Piercing date: 10/26/02
Age: 18
Theories: allergy to the metal, or infection from saliva or touching with dirty hands.
Problem started: 2/21/03

This is what it looks now as of 3/2/03.

The dark purple/blue is getting darker, and the surround parts of the belly button is starting to turn blue. The whole area is very itchy and a lot of clear yellow watery discharge. Though you can't really see, about an two inch radius of the belly button is very red, and rough.

Ever since I've had the piercing, I had few of those "bubbles" on the entry points. Sometimes it'd be on the top, then one would appear on the bottom, and sometimes both would heal and another one would appear. Right here on this picture, the top one just went away 2 1/2 weeks ago, and the bottom one is nice and full of pus.

The inside (the 'cave') of my belly button is very purple, and somewhat 'ashy' looking. Basically it looks like a really bad bruse with a layer of dead skin.

I've gotten a lot of advice, and most were incorrect. So, as of today, I've stopped the: Tea Tree Oil, Neosporin, anti-itch cream, and Epsom salt soaks. And will replace with Dial soap and sea salt soaks.

I've been to my piercer twice, and he kept saying Tea Tree Oil and Dial soap. So I seeked advice from another piercer, and he also agreed with my piercer and told me to start the oil treatment, and that it is highly recommended.

I'm going to the doctor's office today, and hope he doesn't make me take it out.

Does the purple/blue and the itch have anything to do with allergic reaction to the metal?