Body piercings are not just a fashion statement. They are and have remained a form of self-expression for centuries, holding great cultural and religious significance. To many, they also symbolise independence, strength, and resilience, while for youngsters, they are sometimes a form of rebellion. However, it is important to note that piercings, if not done hygienically, can contribute to severe infections, posing a tremendous risk to health.

Belly button piercings, in particular, heal very slowly. In fact, it can take from six months to a year for it to heal completely, according to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS). The bad news is that during this entire period of healing, people continuously remain at high risk of infection. If that happens, here’s a guide to how you can identify it and ways to approach it.

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Signs Of An Infected Belly Button Piercing

Dr Swapna Priya, Consultant Dermatologist, CARE Hospitals, HiTec City, Hyderabad, says, “An infected belly button piercing can cause severe pain, discolouration, swelling, discharge or pus, or redness of the skin, causing delayed or failed healing.”

Other common signs include:

• Chills or a fever 
• Persistent pain or inflammation
• Sensitivity or discomfort when moving
• Swelling or tenderness to touch

If the infection takes a more severe turn, it can lead to other complications, including:

• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Increased heart rate
• Low blood pressure

Risks Of Leaving An Infected Belly Button Piercing Untreated

According to Dr Priya, an infected belly button piercing can cause raised scar tissue, also known as keloid formation.

According to StatPearls Publishing, keloids occur due to abnormal wound healing in response to skin trauma or inflammation. Research suggests it is more prevalent among darker-skinned individuals of African, Asian, and Hispanic descent.

Additionally, in non-sterile scenarios, infected belly button piercing may cause serious health conditions, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or hepatitis B or C, warns Dr Priya.

Other severe risks include sepsis, which is extremely rare, and other persistent allergic reactions. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s immune system has an extreme response to an infection. In 2017 alone, it led to an estimated 4.89 crore cases and caused 1.1 crore deaths worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

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How To Treat An Infection?

Depending on the severity of the infection, the treatment for an infected belly button piercing may vary.

In the case of a mild infection, rubbing antibiotic cream on the affected area 2-3 times a day may do the trick, says Dr Priya.

However, if the symptoms worsen, medical intervention, such as oral antibiotics, may be prescribed, whereas a doctor may advise the removal of the ring in case of a foreign body reaction, according to her.

Hygiene Practices To Follow

Here are some measures to speed up the healing process of the infection:

• Cleaning the infected area with mild antibacterial soap
• A daily shower is advised.
• Pat the area dry after washing.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after touching the infected area.
• Wear loose clothing to avoid unnecessary friction.

Conclusion

An infected belly button piercing can cause a lot of pain and can lead to pus formation. These symptoms can be highly distressing, necessitating immediate medical intervention. If left untreated, a person might risk developing severe complications. It is important to consult a healthcare professional for proper and effective treatment. Following hygienic practices also plays a crucial role in managing and preventing an infection after a body piercing.