Hey, Im an Aussie girl who just got her naval pierced 4 days ago. At first everything went really (although I got pierced with a barbell - I read thats the wrong move!)
However about 2 days ago I moved it up and down quite a lot and sprayed inside it, and perhaps I shouldnt have, because now on the top part, it is swelling and red about 1cm diameter around the ball. I am very worried about this.
Also, have you guys heard of "Protat" ? It is a spray thing I bought from the piercing place, and you are supposed to use it twice a day. I will list the ingredients so you know whats in it:
- purified water
-aloe vera extract
-Glycerol BP USP
-Centipeda cunninghamii extract
-hydoxypropulmethycellulose,
-phenylcarbinol
-sodium hydroxymethylglycinate
-citric acid
-benzalkonium chloride
-fragrance
PHEW!! Anyway I would like your opinion on whether this spray is safe to use on my naval piercing, and whether or not my piercing could already be infected? Or perhaps its because I moved it up and down too much and it is just irritated? Thank you So much !!
The swelling on the top or bottom of the piercing is quite normal, especially since its so new. White discharge will also be normal, make sure you look carefully so its not an infection. So so long as you are not getting green discharge, the red swelling is normal and should go down with healing. I had a red bump at the bottom part of the piercing that went down as it healed, and now my piercing is much smaller because its no longer swollen. Thus, I have had to change my jewelry to a 8mm length.
As far as the spray, I would stay away from it. It may be too harsh for your piercing. I would use sea salt and water (1 4 teaspoon to one pint of warm water) twice a day during the healing period. Not sure where you are, but savlon is a spray that is used for wounds in the UK and Australia, this should be okay but used in small amounts and only if your piercing starts to bleed.
Other than that, so long as you are not touching your piercing, the swelling should go down very soon.
Thanks love! Its about 2 weeks later and im pretty sure its not infected. its still red up the top but no wonder, i have been swimming in a pool, the beach and am about to go again tomorrow. Poor piercing! I dont touch it though. Anyway thanks for your help!
The product you were given is extremely harsh and the one ingredient has a warning on it that it is 'causes serious irritation on the skin'. Please do not use this product.
Please check out our aftercare for the navel and follow that. Your piercing is not infected just seriously irritated.
Some swelling is necessary for any piercing, excessive generally means that the products are harsh and damaging; this includes salt water.
Please stop using any products as you no longer need to do any aftercare. Swimming in the pool will also dry out the tissues so you may want to shower and just let warm water run over the piercing. You may notice some crusties forming, take a Q-tip and remove them and use another one to remove any trapped water inside your navel.
