Belly button infections: Symptoms, treatments, and prevention

Surely, you have heard of an ear infection or a sinus infection, but have you ever heard of a belly button infection? The belly button, or navel, is a tiny, often overlooked part of the body. The belly button is the spot where babies connect to their mothers by the umbilical cord during pregnancy. Fun fact: about 90% of people have “innies.” And about 10% of people have “outies,” which are due to extra scar tissue or umbilical hernias. So, what are belly button infections? And how do you prevent them? Continue reading to learn more about belly button infections.

Belly button infections and symptoms

The most common types of belly button infections are bacterial and fungal belly button infections.

Bacterial belly button infections

According to researchers, the average belly button contains 67 different types of bacteria. 

Bacterial belly button infections may be caused by a piercing, especially a new piercing. Another cause of a bacterial belly button infection can be a cyst (more about cysts below).

Symptoms of a bacterial belly button infection may include:

• Red, itchy skin
• Yellow, green, or dark discharge
• Crusting
• Swelling
• Pain
• Blistering

Fungal belly button infections (yeast infections in the belly button)

When you think of a yeast infection, you may think of a vaginal yeast infection or other types of yeast infections, but did you know that you can get yeast infections in the belly button, too?

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida yeast. Candida albicans is the most common type of yeast that can cause infections in people. Having some Candida on the skin and in the body is normal, but having too much Candida can cause an infection. This type of infection may be triggered by a warm, moist environment, which is conducive to fungal growth.

A compromised immune system can also contribute to fungal infections. People with diabetes are more likely than people without diabetes to get Candida infections. This is due to several factors, such as having high blood sugar levels as well as the effects of diabetes on the immune system. Also, individuals who have medical conditions that suppress the immune system or who take certain medicines that affect the immune system are at higher risk for fungal infections.

The skin may appear red, moist, irritated, and peeling if you have a fungal infection. You can visit a healthcare provider for a diagnosis and professional medical advice. They can often diagnose a fungal infection by doing a physical exam and examining the skin. However, in some cases, the healthcare provider may need to take a culture to confirm a diagnosis.

Causes of belly button infections

Some common causes that lead to belly button infections include poor hygiene, piercings, a moist environment, and laparoscopic surgery.

Poor hygiene and belly button infections

Dead skin cells, skin oils, bacteria, fungi, dirt, and other germs build up if not removed regularly—and even cause an unpleasant smell. The good news is that keeping the belly button clean can help prevent bacterial or fungal infections.

For the best way to keep your belly button clean, follow these steps:

1. Shower with soap and water.
2. Dip a washcloth or (clean) finger into a saltwater solution and massage the belly button gently. To make the saltwater solution, add one teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water.
3. Rinse with water. Pat dry. Avoid using moisturizing lotions or creams—these can make the environment conducive for bacteria or fungi to grow.

Piercings and belly button infections

Approximately one out of three people who get a piercing in a body part other than the earlobe will experience a complication, such as a skin infection. When a piercing breaks the protective barrier of the skin, bacteria can infect the skin.

To keep the pierced area clean, use the saltwater solution described above. Dip a clean washcloth into the solution and apply it to the area as a compress for ten minutes, several times a day, to help gently remove discharge and debris. Pat the area dry when finished.

An infected cyst

Skin cysts are round lumps that are often filled with fluid or pus (a thick fluid caused by infection). The cyst may have a small, dark spot in the middle.

Different types of cysts include:

• Epidermoid cysts, which develop on the epidermis or the top skin layer
• Pilar cysts, which begin near a hair follicle, most often on the scalp
• Sebaceous cysts, which develop in sebaceous glands (oil glands)

A moist environment

Any warm and moist environment is the perfect environment for bacteria and fungi to grow. Keeping the belly button dry after cleaning will help prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi. Do not apply moisturizing creams to the belly button, as they can contribute to moisture. Also, sweating can contribute to a moist environment, so change out of wet clothes as soon as possible after you sweat. Shower, pat dry, and put on clean clothes.

Laparoscopic surgery

If you have a wound from laparoscopic surgery (a minimally invasive surgery that uses small incisions and is done through the stomach) in or around the belly button that is not kept clean and dry, an infection could develop.

Treatment options for belly button infections

In addition to practicing good hygiene as described above, there are treatment options for bacterial or fungal infections. Always see a healthcare provider for a diagnosis if you have signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, peeling, or belly button discharge.

Bacterial infection treatment

Bacterial infections of the belly button are treated with proper hygiene and topical antibiotic ointment or oral antibiotics. 

If the belly button infection involves a cyst, the course of treatment depends on several factors. While a small cyst that is not bothersome often does not require intervention, a cyst that is infected—or is large and painful—does require treatment. Treatment usually consists of antibiotics and drainage and removal by a healthcare provider. Avoid squeezing a cyst because doing so could cause (or spread) an infection.

Fungal infection treatment

Treatment of a fungal belly button infection may include:

• Lifestyle changes, such as making sure you keep the skin dry and avoiding tight clothing (and/or certain fabrics).
• Treating underlying conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
• Applying topical antifungal medication such as clotrimazole antifungal cream.
• For severe or recurrent cases, an oral antifungal medicine may be required, such as Sporanox (itraconazole) or Diflucan (fluconazole).

Prevention of belly button infections

Some things you can do to prevent belly button infections include:

• Practicing good hygiene.
• Keeping the area dry to avoid creating a moist environment for bacteria and fungi to grow. Avoid using moisturizing creams or lotions on the belly button after showering. The exception would be if your doctor tells you to use an antifungal or antibiotic cream as a treatment.
• If you have an infant or small child, change diapers regularly and keep the area clean and dry.
• Taking care of belly button piercings, especially if they are new, as well as any surgical sites or wounds.