The umbilicus, commonly known as the navel or belly button, is a naturally recessed area that can sometimes develop discharge or an unpleasant odor. This symptom, often referred to as “pussing,” signals an underlying issue requiring attention. The navel’s unique structure, being a small fold or indentation, creates an environment where moisture and debris can easily collect. Understanding the specific cause of the discharge is the first step toward finding an appropriate solution.
The Most Common Causes of Discharge
Discharge often results from an overgrowth of microorganisms in the navel’s warm, moist environment. While the human navel naturally harbors diverse bacteria, poor hygiene allows certain types to multiply unchecked. This can lead to omphalitis, a bacterial infection characterized by pus—a thick, opaque fluid that may be yellow, green, or white.
Moisture retention is the primary factor, especially in individuals with a deeper navel, skin folds, or those in warmer climates. When sweat, dead skin cells, and lint accumulate, they feed bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus. This bacterial proliferation often causes the surrounding skin to become red, tender, and warm.
A frequent cause is a fungal infection, most commonly candidiasis, caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast. This organism thrives in damp, dark locations, making the navel a prime spot if it remains wet after showering or sweating. Yeast infection discharge is often less thick than bacterial pus, sometimes appearing white or clear, and is usually accompanied by a rash, itching, or redness around the navel fold.
Identifying Other Potential Underlying Issues
Discharge unresponsive to cleaning may stem from structural or anatomical issues beneath the skin. One issue is a sebaceous cyst, which forms when a hair follicle or oil gland near the navel becomes blocked. This blockage creates a fluid-filled sac that can become infected, leading to pain and cloudy discharge upon rupture.
Another structural issue is an infected urachal cyst. The urachus is a tube that connected the fetal bladder to the umbilical cord; though it usually closes before birth, a small remnant can persist and form a cyst. Infection of this cyst causes pus, sometimes cloudy or bloody, to drain from the navel, often accompanied by abdominal tenderness.
An umbilical granuloma is an overgrowth of healing tissue that can develop after the umbilical cord stump falls off in infants or after a navel piercing in adults. This tissue mass is moist, soft, and red, secreting a persistent clear or yellowish fluid. If the tissue becomes infected, the fluid can become pus-filled. These causes require specific medical treatments, unlike simple hygiene-related infections.
Immediate Steps and At-Home Care
For mild, localized discharge, focus on meticulous hygiene and moisture control. Start by gently washing the navel with mild, unscented soap and warm water during your shower. Avoid aggressive scrubbing, as this can irritate the skin and worsen the infection.
After cleansing, thoroughly dry the area, as moisture drives microbial growth. Gently pat the navel dry with a clean towel, or use a cool setting on a hairdryer to remove dampness from the folds. Keeping the area exposed to air by avoiding tight-fitting clothing also helps maintain a dry environment.
A simple salt solution can gently cleanse the area and loosen crusted debris. Mix one teaspoon of table salt into one cup of warm water and apply it with a washcloth to clean deeper indentations. Avoid applying lotions, creams, or moisturizers, as these products trap moisture and debris, creating a better environment for bacteria and yeast.
When Professional Medical Care Is Necessary
While many mild cases resolve with improved hygiene, certain symptoms signal the need for medical evaluation. Seek professional care if the discharge does not clear up within 48 hours of consistent at-home cleaning. This persistence may indicate a deeper infection or an underlying structural problem requiring prescription treatment.
A doctor’s visit is necessary if you notice signs of a spreading infection, such as fever, chills, or red streaks radiating outward from the navel. These systemic symptoms suggest the infection may be spreading and could be developing into a serious condition like cellulitis. Severe or increasing pain, significant swelling, or warmth around the navel also require prompt medical attention. Any noticeable lumps or masses in or beneath the navel, especially if painful or suddenly growing, should be evaluated to rule out a cyst or other structural issue.