Even though an infected belly button sounds disgusting, the infection that occurs is usually very minor and can be cured quickly. The dark and warm conditions of the navel are ideal places for the proliferation of bacteria and fungi that cause infection. Putting a piercing in that area also increases the risk. It's best to treat the infection as soon as possible to avoid pain. Fortunately, infections like these are generally easy to treat with antibiotics and cleaner lifestyle changes.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Recognizing an Infection in the Navel
Step 1. Notice the appearance of fluid from the umbilical orifice
Most bacterial infections in the navel are characterized by discharge from in or around the navel. Often, the liquid is yellowish in color. The infected center also appears swollen and painful.
Even though it looks disgusting, the condition can be easily treated with medicated ointments
Step 2. Pay attention to the dry, reddish skin around the navel
This is a common sign of a yeast infection in the belly button. The reddened and infected area of the skin will be itchy and sometimes painful. Resist the urge to scratch the reddened skin as this could spread the infection or make the condition worse.
If the red rash spreads from the belly button to the surrounding skin, this is a sign that the infection is getting worse. Immediately contact a doctor for a check-up
Step 3. Notice the red rash centered on the belly button
Fungal infections in the belly button usually cause a red, rough rash. This rash is sometimes shaped like a lump and is painful.
The rash doesn't have to be perfectly round, and it looks like it's spreading in different locations around the belly button. Touching or scratching the rash will only spread the infection, causing the skin around the stomach to turn red
Step 4. Check your temperature for fever
As the navel infection worsens, you will have a fever. While a fever doesn't always indicate a belly button infection, you should be careful if it's accompanied by other symptoms (such as a red rash or discharge from the belly button). In addition to an increased body temperature, some of the characteristics of a fever are fever, chills, feeling cold, weak, and feeling sensitive to touch.
You can buy an oral or underarm thermometer at the pharmacy or at a large drug store
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning the Infection
Step 1. See a doctor if you suspect a belly button infection
If you don't have a fever and the pain in the infected body part is not severe, you can wait 2-3 days for the infection to clear up. If it doesn't go away – or if your symptoms get worse – see a doctor right away. Describe your symptoms and explain when the infection started.
In some cases, your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist
Step 2. Apply the antibiotic ointment or cream your doctor prescribes
If the infection in the belly button is caused by bacteria, your doctor will prescribe an antibiotic cream. This medicine should usually be applied to the infected area 2-3 times a day for one week. The infection – along with the pain that appears – will disappear once you apply this cream.
- Ask your doctor how often you need to apply the cream or ointment, and how much ointment to use per application.
- Wear gloves when applying the ointment, and wash your hands with soap and warm water after touching the infected area or applying the medicine. This will prevent the infection from spreading.
Step 3. Use an antifungal cream if the infection is caused by a fungus
If your belly button infection is caused by a fungus, your doctor will prescribe an antifungal cream or ointment. Apply the cream according to the directions for use to the area around the navel that looks red and rough.
- If the infection isn't too severe, your doctor may recommend using an over-the-counter antifungal ointment or cream.
- Use gloves to apply the ointment and wash your hands with warm water and soap when you're done.
Step 4. Bathe regularly every day to prevent the infection from reappearing
Although it sounds trivial, taking a shower is the best way to clean your belly button and keep it away from bacteria and fungi. Use a mild soap, a soft cloth, and warm water to clean the upper body, including the belly button.
- After bathing, do not apply any moisturizer to the belly button area (you can use it on other parts of the body). Moisturizer will keep the belly button area moist so that bacteria can easily multiply.
- To prevent the spread of infection, do not let other people use the towels or cleaning cloths you use, even if they are your partner.
- Clean the bathroom or tub after use with a mixture of 120 ml of bleach for every 3.8 liters of water in the tub.
Step 5. Massage your belly button with salt water if you have an indented belly button
If your belly button is deep enough, clean it with salt water to prevent another infection from appearing. Mix a spoonful of table salt with 120 ml of warm water. After that, dip one finger in it. Use this finger to massage the navel hole. Do this once per day until the infection is gone. This method can clean bacteria and fungi that are still attached.
If you don't want to use your fingers to clean your belly button, use a clean, damp cloth to clean it
Step 6. Maintain personal hygiene to prevent the infection from spreading or reappearing
Some belly button infections can be contagious and spread to other people or other parts of the body. Refrain from touching or scratching the infected belly button and wash your hands after touching or applying the ointment. Change and wash clothes and sheets regularly.
If you live with other people, don't let them use your personal items such as towels or blankets. Have everyone in the house wash their hands regularly
Method 3 of 3: Treating an Infected Navel Piercing
Step 1. Watch for a red rash or stabbing pain around the piercing
The infection may appear only a few days after you have your belly button pierced. Pay attention to your piercing and watch out for a red rash or pus from the area. If the piercing was freshly made and you have the above symptoms, your belly button may be infected.
If you have your belly button pierced by a professional, he or she will provide instructions on how to keep the piercing clean and infection-free. Follow these instructions to prevent infection
Step 2. See a doctor if symptoms of infection do not go away within 3-4 days
Minor infections from piercing wounds will usually heal as long as the piercing is kept clean. However, if the infection persists after 4 days and is painful – and the belly button area is still red – see a doctor immediately. You will usually be given a prescription for antibiotics to clear it.
See your doctor right away if you have a fever due to infection, or if the wound is very painful
Step 3. Keep your belly button piercing clean after the infection has cleared
If you play with or re-attach your piercing, it could become contaminated with bacteria. So, leave your piercing for at least 2 months (or for as long as the person who installed it recommends). Wash your piercing daily with soap and water to get rid of bacterial infections.
If you're worried about the infection coming back, wear a loose-fitting, slightly oversized shirt. Tight shirts will keep the belly button area moist so bacteria can get trapped inside. This can cause the infection to reappear
Tips
- Anyone can get a belly button infection, but some people are more susceptible than others. People who sweat easily – such as athletes or residents of hot and humid areas – have a greater risk of belly button infections.
- The fungus that is often the cause of belly button infections is scientifically known as Candida albicans.
