We most often think of belly button infections as something suffered by persons who have pierced their naval. While this does account for a significant portion of the infections, piercing is not the only way you can get an infection in your belly button.
When I was a little girl, my father (I think it was my father, but he’s denying all knowledge) told me that I shouldn’t stick my fingers in my belly button or it would turn black. Being the impressionable soul that I was, I’ve never stuck my fingers in my belly button, and yet last week, it started to bleed, and then ooze. No piercing, no fingers – what was going on?
The doctor told me that I had a bacterial infection which is actually fairly common. A bit of bacteria gets in there and, encouraged by the dark conditions, spreads and causes problems. It’s something akin to a yeast infection, which also grows in dark conditions. The infection seems to occur more commonly amongst persons like myself who are a little bit larger. (Maybe because our belly buttons are more in the dark?) Symptoms include bleeding, the excretion of a white, smelly substance, and in some severe cases like mine, the oozing of pus. Sometimes pain and soreness accompanies the other symptoms.
I also experienced nausea, which isn’t uncommon given the extent of the infection. Frequently, when an infection is present, the body reacts with feelings of overall sickness.
Because my case was severe, I was put on a strong antibiotic. The symptoms began to abate within the first two days.
If you have any soreness or excretions in the area of your belly button, go get it checked out. There aren’t any tests – the doctor will look at your belly, probably nod or grunt or whatever it is your doctor does – and then write you a prescription. It’s best to treat it before it gets too severe.
Ways to avoid getting an infection – wash your naval thoroughly, yet not roughly, every day. Allow it to become completely dry before dressing. You can even blow the area with your hair dryer for a moment to ensure that it is fully dry. Especially in the summer months, when sweating is just a fact of life, this extra care will pay off.
It seems like a silly ailment, and I did feel very ridiculous calling for a doctor’s appointment. But I’m so very glad I did.
(Tristi Pinkston is a full-time blogger in Movie and Media Reviews. Click here to read more of her blogs.)
Related Blogs:
A Warning About a Potentially Deadly Staph Infection