Don't ignore an infected belly button.
Nothing is nastier than your brand new belly button ring causing an infection. That oozing, smelly green (or yellow) pus has to be taken care of quickly or the infection can spread to the rest of your body, so take it seriously. You may feel pain and warmth around the infection, and there can be bleeding. Follow these steps to deal with your infected belly button and get back to wearing those navel-baring shirts.
Instructions
1. Apply a hot compress. Use a clean cloth and thoroughly soak the compress with water. Place the cloth in the microwave for about 25 seconds or until it is hot. Place the compress on your button and hold is against the infected area until the cloth cools down. You may repeat this a few times. The heat from the compress helps to increase blood flow to the infected area and allows pus to drain.
2. Rinse the infected area with salt water. Use a teaspoon of table or sea salt with 8 ounces of water. Soak cotton balls or clean cloth thoroughly with the salt water and place on the infected area. You can also use a large bowl to soak the area. Dispose of the materials immediately after use or disinfect the bowl.
3. Use over-the-counter antibiotic creams (water-based preferably for breathing) for a short period of time. Rub cream onto the and let it soak in. Repeat as needed.
4. If there is pus and it has not yet drained, apply hydrogen peroxide. The peroxide will assist in draining the pus and clearing the infection. Only use hydrogen peroxide for these reasons; do not use it after the infection is gone.
5. If the above steps have not worked and you still have an infection, see a doctor immediately.
Tags: infected area, belly button, infected belly, infected belly button, your infected belly, clean cloth