How do you prevent infections when you get your belly button pierced?

Question

i had my belly button pierced a couple of days ago for the second time. the first time i had it done it got infected and i had to take it out.

the first time i had it done i didnt really take care of it. the second time hurt like h**l because it had to be re-pierced over a scar and now the top of it is a purple colour. it wasn't like that on the first. i've been cleaning it with sea salt every morning and evening. i don't know if it's surposed to be like this.

Answer 1

If it were infected, it would be leaking a dark yellow or green pus rather than the regular white or light yellow-ish discharge. The purple is probably just bruising.

Continue cleaning it with sea salt solution. You can also by H2Ocean spray and use that intermittently during the day.

Answer 2

Clean twice daily with boiled (and then cooled) salted water or get an antiseptic spray e.g. TCP

Don't mess with it.

Wash hands before and after touching the piercing / jewellery.  

Answer 3

You prevent infections by cleaning it 2-3 times a day until it's healed.  Don't touch it with dirty hands.  Refrain from touching it at all except when cleaning it really.

You just had a needle shoved through scar tissue.  Tenderness and bruising should be expected.