What Causes An Infection In The Belly Button?
It might sound surprising, but there are numerous bacteria living inside your belly button that usually don’t cause any problems in healthy individuals. However, some factors can contribute to the development of belly button infections. Depending on the cause, belly button infections are classified into the following types:
Bacterial Infection: Sweat, lint, or residues of cosmetic products can lead to bacterial growth and infection in the belly button. If you notice a brown or yellow discharge from your belly button, it is an indication of a bacterial infection. Sebaceous Cysts: The formation of a sebaceous cyst in your belly button may also lead to an infection. These cysts are easily infected upon scratching. Fungal Infections (Red Belly Button): Fungal infections, such as those caused by Candida, can occur anywhere in the body, including the belly button. If your belly button turns red and tender, it is a sign of a fungal infection. Urachal Cysts: The infection of the duct within the umbilical cord that enables the drainage of urine from the fetus is referred to as a urachal cyst. Diabetic Infection: If you notice a cottage cheese-like discharge from your belly button, it means that you have developed an infection as a result of diabetes. Dr. Chacon says, “Diabetes and high blood sugar levels can also have an impact on one’s belly button health. Individuals with diabetes are more prone to infections, and the illness may also hinder infections from healing quickly.”
Certain factors can also increase your risk of developing a belly button infection. They include:
An infection of the belly button piercing Poor hygiene Obesity Touching the belly button frequently An abdominal surgery A wound or injury near the belly button Type of clothing Pregnancy
Those affected by a belly button infection may experience the following signs and symptoms.
Signs And Symptoms Of A Belly Button Infection
Pain in the belly button Inflammation and swelling of the belly button Skin turns warm Itching or tingling sensation in the belly button Greenish, yellowish, or brownish discharge from the belly button Unpleasant smell from your navel Nausea and dizziness Belly button bleeding
Nobody likes to harbor infection. In fact, you will want to get rid of it at the earliest. Give the following home remedies a try to treat your belly button infection naturally.
10 Best Ways To Treat A Belly Button Infection Naturally
Coconut Oil Salt Water Warm Compress Essential Oils Hydrogen Peroxide White Vinegar Aloe Vera Turmeric Indian Lilac (Neem) Rubbing Alcohol
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that exhibit excellent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (1), (2). These properties not only fight the infection-causing microbes but also help in healing the inflammation and swelling in the belly button. You Will Need Coconut oil (as required) What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this multiple times daily.
2. Salt Water
A saline solution helps reduce the moisture inside your belly button, preventing further infection. Salt has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (3), (4). This can help combat the existing infection as well as itching and inflammation in the belly button. You Will Need
1 teaspoon of salt 1 cup of warm water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You can do this several times daily until you get relief.
3. Warm Compress
A hot compress has many uses. From combating microbial infections to relieving pain and inflammation – it can do it all. Hence, you may also use a hot compress to get rid of a belly button infection (5). You Will Need
Hot water A clean washcloth
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You can do this 2 to 3 times daily.
4. Essential Oils
a. Tea Tree Oil Tea tree oil is another excellent remedy to treat a belly button infection. It possesses antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties (6), (7). These properties can help kill the infection-causing microbes and provide relief from itching, swelling, and pain. You Will Need
2-3 drops of tea tree oil 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
What You Have To Do
Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a teaspoon of coconut oil and mix well. Apply this mixture directly to the infected belly button. Leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes. Wipe it off.
How Often You Should Do This Do this 2 to 3 times daily for faster recovery. b. Peppermint Oil The soothing properties of peppermint essential oil can relieve inflammation. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help eliminate the microbes causing the infection in your belly button (8). You Will Need
2-3 drops of peppermint oil 1 teaspoon of coconut oil
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This You can do this 2 to 3 times every day.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is especially useful if you are dealing with a pus-filled cyst in your belly button. Its antiseptic properties can combat the infection while its drying properties can speed up the healing of the cyst (9), (10). You Will Need
1 tablespoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide 1-2 tablespoons of water Cotton pads
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this only once daily.
