Yes, folks, I have a smelly belly button.
And Im not just talking about the appearance of the body part in question (whichisntpretty,IMHO).
So I did… for a week… on assignment.
I would whip this forgotten real estate into shape and learn to love it.
Heres how it went.
What causes belly button odor
There are a few different reasons a belly button smells bad.
board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York
These include:
1.
And yet, that doesnt mean you wantstaphbacteria lurking on your skin.
The belly button skin sheds, it has oil, and it has bacteria, she says.
Built-up sweat or moisturizer
We now know that washing our belly buttons regularly is a must.
The answers a resounding no.
According to theCleveland Clinic, infections thrive in warm, dark environmentsso all you innies out there, beware.
A tell-tale sign of a belly button infection is a bright red rash.
It will probably be itchy, too.
Treatment often includes anti-fungal medication that can come in the form of cream, ointments, or powder.
board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York
These can be found over-the-counter at your local drugstore.
Most importantly, youll want to practice belly button care by keeping things clean and dry while recovering.
Cysts
Sometimes the reason for your smelly belly button is a sight unseen.
Urachal cysts can happen at any age, but older children and adults are more prone to them.
If the cyst becomes infected, it can cause a foul odor.
Because theyre internal, urachal cysts need to be treated by a doctor.
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Mario Badescu is a trusted name in the skin-care game.
You dont have to worry about using too much soap and not enough water with Dove.
It lathers up and foams really, really nicely, Dr. Nazarian says.
Just verify youre rinsing.
Dove Sensitive Skin Shower Foam $8.00
This gentle cleanser by Dove is perfect for sensitive skin.
Clean your belly button with care using this lightweight wash thats sulfate-free.
The cleanser features Doves NutriumMoistureTM technology, combining natural lipids and moisturizers to help support a healthy skin barrier.
Customers say the scent is subtle, fresh, and not too overpowering.
Step 3: Dry
With that, I upped my shower game and got to work.
Day one was by far the grossest.
I loofahed over my belly button and used my pointer finger to increase the lather in the crevice.
I found some dead skin lingering in there, so I washed it out.
Then, I toweled off and went about my business, repeating the steps for a week.
By day seven, I was happy to report I no longer pretended I dont have a belly button.
Im fully aware that it exists becausenowI wash it once a day.
Poor hygiene is the most common cause of a smelly belly button, causing infection.
How often should I clean my belly button?
The area should be washed with warm water and anti-bacterial soap, then thoroughly rinsed.
Why does my belly button smell even if I wash it?
If your belly button smells even when you wash it, see your doctor.
Its possible theres an underlying cause or condition creating the odor (like an infection or cyst).
Your doctor may recommend a prescription or alternative treatment to deal with the smell.
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