belly button rednes

i got my belly button pierced like 6 months ago a couple weeks ago is was red was like dry skin inthe navel however no pus or odor is visible. but i been putting neoporsin, zince oxide and zovirax on it.however the redness is still there and the coloration is darker. what should i do

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It looks like contact dermatitis(allergic) to the metal in the belly button piercing like nickel etc. Apply calamine lotion and take some antihistaminic like Benadryl . Also change the piercing to some inert metal like silver. If there is redness, pain and warmth, then infection can be suspected.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.