It sits inconspicuously in the middle of our body: the belly button. A region of the body that we tend to forget. If the cavity that once supplied us with the umbilical cord in the womb is not given the necessary (hygienic) attention, this can result in an unpleasant smell.
If you happen to notice a musty smell coming from your belly button, in most cases you simply forgot about it in the shower. In most people, the belly button curves inward. Only around ten percent of people have an outwardly bulging belly button, an “outie”. A lot accumulates in the more widespread “Innies”: Researchers found a total of 67 types of bacteria when examining 60 belly buttons. In the study “A Jungle in There”, the scientists found a total of 2,368 species in the belly button, including: parasites, small animals, bacteria. Skin cells, lint, dirt, oil, Swiss and dirt collect in the small belly button folds. Germs and bacteria like to multiply in the warm, dark environment. The mixture of sweat, dirt and bacteria is then responsible for the unpleasant smell.
In most cases, if you have a smelly belly button, the next thing you need to do is don’t forget your belly button in the next shower or bath! It is best to clean with a mild washing lotion – a washcloth can help to get into the wrinkles. After cleaning, you should not neglect drying thoroughly. This is especially true for the “innies”; more dirt can simply accumulate in an inwardly curved navel. By the way, in men, lint often accompanies skin flakes etc. in the belly button folds. Why are you reading here?
If the bad smell does not go away after good personal hygiene, belly button inflammation may also be responsible, although it is rare in adults. A belly button piercing also carries a risk of infection – bacteria can enter through the hole that is pierced. That’s why you should pay particular attention to hygienic handling of freshly pierced piercings and disinfect the wound.
Inflammation of the belly button is usually caused by bacteria. In addition to an unpleasant smell, it is noticeable through reddened skin, a swollen navel and a musty, purulent secretion. Severe infections also cause fever, difficulty breathing and an increased heart rate. Anyone who notices symptoms of an infection should see a doctor. This person can clarify the exact cause and treat it accordingly.
Read more:
– Why do many women grow hair on their chins as they get older?
– Why coffee drives us to the toilet
– Why women also grow dark brush hair
Sources: Study A Jungle in There, Innies and Outies, Netdoktor
