Why do belly buttons smell so bad

There are five possible culprits, experts say. Forgetting to clean the area during showers or baths can cause a buildup of dirt, sweat, bacteria, and dead skin cells that gifts the area with a funky aroma.

In which case, a more detailed daily scrub-down using a mild soap, like this one from Dove , should take care of the whole odor thing. The type of lint most likely to cause a stink is cotton, since it absorbs moisture as opposed to wicking it away. If you wear a lot of cotton or other fabrics that have an odor-causing reputation such as polyester , you may want to be more diligent during your belly button inspections. This is why proper and consistent cleaning of the area is so important, especially within folds of skin.

A yeast infection might be the culprit if, in addition to odor, you have a rash in the belly button area or are experiencing itching, burning, or patches that ooze clear fluid—and if the smell is due to a possible infection, consult with your doctor for treatment. Cysts are pus-filled growths that can show up anywhere on the body, including the belly button area.

Then there are sebaceous cysts , which look similar to the epidermoid variety, but can happen because of an injury to the area, a faulty sebaceous duct the glands that secrete oils to lubricate our hair and skin , or for no clear reason at all. Cue sad trombone. Another possible cause for a smelly belly button is an infected cyst under the skin.

This can cause the area to become red, inflamed, sore, and tender to the touch. If it seeps pus, then the smell will be more than unpleasant, to put it nicely. Washing up on a regular basis is a pretty effective way to prevent the buildup of the dead skin, sweat, and oils your body is naturally depositing into your navel. When cleaning your belly button, w armer as opposed to colder water works better as a disinfectant.

With mild soap and a washcloth, gently clean around and just inside your belly button. When you get out, dry it with a corner of your towel or a cotton swab, Make sure to get all the water out as excess moisture can aid bacteria. Bathing regularly should be all you need to keep your belly button from stinking. But for more extreme smells, you may want to go nuclear. Use the cotton swab to rub the surfaces inside your belly button gently. If the swab comes out dirty, replace it, and keep going with a fresh one or more until it comes out clean.

Avoid applying moisturizer to your belly button, as extra stuff in there will give bacteria more opportunity to grow. Here are some tips for managing a belly button piercing with an infection. If you develop a skin infection , you might see pus leaking from your belly button. Sometimes the pus will smell. Other symptoms include not only pain, but also redness or discoloration, and swelling in the area.

An epidermoid cyst is a bump that starts in your top layer of skin, and a pilar cyst starts near a hair follicle. Both cysts contain cells inside a membrane. They produce and secrete a thick sludge of keratin. Your doctor can diagnose and provide treatment for these types of cysts.

Epidermoid cysts and pilar cysts are sometimes mistakenly referred to as sebaceous cysts. However, sebaceous cysts are much less common than epidermoid cysts and pilar cysts. Sebaceous cysts originate in your sebaceous glands. These glands normally produce sebum , a waxy and oily lipid mixture, for skin lubrication and protective properties. Sebaceous cysts fill up with sebum and can develop infections.

Once you clean your belly button, the smell should improve. Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice a discharge from your belly button, though. It could be a symptom of infection. The sample will go to a lab, where a technician will check it under a microscope or perform other sample testing to see what components are in the discharge. Keep your belly button clean and dry if you develop an infection. Also avoid wearing tight clothes.

Sweat and dirt can build up under clothes that cling to your skin. Your doctor might recommend using an antifungal or antibiotic cream, depending on which type of germ caused the infection.

They might also prescribe oral antibiotics instead. Shop for antifungal cream and antibiotic cream online. A dermatologist can get rid of the cyst by:. The easiest way to prevent bacteria and dirt from collecting in your belly button is to clean it every day. They can encourage an environment where fungi and bacteria can grow more easily. If you have a belly button piercing, keep it clean and dry.