Why is my belly button wet and smelly?

Dirt, bacteria, fungus, and germs can get trapped inside your belly button and start to multiply, which can cause an infection. If you develop a belly button infection, you might notice white, yellow, brown, or bloody discharge seeping out of it. That discharge might also have an unpleasant smell.

Can a smelly belly button be serious?

“But whether there will be a smell depends on bacteria type, longevity, and density. A bacterial infection around the belly button may be mild to severe and redness, bumps, itchiness, or a smell may occur.” Luckily, a bacterial infection in the belly button is easy to rectify.

Why does my belly button smell even after I wash it?

In fact, the average belly button contains about 67 types of bacteria. 1 This buildup can lead to a smell and even infection. Your belly button may smell because of a hygiene need or an infection caused by bacteria or fungus. The belly button is also a commonly forgotten body part when it comes to washing.

How do you get rid of a wet smelly belly button?

Remove the jewelry. Soak a cotton ball in a mixture of antimicrobial soap and warm water, and gently wash your belly button with it. Try to keep the area clean and dry at all times. Avoid wearing tight clothing because it can irritate the affected area.

Why does my belly button produce smelly liquid?

Discharge and smells can be a result of several different factors, though slight navel odors are typically normal. If you have a combination of foul smell and discharge, it could be a sign of: A fungal infection or yeast infection of the belly button. A bacterial infection of the belly button.

Why is my belly button wet and smelly?

Why is my belly button leaking?

If your belly button is “leaking” clear or colored discharge or blood, you may have a bacterial, fungal, or yeast infection. Crusty skin, strong odor, itching, and redness are also signs of infection. If discharge and crust stick around after you wash your belly button, you should see your doctor.

Is belly button infection serious?

If the belly button becomes infected, a person should see a doctor for advice and prescribe medication if needed. The symptoms of an infection are redness, itching, and swelling. Sometimes, there may be fluid or pus, which can harden to form a crust around the area.

Why is there poop in my belly button?

An umbilical fistula, an abnormally developed passageway between the intestines and the umbilicus, can cause fecal matter to leak from the navel. It goes without saying, if poop is coming out of your belly button, you should seek medical attention.

How can you tell if your belly button is infected?

Why is my belly button dirty?

Even if you don't develop a yeast infection, the accumulation of sweat, dirt, dead skin cells, and lint can cause your bellybutton to smell. Omphaloliths. As dead skin cells and sebum — the oil secreted by your skin — accumulate in your bellybutton, they can form an omphalolith over time.

How do you get rid of a yeast infection in your belly button?

Treatment for your belly button yeast infection may include an antifungal medication. Your healthcare provider may recommend an antifungal cream, ointment or powder. You'll apply the antifungal directly onto the skin of your belly button. You can find many antifungal creams over the counter.

How do you get rid of a belly button infection?

Call your doctor if you suspect a yeast infection in your belly button. They may suggest treating it with an over-the-counter, anti-fungal cream. They may also advise you to keep the area clean and dry. If that doesn't work, they may prescribe a stronger anti-fungal treatment.

How do I keep my belly button clean?

Using warm water and mild soap, use a washcloth to gently clean around and just inside the belly button. Rinse with clean, warm water and dry with a towel to make sure that all water has been removed from the belly button. Showering or bathing regularly can help to prevent skin problems and odor.

Is belly button discharge normal?

Your belly button discharge could also be a ruptured epidermoid cyst—basically, a bump that's caused by skin cells that don't slough off. These are generally harmless, except they can rupture and get infected in your belly button sometimes. You'll know it—it will be red, tender, and may have discharge.

How often should you clean your belly button?

Method 1 of 2: Creating a Regular Cleansing Routine. Wash your belly button whenever you shower. The best time to clean your belly button is during a regular bath or shower.

What your belly button says about your health?

The shape and dent of your navel essentially determines how the umbilical cord heals. Belly buttons don't necessarily mean anything in particular about your health, however some people would argue that your belly button says a lot about you as a person.” Belly buttons are low-key gross.

Should you clean your belly button everyday?

You should regularly be giving your belly button a little extra TLC to make sure it stays clean and infection free. “I recommend patients clean their navel daily in the shower with gentle soap and water,” says Dr. Bard.

How long does a belly button infection last?

While most belly button piercings heal without issues, bacteria can infect the area before healing is complete. Infections are usually minor. Symptoms can include pain, redness, and swelling, and improving hygiene can help. Complete healing can take 9–12 months.

Why does my belly button smell like cheese?

Most innies are full of dozens of kinds of bacteria, fungi, and lint — especially if they're on a hairy belly. If a navel gets infected, it might also have a foul-smelling, cheese-like liquid inside. Speaking of cheese, a biologist teamed up with an artist in 2013 to create cheese using belly button bacteria.

What is inside belly button?

Internally the veins and arteries in the cord close up and form ligaments, which are tough connective tissues. These ligaments divide up the liver into sections and remain attached to the inside of the belly button.

Can I use hydrogen peroxide to clean my belly button?

Depending on the sensitivity of your skin, you can use water, a saltwater solution, or hydrogen peroxide to clean your belly button. Dip one side of a cotton swab into a cleansing agent and gently wipe your belly button.

What organ is behind the belly button?

Periumbilical pain is a type of abdominal pain that is localized in the region around or behind your belly button. This part of your abdomen is referred to as the umbilical region. It contains parts of your stomach, small and large intestine, and your pancreas.

Is your belly button connected to anything inside your body?

As you can see, it is not attached to anything in the body. The belly button is where the umbilical cord attaches to the fetus, connecting the developing baby to the placenta.