The belly button, also known as the navel, is a common part of the human body. While typically harmless, bleeding from this area can be a source of concern. Fortunately, belly button bleeding frequently stems from explainable and treatable causes. Understanding these potential reasons can help individuals determine appropriate next steps and when to seek professional medical advice.
Common Reasons for Belly Button Bleeding
Minor trauma or irritation is a frequent cause of belly button bleeding. This can occur from accidental scratching, vigorous cleaning, or friction from tight clothing. Newly acquired belly button piercings can also cause bleeding if irritated or not healing properly.
Infections, both bacterial and fungal, are a common source. The navel’s warm, dark, and moist environment can foster microorganisms. An infected belly button may show redness, swelling, foul-smelling discharge, pain, and bleeding. Yeast infections, often caused by an overgrowth of Candida fungus, are a common fungal type that can also cause redness, itching, and discharge, sometimes with minor bleeding.
In newborns, umbilical granuloma can cause bleeding. This is a small, moist, reddish lump of tissue that forms after the umbilical cord falls off. It may ooze fluid, and minor bleeding can occur. While usually not painful, it can become infected, leading to increased redness, swelling, and foul-smelling discharge.
Mild skin conditions like dermatitis can affect the delicate skin within or around the navel. This irritation can lead to skin breakdown, making the area susceptible to minor bleeding.
Other Potential Causes
Bleeding from the belly button can sometimes be a complication following abdominal surgeries, especially those involving the navel, such as laparoscopy or hernia repair. Surgical incisions require time to heal and can occasionally bleed during recovery. This bleeding typically resolves as healing progresses.
Umbilical endometriosis is a less common cause of cyclical belly button bleeding. This rare condition occurs when endometrial tissue, normally lining the uterus, grows in or around the navel. This misplaced tissue responds to hormonal changes, leading to pain, swelling, and bleeding from the navel during the menstrual cycle.
An omphalith, sometimes called a “belly button stone,” is another specific cause. This forms when accumulated debris, such as lint, dead skin cells, and oil, hardens into a solid mass within the navel’s crevices. This hard mass can irritate and erode the surrounding skin, resulting in bleeding.
In very rare instances, bleeding might indicate underlying vascular issues, such as fragile blood vessels or other vascular anomalies. These typically require thorough medical investigation to diagnose. Cysts, such as epidermoid or urachal cysts, can also develop near the navel and may leak blood or pus if infected.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical attention if belly button bleeding is persistent, heavy, or does not stop with gentle pressure. Signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus-like discharge, or a foul odor, warrant medical evaluation. A fever or chills alongside belly button symptoms also indicates a need for professional assessment.
Severe or worsening pain in the navel area warrants medical attention. If systemic symptoms like feeling unwell, dizziness, or nausea accompany the bleeding, seek medical consultation. For infants, any persistent bleeding from the umbilical stump or signs of infection, including fever or significant discharge, should be reported to a pediatrician. Consult a doctor if bleeding occurs without an obvious reason or does not resolve with basic care.
Maintaining Belly Button Health
Practicing good hygiene helps maintain belly button health and reduces the likelihood of bleeding or infection. Gentle cleaning of the navel with mild soap and water during regular bathing is often sufficient. Avoid harsh soaps or aggressive scrubbing, which can irritate the delicate skin.
After washing, thoroughly dry the belly button area to prevent moisture buildup, which can promote bacterial or fungal growth. Use a clean towel or cotton swab to gently dry the area. Avoiding tight clothing that can rub against the navel and irritate the skin can also help.
If you have a belly button piercing, follow proper aftercare instructions to prevent complications. Regularly observe your belly button for any unusual changes, such as new discharge, persistent redness, or discomfort, for early detection of potential issues.