What grows in your belly button is primarily a diverse mix of bacteria, fungi, lint, dead skin, hair, and oils (sebum), which can sometimes form hard, dark balls called omphaloliths (navel stones) or lead to yeast/bacterial infections, especially in deep or uncleaned 'innie' types.
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.
A navel stone is sometimes called an omphalolith or umbolith. It is a condition where substances like sebum, or skin oil, hair, dead skin cells, and dirt can accumulate and form a hardball. The stone is usually a dark color and firm to the touch. They may resemble a large blackhead in the opening of the navel.
Seek a doctor's advice before removing an omphalolith at home. If the stone is particularly large, hard, or has caused an infection, it may be best for a doctor to remove it. They do so in a sterile environment, which can be difficult to reproduce at home.
Navel stones are primarily made of sebum and keratin. 1 Sebum is oil produced by the skin, and keratin is a protein that helps form hair, skin, and nails. 4 These substances accumulate in the belly button, gradually harden over time, and create a stone-like object.
Effects of Picking at Your Belly Button
Problems can occur, however, if you're actively picking at your belly button in such a way that you nick or scrape your skin or draw blood. At that point, you can be at risk for an infection.
Symptoms of an umbilical hernia
In babies and children, umbilical hernias can range in size, from small, around the size of a pea, to larger lumps, around 2cm across. In adults, umbilical hernias can range from small (around 1cm in size), to medium (between 1cm and 4cm) and large (bigger than 4cm).
No one wants a smelly belly button that's full of germs, dirt and who knows what else. Luckily, all that unwanted stuff inside the navel can be safely removed through regular cleanings. To minimize bacteria and extract anything else that may become trapped in there, experts recommend a weekly hygiene routine.
Overview of Belly Button Problems
If you've noticed discharge, a strong smell, pain, or another change in your belly button, you may need to see a doctor. If your belly button leaks discharge or blood, you may have a bacterial, fungal, or yeast infection.
Medical professionals can remove navel stones. Typically, they soften the stone first by using a cotton swab soaked in sterile saline held to the stone. Using gentle manipulation, they remove the stone from the belly button.
What causes a belly button to smell? Most belly buttons are indented and act as a trap for sweat, dead skin, and dirt. Few people wash their belly button with soap, so germs can develop. The presence of dirt and bacteria in the belly button is the most common cause of a belly button smell.
Stick with mild soap and water for regular cleaning. For infections, diluted hydrogen peroxide (with water) may help, but consulting a skincare expert is best for ongoing issues. What if my belly button is red or painful? Redness, pain, or swelling could signal irritation or infection.
Lather soapy water on a cotton swab or the corner of a washcloth. Gently use the cotton swab or washcloth to remove dirt and debris from your belly button until smooth. When you're done, use a clean cotton swab or the corner of a dry towel to dry the inside of your belly button.
Right lumbar region of the middle abdomen: It is called region 4 and is located in the middle-right abdomen, lateral to the umbilicus (aka belly button). The organs in this region include the right kidney, part of the small bowel (duodenum), and part of the large bowel (ascending colon).
Five key warning signs of a hernia include a visible bulge or lump, pain/discomfort that worsens with activity, a dragging sensation, digestive issues like nausea/constipation, and signs of strangulation like a discolored bulge, fever, or severe pain, which require emergency care.
Signs and symptoms of belly button infections
“If your belly button looks redder than usual, a bit swollen and there is purulent discharge (or pus) coming from the belly button that has a foul smell, you could have an infection,” Kadri said. Other signs to watch out for include: Pain and tenderness.
Symptoms of a Belly Button Infection
Having what people often refer to as "gunk" in your belly button is entirely normal. In fact, given the belly button's shape and location, it would be surprising if it didn't collect skin cells, lint, and other gunk ingredients. The key is removing the material.
What does the navel do? After your umbilical cord stump heals closed and falls off, your navel doesn't do much of anything for the rest of your life. While it doesn't do anything itself, it's still important for aesthetic (beauty and appearance) reasons.
Anyone experiencing belly button or “periumbilical” pain should talk with a doctor to determine the cause. Many minor conditions can cause pain in the navel area, which may even radiate to other areas, including the pelvis, legs, and chest. Common causes include indigestion, constipation, and umbilical hernias.
Cancerous lumps are often hard, firm, and fixed in place, with irregular edges, feeling like a rock, while benign lumps are usually softer, rounder, and movable, but this isn't a strict rule, as some cancerous lumps can be soft, and some non-cancerous ones can be hard, so any new or concerning lump needs medical evaluation for a proper diagnosis.
The common signs of stomach cancer that a patient experiences include:
An umbilical hernia is an unusual bulge you can often see or feel over your belly button (umbilicus). It develops when part of your small intestine, together with fat or fluid, forms a sac.