Ive had my belly pierced for about a month and its been just fine until now. It is swollen and hurts really really bad. I can hardly move. I put some salt and water on it but its not seeming to help. Ive read a little bit about it on the net and it says NOT to use triple antibiotic nettlesporn (sp) so I didn't. I want this to go away! What to do what to do?:confused:

If it is swollen, red, has discharge... you need to remove it and go see a doctor. You can easily acquire a systemic bacterial infection (bacterial infection that is throughout your whole body via the blood stream) and become incredibly ill. You most likely need a course of antibiotics. If, after you get this cleared up, you try it again-keep your hands off the ring, clean it with soap and water, keep it dry, DO NOT let anyone touch/lick it or anything else. Also, keep clothing loose around it.
SROD, RN

If you think you may have an infection, do not remove the jewelry as suggested above. If the piercing closes around the infection and seals it in the body, it will be harder to treat.

Signs of infection include severe redness, severe swelling, and a yellow or green discharge that smells bad. An advanced infection can also include fever and/or chills. The reason I am stressing severe in regards to redness and swelling is because any simple flare up will increase the redness and swelling of the piercing. Severe redness is so red, it almost in fact looks purple in color. Severe swelling looks as if your skin is growing around the jewelry. If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor for antibiotics. Antibiotics are needed to fully cure any infection. Products like salt water will only mask the symptoms of the infection, rather than cure it.

You are correct when you say you should not use triple antibiotic ointment. This kind of ointment can dry inside the piercing and clog it, causing a flare up. The chemicals in these ointments are also too harsh for piercings. Be careful when using salt water -- salt water, if overused or abused, will make the problem worse rather than better. It will dry out your piercing and cause it to peel and flake. Be careful.