The amount of pain caused, is often a cause of concern for those wanting to get their navel pierced. Read the following ThoughtfulTattoos article to know more about the aftercare.
Body piercing has been a popular form of self expression since centuries. In ancient times, Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans, used body piercing as a means to impose one’s importance in his herd or clan, or as a protection from an evil entity. Today, it has become one of the most followed fashion trends.
Amongst different types of body piercings, belly button or navel piercing is the most sought-after. Being located on such a sensuous part of the body, its popularity is rightly justified. However, while getting this sort of body piercing, one must also be aware about the pain and healing process, as well as all the dangers and risks.
Degree of Pain
The level of pain totally depends on the level of pain tolerance of that individual. Some people have high pain tolerance and hence, they get the belly button piercing done with utmost comfort. While some people find it excruciating, that comes with the aftermath like navel piercing infection and sore, runny, and itchy belly button. For people with low tolerance level, the piercing can be quite uncomfortable. Many people also say that the pain is caused more with the clamps that are used for holding the skin, rather than the actual ‘piercing pain’.
Managing the Pain
Getting the piercing done from a reputed piercing parlor, and by an experienced piercing artists are two important things to adhere to. This will ensure that there are no unwanted incidents. Selecting the right kind of jewelry which is resistible to rust, corrosion, and varnish is important. Understand, that the jewelry will get into contact with body fluids and hence, it must be totally sterile. You can use materials like surgical stainless steel, Tygon plastic, 14K gold, titanium jewelry, etc. Materials like sterling silver, bamboo, nickel, bones, electroplated silver, and gold should be avoided.
Apart from getting the belly area numb for piercing, there are a few common things that are used in order to alleviate the pain. Some artists use the cryogesic sprays like ethyl chloride to avoid pain and discomfort. Once the piercing is done, you are likely to experience a sore belly button for a while, since it is a fresh wound. Since this part of the body is prone to irritation due to contact with clothes, you are likely to suffer with pain, soreness, swelling, and redness. You can take over-the-counter pain killers, in order to avoid the pain, along with the mentioned tips:
- Avoid using products that contain benzalkonium chloride, since it can irritate your wound.
- Cleaning the piercing at least once a day with unscented soap, which is also dye-free will aid in preventing infection.
- Using salt water soaks with ⅛ teaspoon of non-iodized to and 8 oz. helps soothe the pain.
- You need to avoid wearing tight, figure-hugging clothes and, basically, all such clothes that can irritate the belly piercing wound.
- Also, avoid all sorts of antibiotics, tanning spray, sunscreen lotions, etc. You also need to avoid swimming and tub baths.
- Lastly, never touch your piercing without washing your hands, since hands are the easiest mode of getting an infection.
With the aforementioned aftercare tips, your belly button piercing may take a few months to heal completely. As mentioned earlier, the level of pain is totally subjective and hence, it is quite possible for different people to experience different levels of pain. If you also want to get the piercing done, make sure you learn everything that you need to know about its care.
