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A FEW TIPS FOR THOSE CONCERNED WITH NAVEL PIERCING:
Navel piercings probably are the most common and most accepted of all
piercings however, many people still wonder why this type of piercing
is more prone to getting infected than any other in the human body.
Several factors play a very important role in the healing process:
• Jewelry: This is the most effective factor in promoting an infection
or an infection free piercing. Cheap common jewelry found on the market
today are the major factor in causing an infection particularly because
of the type of metal used. These metals are alloys (a combination of
different metals) which have a high percentage of nickel (even gold
is not recommended). These tiny particles of nickel migrate from the
jewelry and flow in the blood causing redness around the piercing for
long periods, headaches, pain in the pierced area, and in extreme cases
blood poisoning. Types of metals which have a high level of nickel (over
0.05% total mass) are: surgical steel (commonly found in pharmacies),
silver (which will tarnish), and gold. Better metals (also alloys) which
are recommended for fresh piercings include high grade surgical steel
(grade 316), titanium, niobium, and high purity nickel free gold.
• Mixing jewelry: Although it is very rare, using two different
metals in close proximity can cause problems; for example when an ear
stud is used with a different butterfly clip. The saline nature of human
perspiration allows it to carry a minute electrical charge which turns
the jewelry into a tiny volcanic cell or battery when the two metals
become the anode and cathode connected by the electrolyte of perspiration:
the acid which this creates can cause soreness, or pain.
• Clothing: This type of piercing can be easily irritated by tight
clothing, belts, waist bands or even by sitting or bending. Pressure
from clothing can cause the jewelry to migrate towards the surface of
the skin. The type of clothing used may cause allergies in the piercing
as the nature of the textile may allow certain bacteria to enter the
wound (that is if covered by the clothing). If problems do occur, changing
the type of clothing might help, and or switching from tight stuff to
looser ones which allow more ventilation.
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