I've recently had my naval pierced and stumbled on this site while researching how to best care for it. Most of which I found is advice similar to those shared on this forum. Applying antibacterial soap and a saline solution twice daily was aggravating. My piercing used to swell, it hurt - I'm an active person and found that it hindered me quite a bit. Since I've stopped putting anything on it. Absolutely nothing. It's a small wound - it doesn't need an antibacterial or a saline solution. Your body should be able to heal in its own time. This is all I've done and honestly, it's healing fine, there's no swelling and very little redness and an infection is the furthest thing from my mind.

I don't touch it. Ever. I don't twist it, I don't let my boyfriend touch it. Nothing. The only times I do touch it is if it gets dirty or wet. If it's dirty I just use clean, distilled water (boiled water is fine) and apply that with a cotton bud and then I pat it dry with a tissue. If it's wet then I just pat it dry.

I exercise and swim a lot and getting a piercing hasn't stopped me. When swimming I put a good occlusive plaster (bandage for the North Americans ) on. It keeps the water at bay and it stays dry. If it does get wet then it's simple - I clean it up with boiled water.

I cover up my piercing when exercising (I don't want perspiration to mingle with the healing piercing) and showering. Buying occlusive plasters all the time is just too expensive for me. So for the gym and shower I use cling film - saran wrap - and tape it down at the edges. If you can spare the money and buy occlusive plasters in bulk, then that'll obviously be better. Otherwise you can improvise like me!

I don't use soaps, solutions, nothing of that ilk. It's just not neccessary! I've been swimming and exercising since the second week I've got it and nothing's been harming my piercing. I've opted for the, "The body'll heal itself" approach. A friend who had her naval pierced a couple of weeks before me goes for the, "Antibacterial and saline solutions approach". Mine is healing faster and looks in a much better condition than hers. She has since followed my advice and is happy with the results.

If you're having trouble with it then give it a go!

Hi Aysha,

Thanks for the informative and nice post - your approach is definitely worth reading for everyone here!

Rgds,

Robby

Thanks Aysha,

I guess this is a definitely worth trying. After all, your body does the whole healing job!

I've been swimming and exercising since the second week I've got it and nothing's been harming my piercing. I've opted for the, "The body'll heal itself" approach. A friend who had her naval pierced a couple of weeks before me goes for the, "Antibacterial and saline solutions approach". Thank you!

I can see that you are an expert at your field! And your information will be very useful for me. Thanks for sharing.

It's just not neccessary! I've been swimming and exercising since the second week I've got it and nothing's been harming my piercing. I've opted for the, "The body'll heal itself" approach.

And you can use a Korean method of using egg white to clean the piercing.

There are many concepts and philosophies when it comes to caring for your new body piercings. Many professional body piercers and health care practitioners of different schools or different the best way to ensure the health of your new piercing thought might advocate, but there is no single correct method or absolute answers. Like everyone's body is different, a body piercing successful treatment methods may also differ.

I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in this topic. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well.

It's just not neccessary! I've been swimming and exercising since the second week I've got it and nothing's been harming my piercing. I've opted for the, "The body'll heal itself" approach.