A weakened immune system is another reason why you may be prone to navel fungal infections. If you have an auto-immune disease, or are physically or mentally stressed, it will adversely affect your immune system.
A yeast called Candida causes belly button yeast infections, or candidiasis. Candida yeast grow and thrive in warm, damp environments. Conditions that allow Candida to grow and thrive include: Wearing tight clothing.
Bacterial Infection
If you think you have an infection in your belly button, you should call your doctor so that you can have the area cleaned carefully. You may also need prescription antibiotics to kill the bacteria before it spread to other parts of your body.
Harsh chemicals in some soaps can irritate the skin in and around your navel. Look for gentle cleansers that don't have alcohol, which might leave your skin dry and itchy. And don't wash too much, since that can bother your skin. If you also have pain or swelling, tell your doctor.
Infection of the belly button (omphalitis) most commonly occurs in newborn babies. Adults can get an infection of the navel (umbilicus) but it's uncommon. There are many reasons your belly button may become red, swollen or have discharge, and it may not be a skin issue.
Apply an over-the-counter antibacterial cream.
An ointment with bacitracin (like Neosporin®) can treat the infection and assist in wound healing.
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.
Bellybutton pain can occur for many reasons, such as an infection, an umbilical hernia, pregnancy, or a problem with the digestive system. A doctor can help resolve any underlying issues. Anyone experiencing bellybutton pain, or periumbilical pain, should talk with their doctor to determine the cause.
If you develop redness, swelling, pain, or discharge, your belly button could be infected. This is especially likely if you have a navel piercing. In this case, you may require antibiotics or other treatment and should visit UPMC Urgent Care right away.
This cyst can then become infected and the infection travel up to the belly button. Mucus and urine can leak through this opening, leading to discharge and infection too. This is can be very serious and is one of the reasons that if you do have any belly button discharge you should be examined by a doctor.
If left untreated, some belly button infections can become serious. As mentioned above, some infections are caused by bacteria that can spread to other parts of your body (including organs and blood), causing sepsis and other deadly conditions.
Bacterial infections, fungal infections, and cysts may cause belly button discharge. Belly buttons can become infected if the skin is cracked, overly moist, or pierced. In addition, laparoscopic surgery through the naval may pose a risk for infection. Treatment includes antibiotics, antifungals, or drainage.
Pierced areas, especially sensitive areas like the navel, can get infected months and even years after they were pierced, though infections most often occur very shortly after the time of piercing, as that is when the portal door is wide open.
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.
Diabetic patients are prone to infections, and the disease may also prevent rapid healing of infections. Diabetics with belly button infections may suffer from an unpleasant smell emanating from the belly button, as well as oozing of cheese-like fluids.
Omphalitis is an infection of the umbilical stump. It typically presents as a superficial cellulitis that can spread to involve the entire abdominal wall and may progress to necrotizing fasciitis, myonecrosis, or systemic disease.
The sebaceous glands release oil in the skin. If one of these glands in or near the belly button gets backed up or clogged with dirt and oil, a cyst may form under the skin. If the cyst is infected and leaking, a thick off-white to yellow discharge will often come from it.
Accumulation of dirt and debris.
Your belly button is home to many types of bacteria. You may also have fungi (like the yeast called Candida) and other germs in there. Combine that with dead skin cells and the natural oils from your skin and you've got the recipe for an unpleasant odor.
Summary. There are many possible causes of belly button pain. The pain may occur (or initially occur) on its own in people with indigestion, constipation, appendicitis, pregnancy, or an umbilical hernia. Or, it may occur with other symptoms in people with Crohn's disease, urinary tract infections, stomach flu, H.
Soak the area in warm water for 20 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day. If it's too hard to soak the site (for example, if you had your belly button pierced), apply a warm, moist cloth instead. If your doctor told you how to care for your infected piercing, follow your doctor's instructions.
If any pus is present, use an antibiotic ointment such as Polysporin. No prescription is needed. Put a tiny amount on the navel. Do this 2 times per day after the area has been cleaned with warm water.
Wherever you talk, you point your belly bottom. So if I talk to you over here, I point my belly button. If I move over here, I point my belly button. That's the belly button rule.