Why do I have a Smelly Belly Button?
Many people have experienced it, but few people talk about it. It is embarrassing to most people, and most will not discuss it or bring it to anyone’s attention until it becomes a bigger problem. In fact, a bad odor coming from the belly button, or navel, is a very common problem. There are many potential causes, few of which are concerning. Most causes of this issue can be treated at home, and after it is effectively treated, it can be prevented by a simple change in hygiene care.
So what are the causes?
The Causes of Navel Odor
Fungal Infection
Smelly Belly Button Caused by Fungal Infection
The navel is the perfect environment for a fungal infection. It is dark. It is warm. It gets moist. These are the three main criteria to set up fungal growth. The most common fungus found in the navel is Candida albicans. Candida grows in the body in dark, moist, warm places such as the vagina, mouth, nose, bladder and navel. When Candida is growing in the navel, there is often a musky odor. Most people will have discharge, either whitish, grey, or even curd like as in cottage cheese. Often, along with the discharge there is some tenderness, and redness in the skin. These infections are more common in diabetics, obese people, and others who are immunocompromised or on long term antibiotic therapy.
Bacterial Infection
When bacterial infection is present in the navel, a foul odor may be the first sign. Bacteria cause the development of pus, which will appear most often as a yellow to brownish, cloudy fluid. When the navel is not cleaned properly, debris, soap, sweat and shedding skin cells accumulate. These conditions foster the growth of bacteria, which then causes discharging pus, pain, and spreading redness.
Patent Urachus
An urachus is a congenital structure that connects the umbilicus to the bladder. A patent urachus is when the structure fails to close during development and is usually diagnosed in neonates when urine is found to be leaking from the umbilicus. As previously mentioned, any fluid in the umbilicus can be a setup for infection, or the urine odor itself may be noticed. It is possible for a patent urachus to present later in life as well, although the incidence of diagnosis is highest in babies.
Surgical complication
Infections in the navel used to be solely complications of tubal ligation, but that was during a time when tubal ligation was the only laparoscopic procedure. In present days, there are innumerable laparoscopic surgical procedures. A small incision is made in the navel to have access into the abdominal cavity. Once an incision is made there, the risk of infection of the wound, or drainage in the navel is much more common. Again, the signs of infection are drainage, redness, and discomfort.
Sebaceous Cyst
Smelly belly button caused by sebaceous cyst
A sebaceous cyst can be in or around the navel, and can drain through an open pore in the skin, anywhere on the body. The navel is a common place for a cyst to drain. The drainage is foul smelling and if a regular complaint, it can be surgically removed.
Treatment
Fungal infections are treated either topically or with an oral medication. Bacterial infections can be treated with topical antibiotics or oral treatment. When an infection ensues after a surgery, the treatment is directed at the offending organism(s). However, most of these problems can be abated by interventional home remedy.
Personal Care of the Navel and Treatment of Smelly Belly Button
Basic cleansing
It is imperative that while bathing, the navel should be washed with soap and water and cleansed with a wash cloth. After cleansing the area, it must be dried thoroughly. Using a hair dryer to dry off the extra moisture is very effective. Simple steps for treating an odor from the navel are as follows:
- Take a cotton swab, and dip it in a cleansing solution (many options exist such as alcohol, sea salt water, hydrogen peroxide, witch hazel, water)
- Swipe the cotton swab in the navel without rubbing too hard
- Repeat the cotton swab if the navel is still dirty
- Use a dry swab and absorb the excess moisture
- If the navel is dry, apply some triple antibiotic ointment with a cotton swab
- One can apply an antifungal cream in the same fashion if white discharge is present or the navel is itchy
- Do not apply any lotions or other types of creams around the navel
Diabetic Sugar Control
In order to avoid recurrent fungal growth, a diabetic needs to control their blood sugars, and hence prevent yeast or fungal growth.
Cleansing the umbilical stump in neonates
When the umbilical cord is cut, a clamp is first placed close to the baby’s navel. Twice a day, the stump should be wiped with an alcohol swab, removing the debris and dried blood. Once the stump dries, the remaining cord with the clamp will fall off on its own. There may be a whitish-yellow area in the umbilicus that weeps. This is called an Umbilical Granuloma and is nothing to fear. It will be treated easily at the 2 week check up with the doctor.
Care of Navel Piercings
Do not remove your piercing until it has fully healed. Everyone heals differently. Once healed, the piercing can be briefly removed. However, it is important that all of the crusting and dried blood is wiped away with a cloth dipped in sea salt water. Table salt will not prevent an infection. If the piercing appears infected, do not remove it. It only takes a very short while for a piercing to close. In addition, one should not take out the piercing to cleanse the area. With every removal, bacteria can be introduced, and an infection created. To cleanse properly, pull the jewelry up and cleanse the upper aspect. Then pull the piercing down, and cleanse the lower aspect. But DO NOT remove your piercing to clean it. This is a common mistake and a frequent source of infection. If the area gets painful or red around the opening, a doctor’s visit is in order.
