Table of contents:
- What causes the navel to smell?
- 1. Poor hygiene
- 2. Infection
- 3. Cyst
- Then how to prevent the navel from being smelly?
Have you ever smelled a bad smell from your belly button? Even though you are diligent in bathing, sometimes your navel can become smelly. This can be caused by various things. So, why can the navel smell? Here are the various causes of bad navel you need to know.
What causes the navel to smell?
1. Poor hygiene
Did you know that the navel is a favorite place for germs to nest because of its small, concave shape? Even the deeper the navel basin usually the more dirt will accumulate in it.
Based on research conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), the navel becomes a "shelter" for 67 types of bacteria. Not only bacteria, fungi and other germs can also grow in that part of the stomach.
Together with oil, dead skin, sweat, and other impurities, the germs and bacteria that are lodged are increasingly comfortable to live and reproduce in a fertile manner. Finally, this pile of bacteria, dirt, and sweat that has never been cleaned will create a bad smell, just like the smell of armpits when you are sweating.
So, if you don't want your navel to smell and become a nest of bacteria, you should pay attention to body hygiene, especially in the navel. Don't wait for it to smell bad before you start cleaning it.
2. Infection
Candida is a fungus that lives on skin that feels warm, dark, and moist, such as the groin, navel, and armpits. If this candida continues to grow, over time this fungus can cause infection.
Infection that occurs in the dark areas and skin folds is called intertrigo candidal. In addition to the smell, skin that is infected with candida fungus will usually look red and scaly.
Usually people with diabetes are more at risk of developing this infection. This is because the immune system is weakened so it is not strong enough to fight infection.
In addition, people who have belly button piercings are at a higher risk of developing infection in the navel area. Other symptoms of infection besides the smelly navel include aches and pains, itching, redness, swelling, to discharge of pus or white and green discharge.
3. Cyst
Having a cyst around the navel can cause an unpleasant odor. The cyst itself is actually just a small lump that is usually harmless and causes no pain if it is not infected.
Epidermoid, pillar, and sebaceous cysts are types of cysts that can grow in the navel and become infected. Epidermoid cysts and pillar cysts contain cells that produce thick enough deposits of keratin protein. If the cyst enlarges and bursts, you will usually see a thick, yellow, foul-smelling discharge draining. When this happens it is a sign that the cyst is infected.
Likewise with sebaceous cysts which usually come from clogged oil glands and produce a lot of oil production. If these three cysts have become infected, they will turn red, itchy, and feel sore and painful to the touch. The inflammation that occurs inside the cyst can also cause the production of pus with a strong odor.
Then how to prevent the navel from being smelly?
Basically the easiest way to prevent smelly navel is to clean it every day while showering.
Rub the inside of the navel lightly with either your fingers or the aid of a soft cotton ball and cloth so that trapped dirt can be removed. After that, dry it with a towel or tissue until it no longer feels damp or leaves water in it.
Another way is to clean the navel using a mixture of warm water and salt. Then use the tip of the index finger to gently massage the inside of the navel. You can also use the help of a soft cloth to clean it.
We recommend that you avoid using creams or lotion in the navel area because excessive moisture actually makes bacteria and fungi thrive.
However, if the cause of your navel odor is due to an infection, you need to immediately consult a doctor to get the right diagnosis and treatment. Try not to break the cyst with sharp objects to prevent the infection from getting worse.
