2023-07-08 06:40:58
For no apparent reason, sometimes the navel smells bad. If this happens to you, don’t panic and discover the reflexes to adopt.
This morning, when you woke up, your navel gave off a bad odor. How is it possible ? Uncomfortable, you dare not go to your doctor. Rest assured, it’s not all regarding good or bad hygiene.
What is the navel? What are the causes of the bad smell of this part of our body? What are the other possible symptoms? How to treat your navel?
Here are the causes and treatment of a navel that gives off a bad odor.
What is the navel?
The navel is the only visible scar present on our body since birth. This is where the umbilical cord inserts to connect the placenta to the baby still in the mother’s womb. Oxygen and nutrients reach the fetus through this cord.
After childbirth, the bond is no longer necessary. The cord is cut and the remaining piece of flesh falls off a few days later. All that remains is the scar, also known as the umbilicus.
This varies from one individual to another. In general, it measures between 1.5 and 2 cm in adulthood.
Causes of a navel that gives off a bad odor
As soon as you give off a bad smell, you immediately think of poor hygiene. You are ashamed and therefore do not talk regarding this problem. But is that right? Where does the bad smell of the navel come from?
The form
We find 2 forms of this small part of our anatomy:
hollow navels; convex navels.
The hollow navel is the most common. However, it is also the one most likely to smell bad. Indeed, the hole present at the level of your belly can contain more bacteria. Dead skin, dander or even just soap get stuck in the cavity more easily.
Bacteria
Our body contains billions of bacteria. Rest assured, they are not all bad. On the contrary, some species are even essential to the proper functioning of our body:
A recent scientific study has shown that the human umbilicus contained more than 60 species of these living microorganisms. All seem to have a protective role.
The bad smell would therefore be due to an imbalance of these bacteria.
Hygiene
Most of the bacteria present in our navel are there to protect the body once morest different pathogens.
Of course, if you never wash your navel, chances are it will smell bad. The same goes for any part of the body for that matter.
The umbilicus does not require special care. Wash with soap (preferably neutral pH) and rinse with water. Excessive washing can lead to an imbalance of the microbiota and cause the bad smell.
It’s not always just a question of hygiene.
What other associated symptoms?
The bad smell of your navel alerts you. However, if there are no other symptoms, there is no need to worry. The smell should dissipate quickly.
In other cases, certain symptoms are associated with the stench:
redness in and around the umbilicus; irritation and/or itching; clear seeps; fever.
Redness and irritation can be a sign of a mycosis, specifically omphalitis.
The oozing may be related to a cyst or a fistula. It is better to consult quickly to avoid the spread of the infection which will cause fever. Remember that the healthcare professional is not there to judge you. This moment may not be pleasant, but you must go to a dermatologist.
How to treat an umbilicus that smells bad?
Your navel just smells bad. He has no other symptoms. In this case, do not worry, wash yourself properly and be attentive to the evolution of symptoms. The smell should disappear within a few days.
If you have other symptoms, we strongly recommend that you consult a dermatologist. For mycosis, you need a antifungal treatment or even an antibiotic cream if there is any bacteria.
As far as the cyst or the fistula is concerned, it is important not to leave it lying around. It exists antibiotics to treat the infection. Often, surgery is still recommended.
Navel that gives off a bad smell: what to remember
No matter how much you bathe every day, it can happen that the navel gives off a bad smell. It’s not all regarding hygiene. Rather, it is a balance between all the bacteria present in that part of the human body.
If the umbilicus has other symptoms besides the stench, you should refer yourself to a dermatologist. Seeps should alert you more. Don’t wait for the situation to get worse. Put your embarrassment aside and go quickly to a health professional. The pathology must be treated as soon as possible to avoid complications.
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