Hello, I received a naval piercing about 5 days ago and it seemed ok no pain, swelling, and just a little itching no other setbacks until I woke up yesterday and there were tiny bumps around the piercing and in my naval. Is my piercing infected?

Dear Jenny,
If there are many tiny bumps it may be some type of allergic reaction. If there is pus, swelling, redness or heat it may be an infection. I would call the facility where you received the piercing and check with them first. If you continue to have the problem or it gets worse contact your physician.

Good Luck,
Nurselady

Melissa wrote:
i have had to take out my beely button ring because i have developed a bump under it. I have an inny and now it looks like an outy. You can still see the iny part, but you have to kinda open it. it feels like there is a ball or something there. what could this be and will it go away?

Dear Melissa,

I have seen this problem several times. It seems that sometimes the bump goes away with warm compresses and other times there was a need for medical attention. I would recommend that you call the facility where you had the piercing done. If it is it red, warm, draining or painful, go see your physcian.

Nurselady

Jeff wrote:
I went to the beach and got bad sunburn. Any tips for taking care of the burn to avoid skin cancer?

Dear Jeff,
The best way to avoid sunburn and skin cancer is to prevent it by applying SPF 15 lotion or better and wearing light clothing and even a hat. Stay out of the sun between 10 am and 2 pm when it is the most intense. Once skin burn has occurred avoid further sun exposure as it will increase the burn and pain. Take cool baths without bubbles, oils, etc. Cool compresses will also help. There is a burow solution that you can purchase at the drugstore but be sure to read the directions. I use an aloe gel at my school for students with sunburn and they say it is the best. If the pain is real bad a pain reliever such as aspirin or ibuprofen may be required. If you have blisters that pop an antibiotic ointment will help the skin heal. Some cases are severe enough to be seen by a physician so use your good judgement and go to the doctors if the sunburn does not improve in 2-3 days.
Nurselady

jennifer wrote:
I had my belly button pierced about 6 weeks ago. IT has stayed kinda red but doesn’t hurt. Now it hase like a small blister looking thing on the top and is swollen and red on one side of the bar. It kinda feels like a bruise when I touch it. It has NOTHING coming out of it. It doesn’t feel hot to the touch, it just looks kinda ugly. Nothing is rubbing up against it and I keep it clean. I also don’t fool with it to much. What can be causing this and how can I fix it?

Dear Jennifer,

You are not the first to have this problem. Did the professional that did your piercing give you aftercare instructions. I have read that most people feel cleaning the area with a mild antiseptic soap twice a day and using seasalt or saline soaks two to three times daily are the best way to go. If the area becomes swollen, warm to touch, has a bad odor or greenish discharge I would recommend a doctors evaluation. If it becomes irritated because of rubbing against your pants some type of cover should be applied during the day but leave it open to air as much as possible.

Hope this was helpful.
Nurselady