First of all, this site ROCKS! I've gotten some excellent information from it.
I got my piercing (a ring) about 10 weeks ago and I clean it once daily with Satin. I usually have a small amount of white discharge that comes out but probably because I move it too much. I will stop that immediately.
It does have a little bit of a reddish bump on one side of the hole, but it's not sore at all.
How soon can I change to a barbell and since it is a ring, should I have my piercer change it out for me? I'm a little intimidated.
Thank you!
We generally like to have a piercing looking healthy before we change it. We would recommend changing the ring when the bump has dissipated.
If you are not going to be moving the jewellery anymore, the bump should start to shrink. We recommend no cleaning or turning at all, that includes when you shower. Just let the water run over the piercing and soap around the navel. The water will flush the piercing. When you are done, take a Q-tip and remove any crusties that may have formed on the ring (try not to move the ring as much as possible). If it looks dry or chapped, take another Q-tip and apply a little moisturizer (we use St Ives) and rub into the skin and not the piercing.
Once the piercing is healthy, we do recommend taking your jewellery to a piercer to have it inserted. Why, the first time from a ring to a barbell can be difficult without the proper tools. You could either damage your piercing or the jewellery. Do not be intimated. Just walk in and ask for the service.
Good luck
