Why does my belly button smell?

We all know that the belly button is particularly important to people, because the belly button is the end of the intestines. Therefore, if there is a disease in the belly button, it is likely to cause intestinal disease. In life, there are always some people saying that their belly buttons have an unpleasant smell. For some serious patients, water will flow from the belly button. So what is the matter with the unpleasant smell in the belly button?

Causes of odor

1. Poor hygiene

The belly button has its own little ecosystem. Researchers have found that there may be nearly 70 different types of bacteria in the belly button, and fungi and other bacteria may also be trapped in the belly button. These bacteria thrive on oil, dead skin, dirt, sweat, and other debris that gets trapped in your belly button. Bacteria and other fungi can create odors, and the deeper you go inside, the more dirt and bacteria there are. The result of this mix of bacteria, dirt, and sweat is a bad odor. but. Odors are easily solved by practicing good hygiene.

2. Infection

Candida is a type of yeast that prefers to grow in dark, warm, and moist environments, such as the abdominal cavity and underarms. Your belly button also provides a perfect habitat for these bacteria, especially if you're not careful about keeping it clean. If you have diabetes, you are more likely to get a yeast infection. Diabetes is a disease characterized by higher than normal blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), which reduce the immune system's ability to fight infection.

Also, if you've recently had abdominal surgery, such as surgery to repair an umbilical hernia, this can put the belly button area at a higher risk for infection. The skin around your belly button can also become infected, with symptoms including pain, redness, and swelling. If an infection occurs, go to the hospital for examination immediately.

3. Epidermoid and dermoid cysts

An epidermoid cyst is a bump that forms on the top layer of the skin, while a follicular cyst forms near a hair follicle. Both types of cysts contain cells within a membrane that produce and secrete a thick keratin sludge. If one of these cysts becomes larger and ruptures, a thick, yellow, smelly discharge may result. These cysts may also become infected.

4. Sebaceous cyst

Sebaceous cysts are less common than epidermoid cysts and dermatocysts. Sebaceous cysts originate from the sebaceous glands, which normally produce a waxy and oily lipid mixture called sebum to lubricate and protect the skin. Sebaceous cysts fill with sebum and can become infected.

What to do if your belly button smells bad

First of all, you need to keep your belly button clean and dry. Also, avoid tight clothing because sweat and dirt can accumulate on your skin. It is also important to limit sugar intake in the diet, especially for people with diabetes, as high blood sugar levels can increase the risk of infection. Finally, seek medical treatment. Your doctor may recommend a topical antifungal medication or antibiotic ointment, depending on the type of infection. A dermatologist can remove a cyst by injecting it with medication, draining it, or removing the entire cyst.