Table of contents:
- How to deal with smelly navels
- Navel smell due to infection
- The navel smells due to a sebaceous cyst
Have you ever had a smelly belly button? One of the main causes is hygiene problems. Dirt or other bacteria can collect in this hollow area, which is the umbilical cord that connects you to your mother while in the uterus. Most bacteria are harmless, but bacteria can multiply and cause infection and become smelly. This is even more so if you don't keep your belly button clean. Luckily, there are still a few ways to deal with smelly belly buttons. Anything?
How to deal with smelly navels
The navel is a 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. Unfortunately, many people underestimate this.
When bathing, the navel is usually not paid attention or is not cleaned properly. This is what often makes the navel smell, because a lot of bacteria builds up, which can eventually cause an infection. If you have an infection, your belly button will usually smell bad, which makes you uncomfortable.
Then what should I do? Here's how to deal with smelly navels based on the cause.
Navel smell due to infection
Keep your belly button clean and dry. Avoid wearing clothes and pants that are too tight, especially on the stomach or waist. Sweat and dirt can build up under clothes that stick to your skin.
Limit sugar intake in your diet, especially if you have diabetes. Excessive blood sugar levels increase the risk of infection. Your doctor may recommend using an antifungal cream or topical antibiotics, depending on the type of germ that caused the infection.
If your navel is infected and you have piercings, remove the piercings first. Soak a cotton ball in a mixture of antibacterial soap and warm water, and wash your belly button with gentle wiping.
Try to keep the navel and stomach area clean and dry at all times. Avoid wearing tight clothing as this can irritate the infected area. If this method is not effective, you should check with your doctor directly.
The navel smells due to a sebaceous cyst
You don't need to treat small skin cysts, unless they become infected or irritate you. You need to check with a doctor if the cyst gets worse, to get a proper diagnosis.
Usually the dermatologist will get rid of the cyst by injecting it with medicine, cleaning it or removing the entire cyst. If the cyst clears up, the bad smell in the navel area should also go away on its own.
Also, try not to break the cyst with a sharp object to prevent the infection from getting worse.
