What causes the navel to itch and smell?

A belly button yeast infection can be itchy and unpleasant. But it's easily treatable. You can prevent belly button yeast infections by keeping your navel area clean and dry. If you have symptoms of a belly button yeast infection, call your healthcare provider.

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Why is my belly button smelly and itchy?

Accumulation of dirt and debris.

Your belly button is home to many types of bacteria. You may also have fungi (like the yeast called Candida) and other germs in there. Combine that with dead skin cells and the natural oils from your skin and you've got the recipe for an unpleasant odor.

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Why do I have a smelly belly button?

Most belly buttons are indented so act as a trap for sweat, dead skin, and dirt. Few people wash the belly button with soap so germs can develop. The most common cause for a belly button smell is poor hygiene. All areas of the body need to be washed regularly to stay clean and healthy.

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Why does my belly button keep leaking and smelling?

Bacterial infections, fungal infections, and cysts may cause belly button discharge. Belly buttons can become infected if the skin is cracked, overly moist, or pierced. In addition, laparoscopic surgery through the naval may pose a risk for infection. Treatment includes antibiotics, antifungals, or drainage.

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What infection causes smelly belly button?

If you have a combination of foul smell and discharge, it could be a sign of: A fungal infection or yeast infection of the belly button. A bacterial infection of the belly button. A wound or bruise around or within the belly button.

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Why Does My Belly Button Smell? How To Clean Navel? Clean Umbilicus-Dr. Rasya Dixit| Doctors' Circle

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How do you treat an itchy belly button?

Your healthcare provider may recommend an antifungal cream, ointment or powder. You'll apply the antifungal directly onto the skin of your belly button. You can find many antifungal creams over the counter. Your healthcare provider may offer a prescription antifungal medicine if necessary.

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Is belly button infection serious?

Bacterial Infection

If you think you have an infection in your belly button, you should call your doctor so that you can have the area cleaned carefully. You may also need prescription antibiotics to kill the bacteria before it spread to other parts of your body.

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Does a smelly belly button mean infection?

When your belly button smells, it is usually because of a hygiene need or infection. The belly button contains several tiny skin folds that can trap sweat, dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Possible infections include candidiasis, bacterial infections, or an infected urachal cyst.

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How do you get a belly button yeast infection?

The Navel Is A Bacterial Haven for Fungal Infections

The body is filled with bacteria. Some live in dry areas, some in greasy areas, and some thrive in damp environments. The skin folds of the belly button and navel form a moist environment; the perfect conditions for the fungi to live in.

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What happens if you don't clean your belly button?

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.

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Are belly button infections common?

Adults can get an infection of the navel (umbilicus) but it's uncommon. There are many reasons your belly button may become red, swollen or have discharge, and it may not be a skin issue.

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How do I stop my belly button from leaking fluid?

Share on Pinterest Antibiotic and antifungal ointments or creams may be used to treat belly button discharge. Bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotic ointments or creams. Fungal or yeast infections are also typically treated with antifungal powders or creams.

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What heals an infected belly button?

Apply an over-the-counter antibacterial cream.

An ointment with bacitracin (like Neosporin®) can treat the infection and assist in wound healing.

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Can your belly button get infected after years?

Pierced areas, especially sensitive areas like the navel, can get infected months and even years after they were pierced, though infections most often occur very shortly after the time of piercing, as that is when the portal door is wide open.

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Why does my belly button itch like crazy?

The most common cause of an itchy belly is dry skin. If you love long, steamy showers, live in a cold climate, or use scented soaps, your skin might be irritated. Some people are more prone to dry skin than others. Dryness most often develops on the arms or legs, but it can also happen on your stomach.

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Why is my belly itchy?

An itchy stomach is usually caused by a skin irritant like tight clothing, harsh chemicals from detergents or cosmetics, insect bites, heat, or an allergen. At times, medications can cause itchy skin. Pregnant people can also experience itchiness on their stomachs during the third trimester or postpartum.

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Can diabetes cause belly button discharge?

Diabetic patients are prone to infections, and the disease may also prevent rapid healing of infections. Diabetics with belly button infections may suffer from an unpleasant smell emanating from the belly button, as well as oozing of cheese-like fluids.

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What is the crusty stuff in my belly button?

A navel stone is sometimes called an omphalolith or umbolith. It is a condition where substances like sebum, or skin oil, hair, dead skin cells, and dirt can accumulate and form a hardball. The stone is usually a dark color and firm to the touch.

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