Key Highlights:
- Importance of maintaining proper belly button hygiene.
- Common issues and concerns regarding dirty belly buttons.
- Identifying signs and symptoms associated with dirty belly buttons.
- Step-by-step guidelines on cleaning belly buttons.
- Causes of belly button odour and when to contact a doctor.
- Tips for maintaining belly button cleanliness and avoiding infections.
Introduction
Everyone knows personal hygiene is very important. However, people commonly miss out on maintaining the hygiene of their navel which is also called as the belly button, as they might perceive it as insignificant. This tiny part of our body can be a hiding place for bacteria, dirt, dead skin cells, and navel lint if not kept clean. Bad hygiene can invite not just bad smells, but also nasty infections.
In this evidence-based article, we will explore why a dirty belly button is a problem, the risks from poor hygiene, how to detect signs of a dirty navel, and ways to keep your belly button clean and healthy. By adding these habits to your daily life, you may avoid issues and lead a cleaner, healthier way of life.
Understanding the Dirty Belly Button
Belly buttons may seem harmless and easy to miss in our daily personal hygiene routine. However, ignoring your belly button can lead to issues like smell, infections, or even painful cysts. Some people confuse these issues with skin cancer and end up having an awkward doctor visit.
Identifying a Dirty Belly Button
While inspecting your belly button the following signs need to be monitored.
- A foul smell from the belly button area.
- Redness, itchiness, or irritation in and around the navel.
- Any liquid or pus coming out of the belly button.
- Formation of any lump or mass in the area.
Did you know?
- The average depth of a belly button is 2.36 cm. Source: ncbi
- The shape of a person’s belly button is determined by the way the umbilical cord was cut and healed. Source: ncbi
- Approximately 2,000 different types of bacteria can be found in the average belly button. Source: ncbi
How to Clean Your Belly Button?
Cleaning your belly button right is key to keeping it healthy. It is also important in avoiding problems like infections and bad smells. Here’s a list of handy tips that you may follow.
- The belly button must be washed at least once a week. If you sweat a lot or have a fresh belly button piercing, wash it more often.
- Gentle soap, rubbing alcohol, cotton swabs, clean cloth, and water may be used to clean the belly button.
- It is always better to be gentle to avoid harm to the tender skin in the area.
Cleaning an Innie Belly Button
The Innie belly button is a navel in which the umbilical tip does not protrude beyond the periumbilical skin. They may have hidden folds where dirt and bacteria can hide. Here’s how you may properly clean an innie.
- Dip a cotton swab in warm water mixed with a light soap.
- Carefully use the swab inside your navel to clean off any dirt.
- Discard the used cotton swab and replace it with a fresh one if needed.
- Once the swab comes out clean, get another swab dipped in plain water. Use it to wash off the soap from the navel.
- Gently dry your belly button using a dry cotton swab or the tip of a towel.
Cleaning an Outie Belly Button
Outie belly button is a navel that protrudes out, it has fewer folds than an innie. So, cleaning them is simpler.
- Soak a clean cloth in warm water and light soap.
- Softly rub the cloth on your belly button to get rid of any dirt.
- Once done, rinse the cloth and use it to wipe off any leftover soap.
- Pat your belly button dry with a clean towel.
Cleaning a Pierced Belly Button
You’ll need to be extra careful to let the repair of the piercing wound occur and avoid infection.
- Follow the steps advised by the person who did your piercing. This might include daily cleaning using a saline solution.
- Aim to keep the area clean and dry at all times.
How to Clean Belly Button in Children?
Taking care of a child’s belly button needs special attention.
- During bath time, gently clean the child’s belly button using a soft cloth and warm water.
- Avoid soaps that are too harsh or scented.
- Make sure you thoroughly dry their belly button after the bath.
Common Causes of Belly Button Odour
- Lack of cleanliness: Forgetting to clean your navel can lead to the buildup of dirt, sweat, and bacteria. This leads to a bad smell.
- Infections: Bacterial and fungal infections in the belly button can cause a foul smell.
- Cysts: If infected, epidermoid or pilar cysts can cause discharge that smells awful.
When to Contact a Doctor?
Knowing when to see a doctor for belly button issues is key and is listed below.
- Bad odour despite regular cleaning.
- Pain, redness, or swelling in the belly button area.
- Any fluid or pus coming out of the navel.
Managing Belly Button Issues
- In case of infections your doctor may prescribe antifungal or antibiotic creams or pills.
- In case of a cyst your doctor might suggest draining or removing it through surgery.
- When only odour is the issue it is advisable to stick to a regular and thorough belly button cleaning routine.
Risk Factors for Belly Button Problems
Some factors can make you more prone to belly button problems:
- Piercings: New belly button piercings, when not clean, can lead to infections.
- Cleaning habits: Poor or irregular cleaning can cause bacterial buildup.
- Having diabetes or other health issues can increase your risk of infections or cysts.
Tips to Reduce Risk
To avoid belly button issues the following tips may help you reduce the risk.
- Stick to a belly button cleaning routine for your navel type.
- Always keep your belly button clean and dry, especially post-workout.
Conclusion
Not cleaning your belly button well can lead to bad smells, infections, and discomfort. Keeping your belly button clean regularly is key to keeping it healthy and avoiding problems. By dealing with present issues with an expert’s help and following the correct steps to avoid infection, you may ensure a comfortable and clean belly button.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Are you supposed to clean deep in your belly button? Yes, you need to clean right inside your belly button to remove grime, dirt, and bacteria. Just be careful not to poke too far or cause any pain.
Can I clean my belly button with my finger? You can clean an outie belly button with your finger wrapped in a soapy cloth. Make sure to clean your hands first, then be gentle in the process.
What is the brown crust in my belly button? The brown crust in your belly button could be dried sweat and dead skin cells. Regular cleaning of your belly button may help avoid this buildup and keep the crust at bay.
Can I clean my belly button with hydrogen peroxide? Hydrogen peroxide might be harsh for the delicate skin of your belly button and might lead to irritation. A mild soap with warm water is safer and more effective for belly button cleaning.
References:
- National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). A Jungle in There: Bacteria in Belly Buttons are Highly Diverse, but Predictable – PMC [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3492386
- American Diabetes Association. Diabetes and Skin Complications [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/complications/skin-complications
- American Academy of Dermatology. How often do children need to take a bath? [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/skin-care-basics/care/child-bathing
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Candidiasis [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/diseases/candidiasis/index.html
- National Health Service (NHS). Body odour (BO) [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Body-odour
- National Health Service (NHS). Skin cyst [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/skin-cyst
- American Academy of Dermatology. This page doesn’t exist [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.aad.org/public/kids/skin/taking-care-of-your-skin/washing
- National Health Service (NHS). Infected piercings [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/chq/Pages/1770.aspx
- National Health Service (NHS). Infected piercings [Internet]. [cited 2024 Feb 20]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/infected-piercings
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Medically reviewed by Dr. Nayana Shetty 
Last updated: Apr 17, 2024
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