writerelly82

· 18 Dec 2021

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Why does my belly button smell bad?

Your belly button collects germs, sweat, and dirt. Your belly button homes more than a hundred types of bacteria. This is because your navel is an attractive place for bacteria to live in. most of the types the bacteria stay low in numbers but if given a chance to multiply, they can get out of control. Below are some of the reasons why your belly button is smelling.

Belly button infections
Like any other part of the body, the belly button can gather bacteria fungi over time. This triggers infection creating a funky smell in your belly button. People with an innie belly button or a pierced navel may develop these infections more easily. Making sure your belly button is clean helps prevent any unpleasant smells thus keeping it healthy.

Poor hygiene
Poor hygiene is one of the most common causes of bad smell in the belly button. Many people forget to wash their belly buttons regularly and this makes the germs develop there and with time the belly button starts to smell. To keep a clean and odorless belly button maintains your overall hygiene.

Your skin houses trillions of bacteria that naturally develop and are not harmful. The folds of skin around the belly button creates the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. It is good to know that bacteria do not produce any smell. But if they cause decomposition, a definite rotting smell is produced.

Epidermal and pillar cysts
An epidermal cyst is a bump that starts in your top layer skin and a pillar cyst starts near a follicle. Both cysts have cells inside a membrane and they produce and release a thick sludge of keratin. However if one of the cysts burst, it will drain a thick, yellow discharge with a foul smell. Watch out for these symptoms because these cysts can develop an infection. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of these.

Sebaceous cysts
Sebaceous cysts are less common than epidermal and pillar cysts. Sebaceous cysts originate from sebaceous glands. These glands produce sebum which is a waxy and oily lipid mixture known for skin lubrication and protective properties. Sebaceous cysts are filled up with sebum and can lead to an infection. If you have a sebaceous cysts condition your doctors will administer different treatments depending on your needs and the doctor's approach.

Candida intertrigo
Candida is a yeast that lives on the skin and does not cause any problems. However, candida can multiply on the skin that is warm and moist for a long time and in case it multiplies it can turn into a fungal infection. Candida intertrigo affects folds of skin such as the armpits, groin, and belly button. The skin usually appears red and scaly and blisters can form. Candida intertrigo is treated with antifungal medication and lifestyle changes. That means, you will need to keep the skin clean and dry and avoid wearing tight clothes to ensure that the area remains cool. The most common type of people who are prone to candida intertrigo is those with diabetes and those who are obese.