A small amount of grime or bacterial build-up can cause a belly button infection. While you may not pay too much attention to your belly button, some of the troubling signs and symptoms mentioned below need to be treated immediately to avoid potential adverse effects. If you’ve developed an infection with the belly button and are looking for natural ways to treat it, then you’ve come to the right page. Read on for the home remedies for belly button infection.
Causes Of Belly Button Infection
It may sound surprising, but inside your belly button, there are numerous bacteria that usually do not cause healthy people any problems. Some factors, however, may contribute to the development of infections in the belly button.
Infections with the belly button are classified into the following types according to the cause:
1. Bacterial Infection
Cosmetic product sweat, lint, or residues can lead to bacterial growth and infection in the belly button. This is an indication of a bacterial infection if you notice a brown or yellow discharge from your belly button.
2. Fungal Infection
Fungal infections, as Candida infections, may take place anywhere on your body, including the belly button. It’s a sign of fungal infection when the belly button turns red and tender.
3. Urachal Cysts
A urachal cyst is considered an inflammation of the duct in the umbilical cord that enables urine drainage from the fetus.
4. Diabetic Infection
If you see a cottage cheese-like release from your belly button, this means you have developed a diabetic infection.
Some factors may also increase your risk of infection with the belly button. Including:
- An abdominal surgery
- A wound near the belly button
- Clothing type
- Pregnancy
- Poor hygiene
- Obesity
- Touching the belly button frequently
- Belly button piercing infection
Symptoms Of A Belly Button Infection
- Itching sensation in the belly button
- Greenish, or brownish discharge from the belly button
- Unpleasant smell from your navel
- Belly button bleeding
Home Remedies For Belly Button Infection
Infections don’t please anybody. Basically, you’re going to want to get it rid too fast. Give your belly button infection natural treatment by the following home remedies.
1. Salt Water
A saline solution helps to reduce moisture in your belly button, avoiding additional infection. The anti-inflammatory properties of salt are antimicrobial. This can contribute to fighting existing infections and the belly button’s itching and inflammation.
You Will Need
- Salt- 1tbsp
- Warm water – 1 cup
In a cup of warm water, add a teaspoon of salt and mix well. Put in your navel a few drops of the saline solution. This can be done several times a day until you are relieved.
Image Source – BING
2. Warm Compress
There are many uses for a hot compress. It can do everything from fighting microbial infections to relieving pain and inflammation. You can therefore also use a hot compress to remove an infection with the belly button.
You Will Need
- Hot water
- A clean washcloth
Take a clean cloth and dip it in medium-hot water. Remove the excess water and directly place the hot compress on your belly button. Leave it for a couple of minutes. Repeat the process as per requirement. This can be done two to three times a day.
Image Source – Bing
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is particularly useful when a pus-filled cyst is in your belly button. Its antiseptic qualities can prevent infection while its drying qualities can accelerate cyst healing.
You Will Need
- 3% hydrogen peroxide – 1tbsp
- Water – 1-2 tbsp
- Cotton pads
Mix water to the hydrogen peroxide. Soak in a cotton pad and apply it to your belly button. Leave it, and let it dry naturally. Just do this once a day.
4. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains fatty acids with a medium-chain that have excellent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Such properties not only kill the infective bacteria but also help to relieve inflammation and swelling in the belly button.
You Will Need
Coconut oil
Take a small amount of coconut oil on your fingers and directly apply it to your belly button. Leave it on, and let the oil absorb your skin. Do this twice a day.
Image Source – Pixabay
5. Rubbing Alcohol
The antiseptical character of rubbing alcohol is disinfecting and sterilizing the belly button to prevent further spread of the infection.
Please note: Rubbing alcohol may dry your skin and should not be used more than twice a day.
You Will Need
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton pads
Take a few drops of rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad and apply directly to the affected place. Leave it to get absorbed. Do this 1 to 2 times daily.
6. Indian Lilac (Neem)
Because of its potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, Neem is commonly used to treat various ailments. It not only accelerates healing but also relieves itching and swelling in the belly button.
You Will Need
- A handful of neem leaves
- Water
Grind a handful of the neem leaves to form a smooth paste with water. Apply the paste to the infected belly button and keep it on for 15 to 20 minutes or until it fully dries. Wash it away with water. Do this 1 to 2 times daily.
Image Source – BING
7. Peppermint Oil
Peppermint essential oil’s relaxing properties will relieve inflammation. It also has antimicrobial properties that can help eliminate the microbes in your belly button causing the infection.
You Will Need
- 2-3 drops of peppermint oil
- 1 tbsp of coconut oil
Mix coconut oil with peppermint oil. Place this mixture on your belly button for 10-15 minutes. Remove it from the tissue. This can be done 2 to 3 times a day.
Image Source – Pixabay
8. White Vinegar
The presence of acetic acid in vinegar imparts antiseptic properties to it, thereby helping this fight the bacteria that cause infection. It also has natural properties about disinfectants. This can help treat a belly button infection.
You Will Need
- White vinegar – 1tbsp
- Water – 2 tbsp
- Cotton pads
Mix a spoonful of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of water. In this mixture soak up a cotton pad and apply it directly to the affected area. For 15 to 20 minutes leave it on. Then rinse with water. Repeat it every day 2 to 3 times until the infection is treated.
These home remedies for belly button infection will help fight infection and the inflammation that comes with it. Whether you recently, get a piercing or have diabetes you are more likely to become infected with the belly button.
Prevention Tips
- Wash your hands before touching your pierced belly button.
- Never sleep on your tummy.
- Wear loose garments made from natural fabrics.
- Daily Shower.
- Thoroughly rinse and make sure there is no soap residue left in your navel.
- If you are prone to Candida infections, reduce your intake of processed foods.
- Upon hitting your belly button, stay away from public pools for a while.
- Avoid junk food and have more raw fruits and vegetables.
If the infection shows no signs of healing, you have to get immediate medical help to avoid serious long-term side effects.
It can take quite a while for infection with the belly button to heal completely. Even though it heals in most cases within 6 months, in a few cases it may take up to one or two years for complete healing.
Also Read: How Your Belly Button Cure Daily Ailments
