Why does my belly button smell?

Why does my belly button smell? | When to see a doctor | How to clean a smelly belly button | Risk factors

The belly button, or navel, is where we are connected to our mothers by the umbilical cord during pregnancy. About 90% of people have “innies,” while 10% have “outies.” (An outie is due to extra scar tissue or an umbilical hernia.) Have you ever experienced a smelly belly button? It’s hard to imagine that such a small body part could cause problems, but the belly button can emit an odor. Tiny folds in the belly button can collect sweat, dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria. Studies have found an average of 67 types of bacteria per belly button, indicating a concentration of numerous bacteria in a small area. Possible causes of a belly button smell may include poor hygiene, lint buildup, a cyst, Candida fungus, or an infected piercing.

Why does my belly button smell?

Poor hygiene

Like any other body part, it will start to smell if you don’t keep the belly button clean. It’s an often-overlooked part of the body when it comes to showering. If not removed regularly, a buildup of dead skin cells, natural oils from the skin, bacteria, fungi, and other germs will start to cause an odor. Fortunately, the remedy is simple—taking extra care to keep the belly button clean. See the section “How to clean a smelly belly button” for more information on keeping your navel clean.

Lint buildup

Belly button lint is another potential culprit for an odor in the belly button. Lint from clothing, especially cotton clothing, absorbs moisture. You may notice an unpleasant smell if you have some lint in the belly button combined with sweat. Experts recommend that if you wear a lot of cotton and polyester clothing, you should closely monitor your belly button. Also, follow the instructions in the “How to clean a smelly belly button”​​ section.

A cyst

A skin cyst is a round lump often filled with pus or fluid. It may have a small, dark spot in the middle of the lump. 

Different types of cysts can affect the belly button, which can cause an odor. These include:

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

A small cyst that is not bothersome often does not require treatment. However, a cyst that becomes infected or is large, painful, and interferes with your life will require treatment. Treatment usually consists of antibiotics or drainage/removal by a healthcare provider. 

Avoid squeezing the cyst because it could become infected—or if it is already infected, it could spread.

Candida fungus

Candidiasis is a fungal infection caused by Candida yeast or fungus. Candida albicans is the most common type of yeast. While having some Candida on the skin and body is normal, having too much Candida can cause an infection. Candidal intertrigo is an infection that affects skin folds, such as the belly button. It can be triggered by the warm and moist environment, which is conducive to fungal growth and a compromised immune system. 

People who have diabetes are more likely to get Candida yeast infections. This is due to various contributing factors, including the effects of diabetes on the immune system and having higher blood sugar levels overall. People with conditions that affect the immune system or who take medications that cause immune system suppression are also more likely to get a fungal infection. 

Affected skin may appear red, moist, peeling, and irritated. A healthcare provider can diagnose a fungal infection by examining the skin. Sometimes, they may take a culture to confirm a diagnosis if they see signs of infection. 

Treatment may include a combination of several things:

• Lifestyle changes like keeping skin dry and avoiding tight clothing (and/or certain fabrics).
• Treating underlying conditions such as controlling blood sugar and losing weight.
• Using a topical antifungal medication such as clotrimazole antifungal cream.
• An oral antifungal, such as Diflucan (fluconazole) or Sporanox (itraconazole), may be required in severe or recurrent cases. 

Bacterial infection

About one in three people who get a piercing in body parts other than the earlobe will have a complication, such as a skin infection. When the skin’s protective barrier is broken by piercing, it’s easier for staph or strep bacteria to infect the skin. The belly button is the most likely piercing site to become infected. 

Symptoms of a bacterial belly button infection, often associated with a piercing, may include:

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

If you have any of these symptoms, see a healthcare provider. Generally, these types of infections are treated with proper hygiene (see below for instructions) and topical or oral antibiotics.

Should I be worried about a smelly belly button?

If you clean your belly button properly several times and there is still a smell, you should consult a healthcare provider. Also, if you have any of the following symptoms—or any other concerning symptoms—consult a healthcare provider:

• Redness or discoloration, bleeding, swelling, or discharge of pus or fluid in or around the belly button
• Stomach pain
• Fever

Your healthcare provider can recommend/prescribe appropriate treatment, for example:

• Oral or topical antibiotics for a bacterial infection
• Oral or topical antifungals for a fungal infection
• A procedure to drain and/or remove a cyst

How to clean a smelly belly button

Here are the steps to keep your belly button clean:

1. Take a shower with soap and water—nothing fancy is required.
2. Dip a clean finger or a washcloth into a saltwater solution (to make this, add a teaspoon of salt to one cup of warm water) and gently massage the belly button.
3. Rinse with water and pat the area dry. Do not apply lotions or creams, as these can add moisture, allowing bacteria or fungi to grow.

If you have a navel piercing, you can use the saltwater solution. Place a clean washcloth in the solution and apply to the area (as a compress) several times daily for at least ten minutes each time. Using the saltwater solution as a compress rather than massaging the site will help gently remove any discharge or debris without manipulating the jewelry. Pat dry when finished. Wear loose-fitting clothing to avoid rubbing against the area.

Risk factors for a smelly belly button

Some factors that may increase the chance of having a smelly belly button include:

• Having poor hygiene/not cleaning the belly button
• Having a belly button piercing, especially if it is new
• A compromised immune system due to conditions such as diabetes, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or certain medications like chemotherapy or corticosteroids.
• Having obesity
• Sweating excessively
• Wearing tight-fitting clothing that do not allow skin to breathe

Maintaining good hygiene practices and addressing these risk factors may drastically decrease the likelihood of experiencing unpleasant smells in the belly button area.