What happens if you leave a belly button infection untreated?

Untreated infections can spread to other areas of the body and cause serious, sometimes life threatening, complications.

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What happens if a belly button infection is left untreated?

If left untreated, some belly button infections can become serious. As mentioned above, some infections are caused by bacteria that can spread to other parts of your body (including organs and blood), causing sepsis and other deadly conditions.

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Can a belly button infection go away on its own?

Belly button yeast infections often get better on their own when you keep your navel area clean and dry. Healthy people can usually treat belly button yeast infections with an antifungal medication.

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When should I be worried about my belly button infection?

If you develop redness, swelling, pain, or discharge, your belly button could be infected. This is especially likely if you have a navel piercing. In this case, you may require antibiotics or other treatment and should visit UPMC Urgent Care right away.

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What can a belly button infection lead to?

Tenderness, yellow, green or bloody foul-smelling discharge, swelling, pain, and a scab or ulcer can develop in the belly button. If deep skin infection occurs, it can lead to cellulitis – a spreading bacterial infection usually caused by staph or strep bacteria.

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What's Inside Your Belly Button?

43 related questions found

Is a belly button infection urgent?

If you recently got a navel piercing and think you may have an infection (or if you think you have a belly button infection, period), you should see your dermatologist or go to an urgent care center depending on the severity of your symptoms.

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Can a belly button infection hurt your stomach?

Infections can cause bellybutton pain and pain throughout the abdomen. Doctors can treat bacterial stomach infections with antibiotics. Once antibiotics start working, bellybutton pain, abdominal pain, and other symptoms will typically resolve.

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How do you heal an infected belly button fast?

Apply an over-the-counter antibacterial cream.

Placing a warm compress on the infected area may help settle down any swelling, too. Don't remove the jewelry if you suspect an infection, either — except on medical advice. “You want to leave it in place to keep the hole open if possible,” directs Dr.

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Why is my belly button red and crusty?

If your belly button is “leaking” clear or colored discharge or blood, you may have a bacterial, fungal, or yeast infection. Crusty skin, strong odor, itching, and redness are also signs of infection. If discharge and crust stick around after you wash your belly button, you should see your doctor.

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What kills infection naturally?

12 All Natural Antibiotics
  • Oregano/Oil of Oregano. We think of oregano as something to add to your favorite Italian dish, however, many go on without realizing how beneficial oregano is to your health! ...
  • Raw Apple Cider Vinegar, or ACV. ...
  • Honey. ...
  • Turmeric. ...
  • Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE). ...
  • Garlic. ...
  • Echinacea. ...
  • Cabbage.

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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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Why is my belly button not healing?

Sometimes the belly button does not heal completely and moist red tissue forms over the stump site, which may form a small lump. This is called a 'granuloma'. It is usually harmless, but you should ask your doctor or child health nurse to have a look at it.

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Is belly infection serious?

Infections of the bowel can affect anyone at any time. They can cause a lot of discomfort and inconvenience. They can sometimes lead to more serious problems.

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What are the symptoms of sepsis?

About sepsis
  • loss of consciousness.
  • severe breathlessness.
  • a high temperature (fever) or low body temperature.
  • a change in mental state – like confusion or disorientation.
  • slurred speech.
  • cold, clammy and pale or mottled skin.
  • a fast heartbeat.
  • fast breathing.

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Can a smelly belly button be serious?

You might have a yeast infection.

It's usually harmless, but under the right conditions—say, the warm and moist habitat a belly button provides—it can grow into a full-blown yeast infection, says Dr. Minars. This is why proper and consistent cleaning of the area is so important, especially within folds of skin.

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Should I see a doctor if my belly button smells?

Most cases of stinky belly button resolve after a few gentle but thorough cleanings. You should contact your doctor if that doesn't help, or if you have any of these symptoms: Redness or discoloration in or around your belly button. Swelling in the area.

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Why does my belly button smell and leak?

If you notice belly button discharge, chances are you have an infection. But other things, such as cysts and poor hygiene, can also cause your belly button to leak fluid.

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What is a home remedy for belly button infection?

Natural remedies: Some natural remedies may also be effective in treating belly button yeast infections. These include applying tea tree oil or coconut oil to the affected area, taking garlic supplements, or using apple cider vinegar as a soak.

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Why does my belly button smell when I put my finger in it?

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 know if your belly button is healing or infected?

Complete healing can take 9–12 months. In the meantime, a piercing is technically a healing wound, and it may be sore, red, or irritated. Intense pain, swelling, or a fever, however, can indicate a severe infection.

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Why is my belly button oozing?

Infections are the most common cause of belly button discharge. People who have recently had abdominal surgery may be at risk. Cysts are another cause of belly button discharge. Treating belly button discharge depends on the cause.

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What are the early signs of appendix?

Appendicitis typically starts with a pain in the middle of your tummy (abdomen) that may come and go. Within hours, the pain travels to your lower right-hand side, where the appendix is usually located, and becomes constant and severe. Pressing on this area, coughing or walking may make the pain worse.

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