To clean an infected belly button, gently wash daily with mild soap and warm water, rinse thoroughly, and pat completely dry, as moisture breeds bacteria; you might use a saline or antiseptic solution on a cotton swab, but see a doctor for prescription antibiotics or antifungals, and keep it dry by wearing loose, cotton clothes.
“If the infection is more widespread, oral and topical medicines may be necessary.” During treatment, gently wash the belly button with mild soap and water daily and make sure it is dried completely, as moisture helps bacteria and yeast to grow.
DIY Belly Button Cleaning: Step-by-Step Guide
Key Takeaways. A belly button yeast infection is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the navel. Antifungal creams or powders, like miconazole or clotrimazole, can treat the infection.
Belly button yeast infections often get better on their own when you keep your navel area clean and dry. Healthy people can usually treat belly button yeast infections with an antifungal medication.
The most common cause is infection from bacteria or fungus. You may be more likely to experience infection if you recently had abdominal surgery. Certain cysts may also cause belly button discharge.
Bacterial Belly Button Infections
These are often caused by bacteria like Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. The moist environment of the belly button allows them to grow. Common signs include redness, swelling, pain, and yellow or green discharge.
Signs and symptoms of an infection
Belly button infections often arise from poor hygiene, excessive moisture, or irritation caused by piercings, obesity, or underlying health conditions such as diabetes. Mild infections can often be treated at home using gentle cleaning with saline or soap.
Infected belly button symptoms
Common symptoms of a belly button infection or allergic reaction to a piercing include: Red, itchy skin around the navel. Foul smells. Swelling.
Your belly button can collect lint, or fibers, from clothing and towels that rub against your skin. Bacteria can also grow in your navel. It's fine to gently remove belly-button fuzz with your finger and clean it with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, but in general, it's best to leave your navel alone.
Discharge from your belly button might be a sign of an infection, like a yeast or bacterial infection. Poor hygiene can cause a brown belly button discharge from built-up skin cells, sweat, and bacteria. You can properly clean your belly button to help remove discharge caused by poor hygiene.
Should You Be Cleaning Your Belly Button? "Yes, of course," says New York-based board-certified dermatologist Gary Goldenberg, M.D., founder of Goldenberg Dermatology. "Your belly button should be cleaned just like the rest of the skin."
Signs and symptoms of an infection
Most Deadly Bacterial Infections
An unclean wound may cause a bacterial infection to occur. Once the wound is clean, there are several techniques to speed up the healing process. These include the use of antibacterial ointments, turmeric, aloe vera, garlic, and coconut oil. A person should seek medical help right away if their wound is large.
If you have an infected epidermoid cyst lurking in your belly button, it will probably look red, feel painful, and may have a smelly yellow or green discharge, Dr. Kaminska says.
Navel fungal infections cause a rash like symptom that's red, itchy and may resemble eczema. The navel may also become red in general and feel quite sore. Skin fungal infections are also like dandruff and skin psoriasis diseases as scaly skin flakes may accompany them.
“If dirt or dead skin cells sit in there and lose moisture, it can become a big, hard ball of debris, and it might feel rough when removing it.” Avoid rigorously scrubbing the inside of your belly button. If you cause small tears in that sensitive skin, the bacteria can easily get inside and cause an infection.
If your belly button is particularly dirty, dip your finger into some table salt and gently massage your belly button before rinsing it thoroughly. When you get out of the shower, be sure to pat your belly button dry. It's also a good idea to avoid using lotions or other skincare products around your 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.
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.