Why Does My Belly Button Smell?

This article explains why your belly buttons smell and the best way to treat it in order to prevent it from smelling.

 

Why Does My Belly Button Smell? 5 Causes and How To Clean It

There are some notable causes as to why does belly button smell. The nearest explanation to this very belly button odour is poor personal hygiene. This is because our belly button, just like our armpits doesn't get much airflow.

As a result, our belly button can become a storage for dead skin cells, sweats, lints and some other bacteria. According to Todd Minars, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of Miami School of Medicine, “When sweat and other grime become trapped, they often also become off-putting in odor,” 

However, poor personal hygiene is not the only cause as to why belly button smell like poop. A smelly belly button can also be a symptom of a medical condition that requires attentions or treatment. Such medical condition like an infection and cyst are few of the notable conditions.

For more clarification on each cause, let's consider the causes of belly button smell.
Thoroughly (and consistently) cleaning the belly button area is usually all it takes to send any weird smells packing. But if you step up your hygiene game and your belly button still smells off—or worse, you start experiencing other symptoms like redness, burning, swelling, or discharge—it’s always best to check in with your doctor to find out what’s what, says Shari Sperling, D.O., a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey.

5 Causes: Why Does My Belly Button Smell Like Poop?

The following are some of the notable reasons your belly button smell like poop:

1. Poor Personal Hygiene

Inconsistent cleaning of your belly button during showers or baths can cause odour, thereby causing dirt, sweat and other bacteria building up inside. Hence, there is always a need to maintain that your belly button is clean.

According to Dr. Minars,“The number one cause of unpleasant belly button odor comes from poor belly button hygiene."

2. Loitering Lint

Smelly belly button can also be caused by object, probably a lint or a byproduct from clothing that is forgotten inside. This is because they absorb moisture and can cause funky smells later. Hence, you can consider being more diligent while checking your belly button.

3. Yeast Infection

A yeast commonly known as candida can also cause your belly button to smell like poop. This type of yeast are always present on skin. Although harmless, it can grown into a full yeast Infection due to the warm and non-exposure often on the belly button.

It is also reported that people with diabetes a d autoimmune are likely to be more prone to years infections which can also affect belly button odour.

If the yeast infection and foul smell persist, it's advisable to consult your doctor for treatment.

4. Lurking Cysts

Cysts are pus-filled growths that can show up anywhere on the body. This also include your belly button area. For instance, Epidermoid cysts can form when the top layer of skin cells don’t slough off when they’re supposed to. Instead, they might move deeper into your skin and then multiply, causing a bump.

Other cysts are sebaceous cysts. They look a bit similar to the aforementioned cysts. However, this can happen because of an injury to the area, a faulty sebaceous duct or other factors.

Cysts can also cause your belly button to smell like poop. 

5. Pierced Belly Button

A pierced button can also become infected and produce funky smell. It's always necessary to take care of your pierced belly button to prevent it from any infections. Some of the notable symptoms of an infected pierced belly button are pain, yellow or green discharge with foul smell, swelling, redness. 

At this juncture, it might be necessary to seek for medical treatment and attention.

How Do You Get Rid Of A Smelly Belly Button?

Here's a simple way you can get rid of a smelly belly button. To do this, put a little bit of antibacterial soap on a washcloth when you’re in the shower. Then use your index finger underneath the washcloth, gently wash the inside of your belly button.

After doing the two processes, pat your belly button dry.

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