Swimmers with navel piercings?

Question

I am a competitive swimmer and I tried to get a navel piercing but they turned me down because I can't possibly stay out of the water for 3-4 weeks.. swimmer know how difficult that is :P. Is it safe to get one anyways?

This time I won't mention I am a swimmer.. if so how did you take care of it??

Answer 1

The reason you can't swim with a fresh piercing is because poolwater in contaminated; you'll infect the piercing.

I highly advise against getting the piercing while you're swimming. Rather wait for a holiday or something, and get it done then.

Answer 2

There is a reason we won't pierce people who will be swimming shortly after. Chlorine in the pool will have a very negative effect on the healing of the piercing. It will take longer and you are more likely to develop irritation and scar tissue. You also expose yourself to bacteria that the chlorine doesn't kill and expose yourself to a greater chance of infection. I advise clients no swimming for at least 10 weeks.

We give this advice because we've seen what happens when people don't follow it. It's not pretty, and most of us are sick and tried of dealing with red, disgusting piercings because people think they know better than we do how to heal it. Either take some time off or don't get the piercing now.  

Answer 3

I am a swimmer as well. I have been for 20 years. In HS I wanted to get my navel pierced. However, I have a friend that owns his shop. I asked him what would happen. He did say that the best time to do it is when you are off. Because if your competing and there a bunch of different people in the pool, their oils come off in the water and cause your piercing to get infected. I have seen pictures of infected navels, and believe you want to wait until your are able to stay out of the water. You do not want to chance getting infected and having to stay away from the pool until your piercing heals which can be months.

Hope this helps.