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How do you treat an infected belly button?

By Laura S. Harris
Mar 15, 2021

Treating infections Share on Pinterest Antibiotic and antifungal ointments or creams may be used to treat belly button discharge. Bacterial infections are usually treated with antibiotic ointments or creams. Fungal or yeast infections are also typically treated with antifungal powders or creams.

How do you treat a belly button infection at home?

Soak a cotton ball in a mixture of antimicrobial hand soap and warm water, and gently wash your belly button with it. Try to keep the area clean and dry at all times. Avoid wearing tight clothing because it can irritate the infected area. If these methods aren't effective, you may need to see your doctor.

Will a belly button infection go away on its own?

If you've got a red, sore and itchy navel accompanied by unpleasant odours, it may be a sign of a navel fungal infection. Whatever fungal infection it is, it won't go away by itself – you need to act fast. Navel fungal infections must be treated to completely eradicate the infection.

Can a belly button infection be serious?

Bacterial Infection You could have pain, swelling, and pus or liquid that leaks from your navel. Your doctor might give you antibiotics or drain any built-up fluid. If another health problem caused it, you may get surgery to stop it from happening again.

How do you clean the inside of your belly button?

Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and gently rub the surfaces inside your bellybutton. If the swab gets dirty, throw it away and start a new one. Once the cotton swab comes out clean, use a fresh one dipped in water to rinse the alcohol out of your bellybutton so it doesn't dry your skin.

Are belly button infections contagious?

Lipoff says, the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus is often behind belly button infections because it tends to cause many skin infections in general. A staph infection can manifest in a number of ways, including as a highly contagious condition called impetigo, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

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