How to Know If a Belly Bar Is Infectected

With the popularity of body piercings increasing, more piercing studios are opening, making it easier to find on in many communities. However, piercing part of the body means cutting the skin and inserting a foreign object. Because of the danger of infection or transmission of a blood-borne disease, anyone wishing to have a piercing should check that the studio is licensed to operate in your area. In addition, follow the after-care guidelines carefully because a pierced belly button can take from 4 months to a year to heal completely.

Instructions

• 1

  Observe the site of the piercing. If the skin looks red, swollen or irritated, you may have an infection.

• 2

  Probe the area gently and see if the touch causes pain. If gentle pressure causes sharp pain, the site may be infected.

• 3

  Feel the skin near the piercing. Is it warm or hot to the touch? Infections generate heat, so it's a sign of infection.

• 4

  Squeeze the skin around the piercing gently. If you squeeze out pus or other discharge, the site is probably infected.

• 5

  See a doctor immediately if you suspect your piercing is infected. Don't attempt to treat it yourself.