbing or bleeding around the belly button ring.

4. No pain when cleaning the belly button ring

5. The ability to twist the belly button ring one full turn without pain, bleeding or  secretion.

If you are able to pass all of the above, you can likely change your belly button ring. Of course, there’s no guarantee that you won’t begin to experience some of these negative symptoms after you change your ring. The only way to be 100% sure that you’re ready to make the switch is to consult with your piercer or doctor.

The tips above provide a good gauge for things that SHOULD be gone before you attempt to switch your navel ring, and should you experience any serious pain or infection, visit your doctor right away to prevent further injury.