Why is there a particularly foul odor inside the belly button?
Apr 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the belly button refers to the umbilicus. A particularly foul smell emanating from the umbilicus may be caused by accumulation of dirt, improper cleaning, umbilical eczema, omphalitis, or umbilicocutaneous fistula. If discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention is recommended. In daily life, one should avoid injuring the umbilicus, wear loose and comfortable clothing to reduce friction, and尽量 avoid contact with irritating substances.
Generally speaking, the belly button refers to the umbilicus. A particularly foul smell from the umbilicus may be caused by accumulation of dirt, improper cleaning, umbilical eczema, omphalitis, or umbilicointestinal fistula. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Accumulation of Dirt
The body's metabolism produces substances such as skin flakes and oils. The relatively concave and hidden location of the umbilicus makes it prone to accumulate dirt. Prolonged accumulation of this dirt can lead to bacterial decomposition and fermentation, resulting in an unpleasant odor. It is recommended to clean the umbilicus regularly. During bathing, gently wipe the area with a towel soaked in warm water, using gentle motions to avoid damaging the skin.
2. Improper Cleaning
Excessive cleaning of the umbilicus may damage the normal skin barrier, potentially reducing skin resistance and allowing bacteria to more easily invade and multiply, causing odor. During routine cleaning, it is important to maintain an appropriate frequency and intensity, ideally cleaning 1-2 times per week.
3. Umbilical Eczema
Umbilical eczema may be caused by various internal and external factors, such as localized dampness or contact with allergens. Eczema can cause redness, papules, and blisters on the umbilical skin. When the blisters rupture, the exuding fluid can be decomposed by bacteria, producing an odor. It may also be accompanied by intense itching and skin flaking. Treatment may include medications such as calamine lotion, desonide cream, and loratadine tablets, as directed by a physician.
4. Omphalitis
Omphalitis often occurs when bacteria enter and infect the umbilicus following injury. Common causative bacteria include Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Inflammatory stimulation causes redness, swelling, and discharge from the umbilical skin; bacterial decomposition of these secretions results in a foul odor. It may also be accompanied by pain in the umbilical area and fever. Patients may use medications such as chlortetracycline hydrochloride ointment, hydrogen peroxide solution, and levofloxacin hydrochloride ointment as directed by a physician.
5. Umbilicointestinal Fistula
Umbilicointestinal fistula is caused by abnormal embryonic development. An abnormal passage exists between the intestine and the umbilicus, allowing intestinal contents to leak out and cause a foul odor in the umbilical region. This condition may also present with recurrent expulsion of intestinal contents from the umbilicus, possibly accompanied by bloating and nausea. Under medical guidance, surgical removal of the fistula may be performed. This involves surgical excision of the abnormal passage between the umbilicus and the intestine, followed by repair and suturing of the intestinal and umbilical wounds to restore normal intestinal structure and function, eliminating the leakage of intestinal contents and treating the umbilicointestinal fistula.
In daily life, it is important to avoid injury to the umbilicus, wear loose and comfortable clothing to reduce friction, and尽量 avoid contact with irritating substances.
