Why does the belly button discharge water with a foul odor?

There are various causes for the discharge with odor from the navel, including poor personal hygiene, prolonged dampness in the navel area, or trauma such as skin damage caused by digging the navel, all of which may lead to local infection and consequently exudation and odor. Certain navel-related conditions, such as omphalitis, eczema, and umbilical fistula, may also cause these symptoms. Omphalitis is usually caused by pathogenic bacterial invasion and manifests as redness, swelling, discharge, pain, and odor in the navel area. Eczema might be related to genetic and immune factors and presents as local papules, vesicles, accompanied by itching, peeling, and odor. Umbilical fistula is associated with the incomplete closure of the urachus and manifests as local ulceration, erosion, discharge, and odor. To manage such issues, it is important to keep the navel area clean and dry, avoiding bad habits such as digging the navel. If symptoms persist or worsen, timely medical consultation is necessary.