Belly Button Infection

Any person, regardless of age or race, is susceptible to contracting an infection in their belly button.

People who have their navels pierced are prone to experiencing this issue, as it has become increasingly common. However, the infection can also manifest itself in people whose navels have not beenpierced.

Due to the fact that the area around the navel is dark, damp, and warm, it provides an environment that is conducive to the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi.

The proliferation of these organisms results in the development of symptoms that are characteristic of a navel infection. These symptoms include sensitivity, redness, itching, a putrid odour, and the presence of pus in the navel.

Belly Button Infection – Causes

Taking a bath increases the likelihood that water and soap will become lodged in the navel, which in turn raises the probability of contracting an infection.

The vast majority of infections are bacterial and fungal in origin, but there are a number of different factors that favour the same.

The following are some of the most common causes of belly infections and factors that contribute to their development:

Infection caused by bacteria – The belly button is known to store over seventy different types of bacteria that can cause infection. An infection of the navel can become very serious if it is not cleaned regularly and appropriately.  Infections caused by bacteria will leave a discharge that is yellow or green in colour and has a putrid odour.Around the umbilical region, an individual may additionally experience pain, a scab, and swelling.

 

Yeast Infection – Infection caused by Candida, also known as Candidiasis, is the most common form of yeast infection.

Candida is the name of the organism that causes candidiasis. It is most likely to develop in shady and damp areas of the body, particularly the skin folds, which include the groin and armpits. If it is not kept clean and dry, the belly button can also serve as a good breeding place for bacteria.

Candidiasis in the belly button can cause a rash that is red and itchy, as well as a discharge that is thick and white in colour. Additionally, this condition can lead to further complications.

 

 

Urachal cyst – The urachus is a small tube that connects the bladder to the umbilical cord while the foetus is developing inside the mother’s womb. Urachal cysts are a common cause of incontinence.It facilitates the passage of urine out of the body.

The urachus will normally close up before the foetus is born; however, there are some instances in which it does not close properly. These instances are extremely rare. The patient may develop a urachal cyst, which has the potential to become infected.

In this scenario, a person might experience symptoms such as the discharge of bloody or cloudy fluid from the belly button, along with abdominal pain, pain when passing urine, fever, and the presence of a lump in the abdomen.

 

 

Diabetes – People who have diabetes have a greater risk of developing yeast infections.

Diabetes, if it is not properly managed, will result in consistently high blood sugar, which will encourage the growth of yeast.

Infection of the belly button is quite common in diabetics and is typically accompanied by discharge that resembles cottage cheese.

 

 

Abdominal surgery – An infection of the belly button can also be associated with abdominal surgeries, such as the repair of an umbilical hernia.

Pus can sometimes be seen draining from the belly button, which is a sign of an infection that needs to be treated as soon as possible. A sebaceous cyst is a bump that develops as a result of the sebaceous glands that are located in the skin. These glands are known as sebaceous glands.

If it is infected, a discharge will drain from it that is thick and yellow in colour in addition to having a putrid smell. In addition, the cyst may become swollen and red.

 

 

Touching the Navel Area on a Frequent or Regular Basis – This behaviour raises the risk of getting an infection in the navel area because the hands are not always clean, and as a result, they introduce microorganisms into the area.

Due to the fact that the navel is both moist and warm, it provides an ideal environment for the microorganisms that cause infection to thrive and multiply rapidly.

 

 

Navel Piercing  – The practice of getting one’s belly button pierced has become increasingly common in recent years, particularly among women.

Infection of the navel can occur if the procedure is performed improperly with instruments that have not been sterilised. A wound is also created by the piercing process, which can take some time to heal and carries the risk of developing an infection.

Inadequate personal hygiene – Inadequate personal hygiene is a contributing factor in the development of a significant percentage of belly button infections.

Microorganisms are given the opportunity to proliferate and eventually cause infection when someone does not take a bath every single day.

The risk of getting an infection in one’s belly button is also increased when one bathes in water that is contaminated. After each bath, one should also ensure that the navel is thoroughly dried.

 

 

Obesity – Being obese puts a person at risk for developing a belly infection because it fosters an environment that is ideal for the growth of fungi and bacteria.

People who are extremely obese are more likely to struggle with maintaining proper body hygiene and cleaning all of the folds and crevices on their bodies. This is because folds and crevices tend to trap dirt and bacteria.

 

 

Selection of Clothes – The use of elastic bands, the wearing of tight clothing, and the use of synthetic fabrics do not cause infection in the belly button.

On the other hand, this will almost certainly make the symptoms worse.

Synthetic fibres, in contrast to cotton, are unable to absorb the moisture that is produced as a result of sweating, which results in the creation of favourable conditions for the growth of microorganisms.

When elastic bands are worn, they have a tendency to rub harshly against the umbilicus, which can result in a wound or the urge to scratch.

Symptoms of Belly Button Infection

The symptoms that manifest themselves are different from one stage of infection to the next.

