Know The Tips To Treat Belly Button Infection

The belly button is also known to many as Navel is the part of the body that’s paid very little or no attention. Even a little dirt ingrained on the navel surface with a slight smell might not be worrisome but if there is a discharge and a strong odour with pain or anything different as such then it may be a worthy concern and needs an immediate doctor's visit. Let us see how to treat belly button infection?

What Causes Belly Button Infection?

With that said, what would be the possible causes behind belly button infection are;

1. Infections

The belly button on average is home to around 60 bacteria types and if not paid attention in cleaning the area would lead the bacteria to an infection. At times, piercing the belly button can also lead to its infection. Yeast infection formed at the belly button can also be a reason for discharge and smell. Diabetic people are observed at a high risk of such infections.

2. Surgery

In some cases, abdominal surgeries have the chance of pus discharging from the belly button which causes the reason of smell too.

3. Build-Up Of Dirt Or Sweat

Not proper cleaning of the belly button will lead to the accumulation of dirt and bacteria resulting in infections and thereby oozing.

4. Cysts

Different types of cysts like Urachal cysts, Epidermoid cyst etc caused can result in the discharge at the belly button.

5. Belly Button Infection Newborn

Belly button infection newborn may also lead to red colour of the area around the cord along with some cloudy and bad-smelling discharge.

6. Belly Button Piercing Infection

In most cases, belly button piercing infection will heal by itself. But in certain cases, the bacteria lead to infection even before the belly button closes. However, this infection is minor and heals by itself with proper hygiene maintenance.

Symptoms Of Belly Button Infection

Now that after getting some idea of a few of the numerous causes of the belly button infections, it is of more or equal importance to get to know of the various symptoms for the same. Identifying the symptoms will avoid panic and early treatment. Some common symptoms of the belly button infection include but not limited to;

• Red coloured skin around the infected or oozing area.
• Foul smell from the discharge.
• Swelling of the area.
• Yellow or green or dark-coloured or colourless discharge.
• Almost continuous pain mostly at the piercing.
• In certain cases, blister around the belly button.
• Itching.
• Scab around the piercing.
• Fever in some cases.

How To Treat Belly Button Infection?

Usually, the treatment for a belly button infection depends on the reason for the infection. But some common treatments are;

• Maintain clean and dry skin of the belly button.
• Antifungal powders or creams can be used to clean the infection.
• In case if diabetic, take care of the sugar levels in the blood.
• Bacterial infections can be treated by doctor prescribed antibiotic ointments.

Home Remedies For Belly Button Infection

In many cases, belly button infections can be treated from the comfort of your home by following the home remedies for belly button infection. Here are a few remedies for you;

• Apply turmeric and water paste to the infection, let it dry and clean completely with water.
• Use a mix of coconut oil diluted tea tree oil at the itchy parts frequently.
• Dip a cotton ball or a soft cloth in a light warm calendula team and then smoothly press the cotton ball on the navel part for 10 to 15 minutes.

When To See A Doctor?

When you notice any oozing from the navel then visit a doctor. Importantly, if you recently had any surgery and notice oozing then immediately consult your doctor.

Tips To Prevention Of Belly Button Infection

Following these tips or healthy practices will prevent any itching or infection of the belly button;

• Wash your Navel regularly with soap and water.
• Clean the belly button with a soft cloth to remove any dirt if accumulated.
• Saltwater can also be used to clean up the belly button.
• Be sure to dry up the belly button inside out completely.
• Avoid any creams or moisturizers inside the belly buttons as they jam the hole and aid in bacterial or yeast build up.
• Avoid too tight clothes as much as possible as this will irritate the belly button and also cause itching. Prefer proper sized comfortable natural fibre clothes.
• Piercing the belly button is not suggested. In case if you get a piercing, be sure to maintain the area.

Conclusion

The consequences depend on the reasons for your Novel infection or discharge and the care that you take.

Consult a doctor if symptoms are noticed, especially, if you have recently undergone any surgeries. Your doctor will diagnose and suggest how to treat belly button infection accordingly.