Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Recognizing a belly button infection
• Method 2 of 3: Treating an infection
• Method 3 of 3: Treating an inflamed belly button piercing
• Tips

An inflamed belly button may sound a bit annoying or uncomfortable, but it is usually a fairly minor infection that heals quickly. The dark, warm environment in your belly button is a breeding ground for fungi and bacteria, which can occasionally lead to infection. A new belly button piercing also carries the risk of infection. It is advisable to deal with such an infection quickly as it can become quite painful. Fortunately, a belly button infection usually clears up quickly with the help of antibiotics or changes in personal hygiene.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Recognizing a belly button infection

1. Check for moist discharge from your belly button. Most bacterial belly button infections are associated with fluid secretions from your belly button. In most cases the discharge is slightly yellowish in color. Your inflamed belly button can also be swollen and painful.
   • Although it may seem a bit unpleasant and unpleasant, a belly button infection is relatively easy to treat with a medicated cream.
2. See if the skin around your belly button is red and scaly. You can usually recognize a fungal infection of the navel by this. The infected, red skin will be itchy and sometimes painful. As difficult as it is, try not to scratch as this can spread the infection or get worse.
   • If you see red streaks extending from your belly button to the skin of your abdomen, it could indicate a worsening infection. Call your doctor if you see these streaks.
3. Check for a dry rash around your belly button. Fungal and yeast infections in your belly button often produce a rash. The rash itself may or may not have bumps and may or may not be painful.
   • The rash can be in a perfect circle around your belly button, or in 2 or 3 separate spots near your belly button. Scratching or touching it with your hands can spread the rash further, creating multiple patches of rash on your stomach.
4. Take your temperature to find out if you have a fever. If a belly button infection gets worse, you will likely develop a fever. While a fever does not always mean you have a belly button infection, it is likely if you have a fever along with other symptoms (such as a rash or discharge from your belly button). Besides an elevated temperature you can also have other symptoms: chills, listlessness and a painful / sensitive skin.
   • A fever thermometer can be purchased at any pharmacy or drugstore.

Method 2 of 3: Treating an infection

1. If you suspect a belly button infection, schedule an appointment with your doctor. If you do not have a fever and the pain from the infection is not severe, then you should wait 2-3 days for it to clear on its own. If it doesn't - or if symptoms get worse - make an appointment. Describe your symptoms to your doctor and tell them exactly when the infection started.
   • In some cases, your doctor can refer you to a dermatologist.
2. Use the antibacterial ointment or cream prescribed by your doctor. If your belly button infection is caused by bacteria, your doctor will write you a prescription for an antibacterial cream. These types of creams usually need to be applied to the affected area 2 or 3 times a day for about a week. If you use the cream properly, the infection and the pain associated with it will usually disappear within a few days.
   • Ask your doctor how often you should apply the cream or ointment and how much per treatment.
   • Preferably use latex gloves while applying the ointment and always wash your hands with warm water and soap after touching the area or applying the ointment or cream. This will help keep the infection from spreading.
3. Use an anti-fungal cream if your infection is caused by a fungus. In case of a yeast infection, your doctor will prescribe an anti-fungal cream or ointment. Apply this to the red, flaky skin around your belly button according to the directions.
   • In the case of a mild belly button infection, your doctor may recommend that you use an over-the-counter anti-fungal ointment or cream.
   • Wear latex gloves when applying the ointment and always wash your hands with warm water and soap afterwards.
4. Shower daily to prevent future belly button infections. As simple as it may seem, a shower is the best way to cleanse your belly button and keep bacteria and fungi away. Use a mild soap, a soft washcloth, and warm water to clean your belly and belly button.
   • When you get out of the shower, don't put lotion on your belly button (even if you put lotion on the rest of your body). Lotion moisturizes your belly button and this stimulates the growth of bacteria.
   • To avoid spreading the infection, do not share your towels or washcloths with anyone else, even your spouse or partner.
   • Clean the shower or bath after you have used it with a solution of a splash of bleach in a liter of water.
5. Massage your belly button with salt water if you have a deep belly button. If your belly button is an "innie", clean it with salt water to prevent another infection. Mix a spoonful of table salt in 1 dl of warm water. Then put your finger in the solution. Massage the salt water into the hole of your belly button with that finger. Do this once a day until your infection has completely cleared up. This will make any remaining bacteria and fungi disappear.
   • If you'd rather not use your finger to clean your belly button, do it with a clean, damp washcloth.
6. Use proper hygiene to prevent the infection from spreading or returning. Some belly button infections are contagious and can spread to other people or other parts of your own body. Fungal infections can spread very easily. Try to avoid touching or scratching your belly button while it is infected and always wash your hands after handling, or after applying lotion, for example. Change your clothes every day and change your bedding regularly.
   • If you live with other people, do not share personal items such as towels or bedding with them. Encourage everyone to wash their hands regularly.

Method 3 of 3: Treating an inflamed belly button piercing

1. Look and feel for red streaks or sharp shoots of pain near the piercing. With a new belly button piercing, it can take a few days before an infection becomes visible. Keep an eye on the piercing and see if your skin turns red or if you might see some oozing discharge. If you have a new belly button piercing and notice these symptoms, you probably have inflammation.
   • If you had your belly button pierced by a professional, that person should have given you directions on how to keep a new piercing clean and infection-free. Follow these directions to avoid infection.
2. If the symptoms of the inflammation have not disappeared within 3-4 days, see a doctor. Small inflammations after a piercing usually disappear on their own, as long as the piercing is kept clean. However, if it lasts longer than 4 days and you still have pain in your belly button and the area is still red, make an appointment with your doctor. They can prescribe an antibiotic to help heal the inflammation.
   • Make an appointment with your doctor immediately if you have a fever in addition to the infection, or if the inflammation is very painful.
3. Do not remove the piercing and still keep it clean once the inflammation has healed. If you play with your piercing or remove and reinsert it, it is more likely that the area will be contaminated by bacteria. So leave the piercing alone for at least 2 months (or for how long your piercer has recommended). Wash your piercing daily with soap and water to remove any infection-causing bacteria.
   • If you are concerned that inflammation will return, try wearing relatively loose, baggy shirts for a while. Tight shirts or T-shirts prevent your belly button from drying properly and bacteria can multiply more quickly. This can lead to inflammation again.

Tips

• Anyone can get a belly button infection, but some people are more prone to it than others. People who sweat a lot - such as athletes or people in a hot, humid climate - are more likely to get a belly button infection.
• A fungal species that often causes a belly button infection is scientifically known as "Candida Albicans".