The first stage, also known as the abscess stage, is when a person notices a red, itchy swelling that is accompanied by mild pain.

Cellulitis or the stage that follows, is characterized by the appearance of more severe symptoms.

The swelling causes punctures, which in turn cause discharge. When the infection spreads to the belly, the belly will typically become warm.

The discharge goes through a series of colour transitions, beginning with a clear liquid and ending with a colour that is either yellowish or greenish. Additionally, it develops an offensive odour, and at times, bleeding may take place.

Nausea is another possible side effect for the affected individual.

 

Belly Button Infection: Home Remedies and Treatment

Because infections in the belly button can potentially lead to complications, it is important to seek immediate medical attention in the event that such an infection develops.

Because of the increased risk of infection that pregnancy poses, it is strongly recommended that women who are considering becoming pregnant refrain from getting their belly buttons pierced.

Infections of the belly button can be effectively treated if caught early, at which point it is necessary to use both antibiotics and non-invasive topical applications.

When the infection has progressed to a more advanced stage, stronger antibiotics are required to treat it. These antibiotics often come with undesirable side effects.

Surgical intervention might be necessary in some situations.

This pertains to extreme circumstances in which the infection has impacted the internal organs of the body.

In addition to the medications that are administered via convection, some home remedies, such as those listed here, may be helpful in the early stages of a belly button infection.

Warm Saline Solution

A warm saline solution or warm salt water can be used to clean the affected area in a comprehensive manner. The warmth of the solution contributes to an increase in blood flow, and the salt’s ability to absorb moisture helps to speed up the healing process.  In addition to that, it is a disinfectant.

Maintaining a regular cleaning schedule for the infected navel

Cleaning helps get rid of dirt and microorganisms, which is beneficial to the healing process.

When taking a shower or bath, it is recommended that one uses antibacterial soap. After each bath, the navel should be patted dry with a towel, and then a lotion with a water-based base should be applied.

This process should be repeated until the wound has healed. Because they have a propensity to clog the skin pores, antiseptic ointments should not be applied to the affected area.

 

Warm compresses

Applying hot compresses to an infected navel that is hurting can help alleviate the discomfort caused by the infection by reducing both the pain and the swelling.

Additionally contributing to the recovery is the heat that was generated by the warm compress that was applied.

A warm shower is another option available to one.

 

Turmeric

In addition, turmeric is helpful for preventing infections in the belly button and keeping them under control.

It has naturally occurring antiseptic qualities and also contains an antibiotic agent, both of which contribute to the healing process and help prevent infection.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is a natural remedy that has been shown to be effective in treating infections that affect the belly button.

It is effective against all kinds, including bacterial and fungal infections.

It has properties that are beneficial against bacterial infection, septic conditions, and fungal growth.

Before being applied, it can be combined with olive oil or coconut oil for better results.

 

Calendula

The herb calendula has hydrating, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, all of which play an important role in the process of relieving the itching and irritation that are associated with infected belly buttons. Additionally, it helps the healing process.

 

Alcohol

Because of its antiseptic property, alcohol helps in sterilising the affected area, which in turn prevents the infection from spreading to other areas.

Additionally, it helps relieve pain as well as discomfort, irritation, or both.

 

White Vinegar

When there is a discharge oozing from the navel of the infected patient, the application of white vinegar is highly effective in putting an end to the flow. Because of their acidic nature, they are able to combat infection and stop its further spread.

There is also the option of using a combination of water and baking powder, if you don’t want to use white vinegar.  Please do not use both these remedies, white vinegar and combination of baking powder and water simultaneously.

Take note that it can take infections in the belly button a very long time to completely heal, in most cases, the result is seen in six months.  In some cases, the healing process can take up to two years also. This is because of the nature of the belly button to be susceptible to infection for microorganisms to thrive.  Instead, it is better to practice regular hygiene and cleaning of belly button because the onset of infections can result in a slow healing process.

 

Belly Button Infection – Prevention

The following measures can be helpful in preventing infections in the navel area:

On a daily basis, the region in question should be washed carefully and gently with a gentle soap.

After bathing, it is important to ensure that the navel is thoroughly dried.

It is important to get your navel pierced by a trained professional who will take the necessary precautions to avoid getting an infection.

When selecting a ring for your belly button, you should look for one that has a lower risk of causing an infection. For instance, you should choose rings made of stainless steel rather than rings made of nickel.

Creams and moisturisers of any kind should never be applied inside the belly button.

It will typically result in the hole becoming clogged, which will then encourage the growth of microbes such as yeast and bacteria.

It is best to steer clear of clothing that is too snug because it has a tendency to irritate the belly button.

Put on clothes that fit loosely and are comfortable; and choose natural fibers like cotton and silk.

 

Outlook

The prognosis following a belly button infection is contingent on the cause of the infection as well as the treatment method that is utilised.

Seeking treatment right away that is both effective and immediate expedites the healing process and increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.

 

Authoritative Clinical References

Omphalitis → https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513338/