Why does the belly button smell?

　　A smelly belly button may be caused by improper cleaning, wearing tight clothing, omphalitis, patent urachus, sebaceous cysts, and other factors. Appropriate treatment can be selected according to the specific situation. It is recommended to visit a hospital promptly and follow medical advice for treatment.

　　1. Improper cleaning: The belly button is concave and easily accumulates dirt. If not cleaned regularly, dirt mixes with skin secretions, allowing bacteria to proliferate and cause odor. It is recommended to clean regularly by moistening a cotton swab with warm water and gently wiping the belly button to remove dirt, but avoid excessive force to prevent skin damage.

　　2. Wearing tight clothing: Tight clothing is not breathable and creates a warm, humid environment around the belly button, promoting bacterial growth and causing odor. Loose, breathable clothing should be worn to allow air circulation around the belly button. Sweat should be wiped off promptly and clothing changed to prevent bacterial proliferation and relieve odor.

　　3. Omphalitis: Bacterial infection of the umbilical area may cause inflammation, resulting in redness, swelling, pain, purulent discharge, and odor from the belly button. Patients may use antiseptics such as povidone-iodine solution, erythromycin ointment, amoxicillin capsules, and other medications under a doctor's guidance to alleviate symptoms.

　　4. Patent urachus: If the urachus does not fully close, urine may leak from the umbilical area. Urea in the urine decomposes into ammonia, which can cause a smelly belly button, often accompanied by dampness and discharge around the navel. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as cefixime granules, Sanjin tablets, and sodium bicarbonate tablets to prevent infection and relieve discomfort. Surgery may be necessary in some cases.

　　5. Sebaceous cyst: Blockage of sebaceous gland ducts around the belly button can lead to accumulation of sebum and formation of a cyst. Decomposition of the cyst contents may produce an odor, and a round mass may be felt near the belly button. Patients may use medications such as ichthammol ointment, mupirocin ointment, and roxithromycin capsules under medical guidance to improve the condition.

　　In daily life, it is recommended to maintain personal hygiene, change clothes regularly, use antibacterial deodorants, wear breathable clothing, and avoid wearing damp and hot clothing for prolonged periods.

　　References:

　　[1] Lin Jinsong, Zhang Xiaobin. Efficacy of laparoscopic urachal resection in the treatment of urachal fistula or urachal cyst[J]. Medical Theory and Practice, 2021, 34(15): 2643-2645.

　　[2] Li Yueyin. Application of different umbilical cord lengths combined with natural umbilical cord drying and detachment in reducing neonatal omphalitis[J]. Chinese Health Standard Management, 2021, 12(04): 43-45.