The belly button, or the navel, is an area of the human body which, despite being quite inconspicuous, may lead to discomfort at times. Some of these concerns may be discharged from the belly button that may be wet and come with a smell causing discomfort and pain. To combat this condition appropriately, it is imperative to understand the causes and necessary interventions that one should follow. We spoke to our expert Dr Nanda Rajaneesh, MS(Surgery), FACRSI, FICS, MRCS, FAMS, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bengaluru, who explained the causes of belly button discharge, its symptoms, and how to manage it.
Common Causes of Belly Button Discharge
Dr Rajaneesh listed the common causes of belly button discharge as follows:
Poor Hygiene
A lack of proper hygiene is a common reason people experience discharge near their belly buttons. “The navel is a concave area of the abdomen which can become very dirty, sweaty, and even become a source of infection. If not cleaned frequently, these buildups can cause infections followed by discharge and bad odour,” said Dr Rajaneesh.
Infections
Discharge from the belly button area can be due to bacterial infection or fungal infection. “Infections caused by bacteria may occur when pathogenic bacteria penetrate the navel area, usually because of unsanitary conditions or lesions of the skin. Contrarily, fungal infections develop from warm and moist conditions and lead to a yeast infection on the belly button,” added Dr Rajaneesh.
Also Read: Troubled With Navel Displacement? Here are Some Home Remedies To Try
Piercings
People with belly button piercings are likely to have foreign materials and bacteria introduced into the navel region. This can cause problems, such as irritation, inflammation, infection, and pus formation. In some instances, the skin around the piercing might develop allergic reactions due to the jewellery leading to discharge. According to StatPearls, infection can occur in people with belly button piercings if bacteria gets into the exposed wound.
Cysts
“An epidermoid cyst or sebum cyst can form on or around the belly button and cause accumulation of keratin or sebum. These cysts can be infected or ruptured and this will lead to discharge,” said Dr Rajaneesh. According to a 2023 study, if a cyst gets infected, it may lead to the discharge of a cloudy or bloody fluid from the belly button.
Symptoms To Look Out For
“If there is discharge or foul odour in the belly button, it is crucial to look for other symptoms. Some of the common signs include redness, inflammation, tenderness or rashes, itching, or even feelings of burning,” said Dr Rajaneesh.
There may also be a fever that is likely to mean that the infection is severe and requires the attention of a doctor. It is important to note that discharge in people with diabetes can result from bacterial or fungal infections since these individuals are more susceptible to such infections.
Also Read: What Are Benefits Of Applying Coconut Oil In Belly Button?
Management Measures To Avoid Belly Button Discharge
Here are some management measures that you should follow to avoid belly button discharge:
- It is crucial to have good personal hygiene when it comes to the issue of belly button discharge. Take a bath with mild soap and ensure you wash your navel properly. Also, make sure it is dried up completely.
- Do not apply chemicals on the navel or poke objects into the hole as it will cause the skin to become inflamed and vulnerable to infection.
- If you have a navel piercing, make sure to follow all the aftercare procedures and avoid touching it with your bare hands.
- Wearing loose and aerated clothing helps to minimise the accumulation of sweat around the belly button thus minimising the chances of bacterial or fungal infections.
- If you have constant watery or thick, foul-smelling liquid, inflammation, or tenderness, seek medical help as soon as possible and have it diagnosed to avoid complications and facilitate quick recovery.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your own professional if you are dealing with any health issues to avoid complications.]