What causes a foul odor from the belly button?

The navel, commonly referred to as the belly button, may develop an unpleasant odor due to various reasons such as poor personal hygiene, wearing non-breathable clothing, omphalitis (navel infection), umbilical hernia, or urachal fistula. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Poor personal hygiene: If the navel is not cleaned regularly, especially in hot and humid environments, dead skin cells and sweat can accumulate, leading to an unpleasant smell. It is advisable to maintain daily cleanliness by gently washing the navel with clean water or mild soapy water and drying it carefully with a clean towel.

2. Non-breathable clothing: Wearing tight-fitting or non-breathable garments can raise skin temperature and increase moisture around the navel area, creating favorable conditions for bacterial growth and resulting in odor. It is recommended to wear breathable cotton clothing and keep the skin around the navel dry.

3. Omphalitis: This condition is often associated with foreign body irritation or skin damage in the navel area. Omphalitis typically causes purulent discharge within the navel; if left untreated, it can lead to foul odor and may be accompanied by redness, swelling, and pain around the navel. Patients should follow medical advice and take oral medications such as cefixime tablets, metronidazole tablets, or amoxicillin capsules as prescribed.

4. Umbilical hernia: This may result from unhealthy dietary habits, obesity, or other factors. An umbilical hernia can cause a defect in the abdominal wall at the navel, allowing internal organs to protrude beneath the skin. If infection occurs, it may produce an unpleasant odor, usually accompanied by a visible bulge at the navel. Patients should follow medical instructions and may be treated with medications such as domperidone tablets, mosapride citrate tablets, or Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan. In severe cases, surgical repair of the hernia may be required.

5. Urachal fistula: This condition is often related to congenital developmental abnormalities or trauma. In this condition, the urachus fails to close completely after birth, allowing urine to leak from the navel, which leads to odor. Symptoms may also include redness and swelling of the navel skin. Patients are advised to visit a hospital for evaluation and consider surgical correction such as umbilicoplasty.

In daily life, individuals should maintain good personal hygiene, change undergarments frequently, and consume fiber-rich foods such as oats, yam, and pumpkin, which help regulate intestinal function and reduce bacterial overgrowth.