To clean a belly button piercing, it is important to follow proper aftercare instructions to avoid infection and irritation. Here are some tips from the search results:
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Wash your hands: Before touching your piercing, wash your hands with antibacterial soap.
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Clean with soap: Apply a fragrance-free soap daily and gently massage the soap around the entry and exit of the navel piercing around the jewelry. Be gentle and avoid aggressively getting in there underneath it and really working the soap.
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Rinse and pat dry: Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water and pat dry with a clean towel. Do not rub the area.
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Use saline solution: Swab the piercing with saline solution to keep it clean and avoid infection. You can use a ready-made brand or dissolve 1/8 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of warm, distilled, or bottled water. Dab the area with clean gauze or a paper towel soaked with saline solution at least once a day.
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Dont clean too much: Cleaning too often or too much can slow down healing.
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Avoid irritants: Dont put anything on your belly button piercing unless a doctor tells you to. That includes lotions, oil, and perfume. Even antibacterial cream and hydrogen peroxide may slow healing or trap bacteria inside your new opening. Wear clean, loose, and soft clothes. Tight clothing and rough fabric will rub against your piercing, which can make it take longer to heal.
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Be patient: Unlike pierced ears, which take 4-6 weeks to heal, your belly button may not fully heal for up to 1 year. Leave your piercing in your belly button until its fully healed.
It is important to note that if you experience any adverse reactions or have questions about the state of your piercing, consult with your doctor or piercer.
