Introduction
Navel infections in adults are rare. They occur mainly in infants due to bacterial transmission during birth. Infections occur mainly in developing countries due to lack of hygiene, where they contribute to a high proportion of infant mortality. Inflammation of the belly button can lead to serious complications, as pathogens can enter the blood through the navel, which can lead to blood poisoning (sepsis).
Causes for an inflammation of the belly button
In contrast to the newborn, an inflammation of the navel occurs very rarely in adolescents or adults. If it occurs, it is often caused by belly button piercings. There is a risk of infection, particularly in the initial phase after piercing, when the wound has not yet healed.
To prevent an inflammation of the navel by piercing a piercing, you should pay attention to sufficient hygiene during the piercing, keep the area clean after the piercing and cover it with a plaster in the beginning. If it comes to an inflammation the piercing must be removed, so that it can come to a healing. Inflammations in the context of navel piercings can also occur in connection with an existing contact allergy.
Besides piercings the allergic reaction can also be triggered for example by belt buckles or trouser buttons. A frequent contact allergy is the nickel allergy. Also a special form of psoriasis (psoriasis inversa) can lead to an inflammation of the navel in adults.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disease. Psoriasis inversa typically occurs in the area of skin folds, making the navel a preferred site next to the armpit and groin. In the case of psoriasis inversa, the skin on the navel is reddened and a slight training may be noticeable.
However, this does not necessarily have to be present. Especially in laparoscopies – i.e. operations in which small incisions are made in the abdomen using cameras and certain medical instruments – a small incision is often made near the navel. If this does not heal well after the operation and becomes inflamed, the navel can also become inflamed.
It is therefore important to ensure good wound care after an operation. Diabetics are particularly susceptible to inflammation of wounds because they have a lowered immune system. This topic might also be of interest to you: Wound healing disordersAs described above, the navel forms a good environment even for fungi.
These preferably grow in warm and moist skin folds. The most common fungal pathogens are the dermatophytes (filamentous fungi). They cause a scaly redness at the edges.
In addition, itching usually also occurs. Thorough hygiene is important against fungal infections, as well as keeping the affected areas dry. If the clinical picture is pronounced, a doctor may also prescribe an anti-fungal agent, a so-called antimycotic.