6. White Vinegar
The presence of acetic acid in vinegar imparts antiseptic properties to it, thereby helping it fight the infection-causing microbes. It also has natural disinfectant properties (11). This can help in treating a belly button infection You Will Need
1 tablespoon of white vinegar 2 tablespoons of water Cotton pads
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 2 to 3 times every day until the infection is treated.
7. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera gel is widely known for its wonderful healing properties. The plant contains more than 200 ingredients of medical importance, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (12), (13), (14). These properties can help in healing an existing belly button infection while also relieving the inflammatory symptoms. You Will Need Aloe vera gel What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 2 to 3 times daily.
8. Turmeric
Turmeric is one of the best remedies to treat a belly button infection. It contains curcumin that exhibits powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (15), (16), (17). It can also speed up healing and reduce the swelling, itching, and inflammation caused by the infection in your belly button (18). You Will Need
1 teaspoon of turmeric powder Water (as required)
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this at least once daily.
9. Indian Lilac (Neem)
Neem is widely used to treat various ailments due to its powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (19), (20). It not only accelerates healing but also relieves itching and inflammation in the belly button. You Will Need
A handful of neem leaves Water A pinch of turmeric (optional)
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 1 to 2 times daily.
10. Rubbing Alcohol
The antiseptic nature of rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) disinfects and sterilizes the belly button, which prevents the infection from spreading further (21). Caution: Rubbing alcohol can dry your skin and must not be used more than twice daily. You Will Need
Rubbing alcohol Cotton pads
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 1 to 2 times daily. These remedies can help you combat the infection and the associated inflammation. If you got a piercing lately or have diabetes, your chances of developing a belly button infection are higher. Hence, you may want to follow these prevention tips.
Prevention Tips
Wash your hands before touching your belly button piercing. Do not sleep on your tummy. Wear loose clothes made of natural fabrics. Shower daily. Rinse yourself thoroughly and make sure there are no residues of soap left in your navel. Reduce your intake of processed foods if you are prone to Candida infections. Stay away from public pools for a while after getting your belly button pierced. Avoid junk food and have more raw fruits and veggies.
If the infection shows no signs of healing, you must get medical help immediately to avoid serious side effects in the long run.
When To See A Doctor
If your symptoms do not stop at a bad odor, and you experience any of the following signs, please consult your doctor immediately:
Fever Inflammation and pain near the belly button piercing Pain while urinating Worsening of the existing symptoms
Can a belly button infection lead to sepsis? According to Dr. Chacon, “Sepsis occurs when germs enter the circulation (the circulating blood in a circulatory system).” Why is the inside of my belly button red? If the inside of your belly button has turned red and itchy, it is a sign of a fungal infection. Candida is the most common culprit behind such fungal infections. How long does it take to get rid of a belly button infection? A belly button infection can take quite a while to heal completely. Although it heals within 6 months in most cases, it may take up to a year or two for complete healing in a few cases. Why does your belly button smell? Although mild navel odors are relatively normal, discharge and unpleasant odors from your belly button could be a result of an infection or the build-up of sweat and dirt. How do you clean your belly button? The best way to steer clear of belly button infections is to keep your navel clean and free of microbes. Here’s how you can do it: • Take a little antibacterial soap or shower gel on a clean washcloth. • Use your index finger to gently clean the insides of your belly button with the washcloth. • Wash it thoroughly with water to remove any residues of soap and pat dry. Is belly button infection serious? No; while a belly button infection can be itchy, painful, and annoying, it cannot be serious. You can follow the home remedies listed above or visit a doctor to get your belly button cleaned. What cream is good for an infected belly button? This depends on the cause of your belly button infection. While infection caused by yeast can be treated by an antifungal cream, that caused by bacteria can be treated by an antibiotic ointment. You also must keep your navel dry and clean to prevent any recurrence of the infection. Can you get a staph infection in your belly button? Yes, your belly button contains certain strains of staph that can multiply and become infectious under optimal conditions.
