Belly button infection? GP?! What the hell?! (Pic)

[Button192]

So many moons ago I had a belly button piercing, having DC and pregnancy means I no longer have it and have not done so for a good few years. There has always been a little scar left but not too awful.

Said scar started to itch / feel a bit uncomfortable last week and now seems to have swollen and is quite red and painful.

I have never had any issues since I removed the bar years ago so I'm confused as to why it would be causing an issue now!

Do I need to see someone with this? It's getting quite sore (and you can't see very well on the pic but is quite swollen now).

I would. Just to be sure! If it’s causing you pain it might need something topical like an ointment or something that you can’t buy over the counter

If it was me I would practise self-care in the first instance whilst keeping an eye as all infections can become serious.

Have salt baths and keep it scrupulously clean.

Hi Op, I had one last week, from your picture there seems to be a small amount of discharge from the belly button itself.

I went to GP, they inspected it and gave me some cream - cleared up very quickly in just a couple of applications. I would try see your GP just to ease the symptoms and feel better.

They also suggested trying to get some air to it and keeping it dry. I got some cotton pads for isolated drying.

Thanks! The belly button it's self is okay, I had just gotten out of the shower when I took this do it's water. It's the scar just above the belly button that is sore, red and swollen.

I'll see if I can get an appointment for some cream

Please ask for this thread to be moved to Sporners Corner. You will be popular.

Even if you take a piercing out, you still need to keep the tube clean.
Ask if they'll give you dry iodine, its fast and effective. While you're waiting, use salt water soaks.

Sudocrem, it could quite likely be caused by the heat, warm, sweaty and a good place for bacteria to grow.

Could you not go to the pharmacy and ask so speak to the pharmacist about it? Much quicker than seeing a GP.

I'd keep it very clean, not fiddle with it and see how it goes (obviously see the GP or 111 if you feel otherwise ill with a fever or the redness spreads)

This happened to me. About 10 years after I took it out. I left it thinking it would go away and ended up needing antibiotics. I went to my local pharmacy first who swiftly sent me to the GP.

Steroid cream should clear that up straight away!
from a very pierced woman