Most people’s navel is indented inwards, making it easy for a warm and moist environment to form there. This can quickly cause an unpleasant odor. In most cases, an unpleasant navel odor can be eliminated with body hygiene products.
Skin cells, clothing fibers, sweat, and dirt accumulate in the navel. This is an ideal environment for microbes and bacteria.
An unpleasant odor can also be caused by a navel piercing or increased hairiness. In such cases, more attention should be paid to hygiene.
To avoid odors, the navel should be thoroughly washed when showering. Antibacterial soap or a saline solution can help remove dirt and bacteria.
Clean the navel with clean water or your fingers. A cotton swab can also be used, but it should not be inserted too deeply. It is very important to dry the navel thoroughly after cleaning to prevent a favorable moist environment for bacteria.
Medical Causes of Unpleasant Navel Odor
If the unpleasant odor from the navel does not disappear even with thorough and regular cleaning, the causes may be medical. If symptoms persist, pus, swelling, or fever appear, a doctor should be consulted.
A red, irritated, itchy, or weeping navel that emits an unpleasant odor may indicate a fungal infection. Typical signs include white plaque or flaky skin.
In rare cases, bacterial inflammation or a navel infection can also develop. It is characterized by pus, redness, swelling, and pain.
Psoriasis and food intolerance can also lead to an unpleasant odor in the navel area.
Sometimes small sebaceous cysts or atheromas form in or near the navel. They are usually harmless but can emit a strong odor if they rupture or become infected.
In case of inflammation, the navel should be gently cleaned, and a wound disinfectant and healing ointment should be applied with a cotton swab. If the condition does not improve, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
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