How To Treat An Infection Of Your Innie Or Outie (Especially After Piercing!)

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An infection of your belly button, whether you have an innie or an outie, is a much more common problem than you might think. These infections can affect anyone, even infants! It is much more common, lately, among 15 to 25-year-olds because of the popularity of belly button piercings.

These infections can be either bacterial (which is common for piercings) or a yeast infection, which is common for those with “innie” belly buttons. The belly button can be a deep, dark, dank place where sweat and moisture love to accumulate. Think about it: When was the last time you cleaned out your belly button?

Common symptoms of an infection are a red belly button or surrounding area, mild burning pain, and/or a green or grayish discharge. Belly button infections can occur from poor hygiene, surgery involving the belly button, piercings, diabetes, obesity, and even exposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun.

Regardless of the root cause, there are plenty of home remedies that can treat this problem without a trip to the doctor. We have rounded up 12 ways that you can deal with an infected innie or outie. We also have a list of a few preventative measures you can take.

Keep reading so that you can take good care of your belly button, no matter which type you have!

1. Witch Hazel

Witch hazel is really an easy and inexpensive way to deal with infections. It will not only reduce the pain and inflammation, but it will help it to heal more quickly. Mix equal parts of witch hazel and water in a spray bottle, and spray your belly button area thoroughly. You can also take a cotton ball that has been soaked in witch hazel and rub it around the infected area.

2. Warm Salt Water

Salt water is another cheap yet effective way to clear up belly button infections. Warm water will help increase blood flow to the area, and the salt will also help to absorb excess moisture from inside the belly button area. Salt is also a terrific disinfectant. To use this method, simply add one teaspoon of salt water to one cup of warm water, and mix it well until the salt dissolves completely. Saturated a cotton ball in this mixture and clean the infected area. Pat dry carefully, taking care not to tear the delicate skin.

3. Eucalyptus Oil

Eucalyptus oil has powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial compounds that are effective when fighting bacterial infections. In fact, eucalyptus oil is so powerful, it works well against antibiotic-resistant types of bacteria! Dilute about two drops of eucalyptus oil in one teaspoon of coconut or olive oil and apply to the infected area. Leave on overnight, then wash and dry the next morning. Repeat until the infection is gone.

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