Look For These Factors To Decide When You Should Change Belly Button Rings
When people get their belly buttons pierced, it can often be very hard to wait the recommended 6 to 12 months for proper healing. Belly button rings are some of the most common body jewelry but belly button piercings are some of the slowest to heal.
Other body piercings can take as little as four to six weeks to heal, but the navel ring takes much longer. 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.
Read on for the information you need to know when your piercing is properly healed and ready to be changed.
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. Refraining from sports or activities that will cause excessive sweating is another way to prevent any pain and speed healing time.
Below are the deciding factors that will help determine if you should change 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. Unfortunately, there’s no way to ensure that you won’t begin to suffer from symptoms after switching belly rings. The only way to be certain that you’re ready to change your belly ring is to revisit your piercing for his or her blessing.
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.
