A hole with discharge from your belly button usually signals an infection (bacterial or fungal), a cyst (like an epidermoid or urachal cyst), or issues from surgery, often exacerbated by moisture and poor hygiene, and needs a doctor's evaluation to diagnose if it's an infection (redness, odor, pain), a cyst leaking fluid, or something else, requiring specific treatment like antibiotics or antifungal creams.
If you notice any type of discharge from your belly button, seek prompt medical attention. Your doctor will diagnose the cause and provide the appropriate treatment. Delaying treatment may allow an infection to spread, leading to complications and, potentially, a medical emergency.
Everyone has holes in their fascia at their bellybutton and groins. Some people are born with holes other places as well, usually found around the vertical midline of the abdomen. Others obtain holes when they receive abdominal surgery or an injury. As long as these holes remain small, there is no problem.
“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. Itching.
The most common symptom of a belly button yeast infection is a bright red rash in the skin folds of your navel. The rash is typically extremely itchy. It may burn. You may also see scaling, swelling or a white discharge.
If you're gently pulling out some lint, you're fine — there's no reason to leave that stuff in when you find it.
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.
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.
If you spot a rash around your belly button, it's smart to take note. This could signal an STD like herpes or syphilis that often present sores on the skin's surface. A ring-like sore can suggest early stage syphilis, while clusters of blisters might point towards genital herpes extending upwards.
How to Clean a Belly Button Piercing
Umbilical hernias develop through the defect left behind from the umbilical cord. Most times the hernia closes after childhood but can open back up for many reasons. This can occur from repeated stress and “wear and tear” on the abdominal wall. Often, we do not know exactly why a person developed a hernia.
Five key warning signs of a hernia include a visible bulge or lump, a feeling of pressure, heaviness, or aching, pain that worsens with activity like coughing or lifting, digestive issues such as bloating or constipation, and signs of strangulation like severe pain, discoloration, fever, nausea, or vomiting, which require immediate emergency care.
Can a belly button infection be serious? 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.
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.
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.
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.
Signs and symptoms of an infection
The belly button has several layers, including skin, fibrous tissue, and umbilical vessels. These layers can trap dirt and bacteria.
Without getting in there and cleaning your belly button on the regular, the lingering gunk — e.g. dirt, sweat, dead skin cells, clothing fabric, and bacteria — can collect and "cause odor or even an infection," says Dr. Goldberg.
Common Symptoms of Belly Button Yeast Infection
Redness and Inflammation: The skin may appear red and swollen. Discharge: A thick, white discharge may be present, resembling cottage cheese. Odor: An unpleasant odor may emanate from the affected area.
Some common signs and symptoms often observed in patients include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, bloating, and cramps, among others.
In rare cases, untreated belly button infections may spread and lead to severe complications, including life-threatening sepsis.