Why does my belly button smell bad

Tap Click to Join! I understand that I may opt out of receiving such communications at any time. Thank you for subscribing! Message and data rates may apply. Skin Care What Is a Cyst? Patient Portal. Request Appointment. About Urgent Care Sometimes you need care right away, with no time to wait for an appointment. This is why proper and consistent cleaning of the area is so important, especially within folds of skin.

A yeast infection might be the culprit if, in addition to odor, you have a rash in the belly button area or are experiencing itching, burning, or patches that ooze clear fluid—and if the smell is due to a possible infection, consult with your doctor for treatment.

Cysts are pus-filled growths that can show up anywhere on the body, including the belly button area. Then there are sebaceous cysts , which look similar to the epidermoid variety, but can happen because of an injury to the area, a faulty sebaceous duct the glands that secrete oils to lubricate our hair and skin , or for no clear reason at all. Cue sad trombone. Otherwise, it might get infected and lead to a whole new set of odors. If you have a belly button piercing and it becomes infected, the infection can cause the area to smell pretty gnarly.

Piercing-related cysts are also a possibility: If a cyst develops around the piercing, it can cause inflammation or infection, along with a foul odor, says Dr. For innies and skin folds, you can use a cotton swab to clean in and around any tricky spots.

Once your belly button is grime-free, rinse it well and make sure to thoroughly dry the area. An unpleasant odor comes from the mix of:. Candida is a type of yeast that likes to grow in environments that are:. Your groin and underarms are examples of the environments above. Diabetes mellitus is a condition characterized by hyperglycemia , or an above-normal blood sugar level.

Recent surgery to your abdomen, such as surgery to fix an umbilical hernia , can also increase the risk of infection in your belly button area. The skin near a belly button piercing can also develop an infection.

Any time you create a hole in your skin, bacteria can get inside. Here are some tips for managing a belly button piercing with an infection. If you develop a skin infection , you might see pus leaking from your belly button. Sometimes the pus will smell. Other symptoms include not only pain, but also redness or discoloration, and swelling in the area.

An epidermoid cyst is a bump that starts in your top layer of skin, and a pilar cyst starts near a hair follicle. Both cysts contain cells inside a membrane. They produce and secrete a thick sludge of keratin. Your doctor can diagnose and provide treatment for these types of cysts. Epidermoid cysts and pilar cysts are sometimes mistakenly referred to as sebaceous cysts. However, sebaceous cysts are much less common than epidermoid cysts and pilar cysts.

Sebaceous cysts originate in your sebaceous glands. These glands normally produce sebum , a waxy and oily lipid mixture, for skin lubrication and protective properties.

Sebaceous cysts fill up with sebum and can develop infections. Once you clean your belly button, the smell should improve. Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice a discharge from your belly button, though. It could be a symptom of infection. The sample will go to a lab, where a technician will check it under a microscope or perform other sample testing to see what components are in the discharge.

Keep your belly button clean and dry if you develop an infection. Also avoid wearing tight clothes.