The belly button is a part of the body that is often “forgotten” and not cleaned regularly, even though it is home to over 60 types of bacteria. As a result, the belly button often has a more unpleasant odor than other body parts. However, the smell from the belly button can also be a warning sign of certain health conditions.
Guide to Proper Belly Button Hygiene
1. Reasons for a Smelly Belly Button
A smelly belly button can be attributed to one of the following reasons:
1.1. Improper Cleaning
The most common reason for a smelly belly button is improper cleaning. Many people often forget to clean this area while bathing. This neglect leads to the accumulation of dirt, sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells, resulting in an unpleasant odor. Particularly, the deeper your belly button, the more dirt and germs can accumulate inside, causing even stronger odors.
For a smelly belly button due to hygiene issues, improving the situation is quite simple. Just cleaning your belly button regularly and properly can quickly reduce the odor.
Most smelly belly buttons are due to improper cleaning. (Image: Internet).
1.2. Infection
A smelly belly button can also be due to infection from an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast. This condition is often caused by staphylococcal infections or yeast infections from Candida. This type of yeast thrives in warm, moist environments, making the belly button an ideal breeding ground for Candida.
Individuals with weakened immune systems due to conditions like diabetes, or those with deep belly buttons, are at higher risk of infection. If you have a belly button piercing or have undergone laparoscopic surgery through the belly button, your risk of infection is also increased.
Symptoms of an infected belly button include redness, inflammation, and warmth upon touch. You may also notice some foul-smelling discharge, drainage, crusting, or peeling.
If the infection is bacterial, keep your belly button dry and clean it with antibacterial soap or wash with benzoyl peroxide. For yeast infections, use an over-the-counter antifungal powder to treat and prevent infection while keeping the area dry. If home remedies are ineffective, it is advisable to visit a healthcare professional for examination and treatment.
An infected belly button has a foul smell and appears red, inflamed, and warm to the touch. (Image: Internet)
1.3. Cysts
Another potential cause of a smelly belly button could be cysts. Cysts that form in the belly button may be epidermoid cysts or sebaceous cysts, with epidermoid cysts being more common.
Epidermoid cysts occur when the outer layer of skin cells does not shed as normal but instead moves deeper into the skin and multiplies, causing a bump. Sebaceous cysts originate from sebaceous glands, which typically produce sebum, a waxy lipid mixture that lubricates and protects the skin.
If one of these cysts grows large and ruptures, the fluid that spills out may be yellow and foul-smelling.
Cysts usually do not cause major issues and do not require treatment, but they can become infected. If a cyst becomes inflamed or infected, it is necessary to seek medical attention.
1.4. Skin Issues
Certain skin conditions can lead to inflammation, additional bacteria buildup in the belly button, and odor. For instance, psoriasis is an autoimmune condition that can cause redness, scaling, and peeling of the surrounding skin, which may lead to a foul odor if it develops inside the belly button.
Besides psoriasis, other conditions can also affect the skin around the belly button, such as eczema. However, these skin conditions are less likely to impact the belly button itself and generally cause skin damage in areas like the hands, feet, and body.
2. How to Properly Clean Your Belly Button
Fortunately, a smelly belly button is mostly due to poor hygiene. To prevent odor, everyone should clean their belly button regularly following these guidelines:
- Pour a small amount of antibacterial soap onto a washcloth while bathing.
- Use your index finger wrapped in the washcloth to gently wipe the inside of the belly button.
- After bathing, gently pat the belly button dry.
Afterward, avoid applying too much moisturizer inside or around the belly button, as this can create an environment conducive to yeast and bacteria growth.
If you have a belly button piercing, keep the area clean and dry. Dampen a cloth with a mixture of antibacterial soap and water, then gently clean around the piercing.
Avoid using your fingers to clean the belly button as it may damage the skin inside the area. (Image: Internet)
3. Frequently Asked Questions
3.1. What is the Purpose of the Belly Button?
During pregnancy, the belly button serves to provide oxygen and nutrients to the baby. Additionally, the belly button is connected to many vital organs such as the kidneys, stomach, colon, small intestine, pancreas, gallbladder, and liver. Therefore, keeping the belly button warm can help alleviate symptoms related to diarrhea, stomach pain, and poor digestion.
3.2. What Causes Dark Spots in the Belly Button?
Dark spots in the belly button are primarily due to improper hygiene, leading to the buildup of dirt and dead skin cells over time, resulting in dark spots with an unpleasant odor.
In some cases, dark spots may also be due to infection or injury. These could be blood clots from scratching or using fingers to clean the belly button. However, using your fingers to clean the belly button can facilitate bacteria entering the body through the bloodstream, leading to potential illnesses. Therefore, it is best to clean the belly button as instructed above.
In summary, the belly button contains a lot of bacteria and dirt, leading to a typical foul smell. By regularly cleaning your belly button, you can eliminate unpleasant odors. However, if you increase your hygiene practices and the smell persists or worsens, along with other symptoms such as redness, burning, swelling, or discharge, it is advisable to visit a hospital to identify the cause.
