The navel can be a source of infections and this is how it is cleaned to avoid diseases

However, what is clear, and this is what the World Health Organization (WHO), is that showers should not last more than five minutes. And it’s not just a matter of saving water and sustainability (and more now in a drought plan).

And it is that, if we extend the time we are underwater, we will unconsciously eliminate bacteria and microorganisms that are necessary and protect the skin.

As a consequence, we will suffer episodes of dry skin, which can cause irritation and, above all, itching. Regarding the type of bath gel, it is recommended to use a neutral and fragrance-free soap.

Therefore, showers should be short and with lukewarm water (hot water eventually produces redness and atopic dermatitis) and, as emphasized by the WHO, attention should be paid to four fundamental areas, which are those that produce bad odor:

  • armpits

  • Genitals.

  • Feet.

  • English.

But, there is a part of the body that we tend to overlook. We talk about belly buttona scar that forms after cutting the umbilical cord and that is currently used to perform laparoscopies.

The navel is one of the forgotten areas of the body during the shower but which can cause infections freepik

Why does my belly button smell?

However, most of us don’t tend to pay much attention to it, which can lead to an unpleasant odor due to accumulated dirt, sweat and bacteria.

In fact, there are more than 67 types of bacteria and germs in most belly buttons.

Experts advise not to ignore the strong smell that the navel gives off, because it can be a symptom of some diseases such as:

  • Cutaneous candidiasis. It is an infection caused by a fungus called Candida. It usually appears in moist areas of the skin, such as the navel, and it can cause an intense red rash, sometimes with stretch marks, in the affected area. Generally, it is accompanied by intense pruritus (itching) and burning. To treat this disease, cutaneous or oral antifungal medications are prescribed.
  • omphalitis. It is an infection of the belly button and surrounding tissues. It is very common in babies, during the first week of life, although it can occur at any time if hygiene is not extreme. It produces a bad smell, erythema (redness) and even pain.

In the study, led by the doctor Federico Ochando Cerdán, from the General Surgery and Digestive System Service, explains that this infection is usually localized, rapidly evolving and chronic. And that is correlated with the lack of good hygiene of the navel, so the treatment consists of adequate cleaning together with antibiotic therapy if there is systemic repercussion.

  • wound or bruise around or inside the navel.

  • Accumulation of sweat and/or dirt.

Candidiasis can also occur in the navel freepik

Symptoms of infection in the belly button

Scabs on the belly button are not normal. It is one more symptom of infection together with:

  • reddened skin

  • Bad smell.

  • Swelling.

  • Itching.

  • Secretions (yellow, green or dark).

  • Persistent pain (especially if we have a navel piercing).

  • blisters.

In this video, the Dr Karan Rajanfrom the NHS (National Health Service of the United Kingdom), visually details what are the symptoms of an infection in the navel.

  • “Sweat, dead skin cells, oils, fabrics, bacteria can accumulate in all orifices of the flesh… If not washed regularly, this material can accumulate and harden into an omphalolith, a belly button stone.”

How to properly wash the navel

  1. The first step is, in the shower, use neutral soap and warm water. Although it is not necessary to scrub the area aggressively, as it could cause irritation and pain, we must make sure that the fluff and all the dirt that accumulates throughout the day have been removed from the navel.

  2. If the belly button is “deep” we may need a little more work. Specialists advise in these cases to use a small towel soaked in a saltwater solution. It is prepared with a tablespoon of table salt along with a cup of lukewarm water. You have to massage the inside of the navel, without rubbing too much, and then rinse it with water. With this simple trick, the bad smell should disappear. This advice is extensible to those people who have a navel piercing. Although, it should be done several times a day to avoid infections and a bad smell.

  3. Whether the second step has been followed or not, special attention must be paid to drying. It is very important. Otherwise, it will be the “paradise” of mushrooms. As we have already mentioned, the appearance of candidiasis is more likely, since it “loves” humidity.

  4. Therefore, you should not apply lotions or moisturizing creams. Extra moisture can contribute to the growth of bacteria and fungi

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