The belly button, also known as the umbilicus, is the remnant of the umbilical cord. While often unnoticed, it can sometimes produce discharge. This discharge can range from a minor, harmless occurrence to a signal of an underlying health concern. Understanding its characteristics is important for determining its potential cause.
Types and Causes of Belly Button Discharge
A small amount of clear or yellowish discharge can sometimes be normal, especially if from sweat or lint accumulation, and it generally does not have an odor. However, abnormal discharge varies in appearance and odor, indicating different underlying issues. This includes pus-like, bloody, foul-smelling, or cheesy discharge.
One common reason for abnormal discharge is infection. Bacterial infections, often caused by poor hygiene or a new belly button piercing, can lead to a foul-smelling, yellowish-green discharge, accompanied by swelling, pain, and sometimes crusting. An overgrowth of harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus A can cause such infections. Fungal infections, particularly candidiasis caused by Candida yeast, thrive in the warm, moist environment of the belly button and can result in a red, itchy rash and a thick, white discharge.
Another cause of discharge is an omphalith, also known as a navel stone. These form when dead skin cells, sebum, and lint accumulate and harden within the belly button, especially in deep or narrow navels. While often asymptomatic, an omphalith can irritate the surrounding skin or become infected, leading to discharge. Poor hygiene and obesity are factors for omphalith formation.
Congenital abnormalities, such as a urachal cyst or patent urachus, can also cause belly button discharge. The urachus is a tube that connects the fetal bladder to the umbilical cord, normally closing before birth. If it fails to close completely, a fluid-filled urachal cyst can form, which may become infected and leak cloudy or bloody fluid. A patent urachus, where the connection between the bladder and the umbilicus remains open, can result in clear urine leaking from the belly button. Less common causes include sebaceous cysts, which can produce a thick, yellowish, foul-smelling substance if they rupture, and umbilical granulomas, which are small, benign growths that may produce clear or yellowish discharge.
When to Consult a Doctor
Recognizing when belly button discharge warrants medical attention is important. If the discharge is persistent, increasing, or changes in character, such as becoming pus-like, bloody, or foul-smelling, a doctor should be consulted. These changes can indicate an infection or another underlying issue requiring professional diagnosis and treatment.
Accompanying symptoms that signal a medical visit include redness, swelling, tenderness, or pain around the belly button. A fever or general feeling of being unwell, alongside the discharge, also suggests a more serious condition requiring prompt evaluation. If discharge develops after a recent belly button piercing or injury, medical advice should be sought to rule out infection. Early consultation can prevent potential complications, such as the spread of infection.
Care and Prevention
Maintaining good hygiene is an effective way to manage and prevent belly button discharge. Regularly and gently cleaning the belly button with mild soap and water is recommended. After cleaning, thoroughly dry the area, as moisture can encourage the growth of bacteria and fungi. Avoiding harsh soaps, lotions, or excessive rubbing can prevent irritation.
Wearing loose, breathable clothing can help prevent moisture buildup and irritation in the belly button area. For individuals with belly button piercings, proper aftercare, including daily cleaning of the piercing and jewelry with a saltwater solution, is important to prevent bacterial infections. If discharge persists or symptoms worsen despite hygiene measures, medical treatment may be necessary. Common medical treatments depend on the cause and can include antibiotics for bacterial infections or antifungal creams for fungal infections, or oral medications for more severe cases. Surgical removal may be recommended for conditions like urachal cysts or omphaliths.