Why shouldn't you pick your belly button?

The "belly button" refers to the navel. It is not recommended to pick at the navel, primarily because the skin in this area is delicate. If proper care is not taken with pressure or force, it may lead to skin damage. The detailed explanation is as follows:

The navel is a scar left after the umbilical cord falls off following birth. It is generally located along the midline of the abdomen and typically appears as a small indentation or slight protrusion. If you notice significant dirt or discharge around the navel in daily life, you may use small tweezers to gently remove the debris or secretions. However, it is not advisable to blindly use fingers to pick at the navel, as this may cause skin breaks. Broken skin around the navel can become infected by bacteria, potentially leading to omphalitis (umbilical infection), causing symptoms such as local redness, swelling, pus-like discharge, and unpleasant odor. In severe cases, it may even result in high fever, which is harmful to overall health.

If omphalitis develops due to picking at the navel and the above symptoms appear, do not arbitrarily self-medicate, as this could lead to inappropriate treatment. Instead, seek prompt medical attention at a hospital. A doctor will determine the appropriate medication based on the severity of the condition. During treatment, it is important to keep the navel area clean and dry.