Belly button stinks – what’s behind it?

Definition

The navel of every single person is extremely individual and differently designed. Due to its shape with many skin folds and thanks to its protected position, germs can easily deposit and multiply in the navel. This can cause the navel to stink even in otherwise well cared for people. But also an inflammation or a fungal infection can lead to a stinking navel.

Causes for a stinking belly button

In many cases, a stinking navel is associated with a lack of hygiene. The shape of the navel makes it very attractive for the reproduction of germs. The germs collect in the pre-formed hollow and especially under skin folds which are difficult to reach.

These areas are usually not dried well after showering and therefore remain slightly moist. This is also favoured by accumulating sweat. In addition, the navel is usually covered by clothing and is generally one of the warmest parts of the body due to its position in the middle of the body.

This creates a moist and warm environment in the navel, which is particularly favourable for the reproduction of germs. These germs lead to the unpleasant smell. Skin scales, textile fibres or dirt can also hide in the deep folds of the navel.

Especially people with a deep navel can accumulate skin scales over a long period of time. In the course of time the skin scales are compressed to a solid mass and a navel stone, also called omphalite, is formed. This usually appears brown or black and may be firmly anchored. A navel inflammation or a fungal infection can also be the cause of a stinking navel. An inflammation can occur in connection with a piercing or also with psoriasis or contact allergies.

Associated symptoms

Often a bad smelling bellybutton occurs without further symptoms. This is a sign of a simple germ colonisation. However, if additional symptoms occur, these can provide clues to the cause.

In general, the appearance of blood, purulent secretions or pain are signals that indicate a cause to be treated. A doctor should therefore always be consulted. If the rare but dangerous case occurs that the local inflammation has turned into a systemic inflammation, i.e. affecting the whole body, a general feeling of illness with fever develops in addition to the local problems at the navel.

This can lead to blood poisoning, which requires urgent medical treatment. This occurs when an inflammation of the navel is not adequately treated and subsequently spreads. – Pus

  • Redness
  • Extra oozing navel
  • Bloody belly button
  • Pain

A purulent navel is a sign of an infection that is being fought by the body.

Germs in the bellybutton lead to an activation of the immune cells, which counteract the foreign substances in the body. Pus is the product of lost defence cells and tissue breakdown. Pus is usually associated with a bacterial infection that has led to inflammation.

A reddening of the navel suggests that it is inflamed. In the case of an inflammation of the navel, one often notices a greasy, smelly secretion and reddened and swollen skin in the surrounding area. Psoriasis or a fungal infection can also lead to reddening of the navel.

Reddening of the skin also occurs in the case of contact allergies. This can be caused by a trouser button or a belly button piercing, for example. Weeping secretions in infants can be an indication that the embryonic connection to the bladder has remained open.

In adults, weeping may be an expression of a pustule or other inflammatory process. Fungal infections can also lead to a weeping navel. The exact diagnosis should be made by a doctor.

A bleeding navel can have various causes. Sometimes the blood is simply due to a pimple that lies in the navel. In this case, blood usually only flows out for a short time.

An insect bite in summer can also be the cause. Another reason for blood leaking from the navel is an abscess. This is an encapsulated, infected pus cavity.

A bleeding navel is generally a symptom that should be investigated during a visit to the doctor. If the navel is inflamed or an abscess is present, in the worst case this can lead to blood poisoning. If the smelly navel hurts and is also reddened, it is probably an inflammation of the navel.

If there is more severe itching than real pain, it is more likely to be a fungal infection. However, pain can also occur parallel to the bad smell of the navel, without the two symptoms being related. In rare cases, abdominal navel pain can be a sign of an umbilical hernia. In women, gynaecological diseases such as inflammation of the uterus or menstrual problems should always be considered.