What Is An Itchy Belly Button Telling You?

No matter where it occurs, itchy skin can be uncomfortable as we go about our everyday lives. Although itchy skin can occur everywhere on the body, the majority of individuals have probably experienced itching around or around their belly button. The scars left by the umbilical cord following childbirth, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), are what are known as belly buttons. The umbilical cord is severed after delivery, and the navel then gradually heals. After that, the belly button truly doesn't perform any biological tasks; hence, it's a body component that is frequently overlooked.

Numerous things can make belly buttons itch, but each person will have a different explanation for why. For instance, skin diseases like eczema and contact dermatitis, which aren't related to the navel's health, might cause an uncomfortable belly button. An infection in your navel or a rash around your navel is the two most common causes of an itchy belly button.

Symptoms

A bright red rash in the folds of your navel's skin is the most typical sign of a belly button yeast infection. Usually, the rash is quite irritating. It might burn. Scaling, swelling, or a white discharge are some potential symptoms.

Yeast infections of the belly button often don't produce any scent or odor. However, if intertrigo, a skin ailment, is the cause of your yeast infection, you may detect a musty scent. Intertrigo occurs frequently. Heat, moisture, and the rubbing of your skin together cause it to happen.

Causes

Candida, a yeast, causes candidiasis, or yeast infections of the belly button. Warm, moist surroundings are ideal for the growth of Candida yeast. Wearing tight clothes is one of the circumstances that encourage growth of Candida.

• Wearing the same thing repeatedly.
• Hot and muggy conditions.
• Bad hygiene
• Skin diseases like psoriasis and intertrigo.

In other populations, belly button yeast infections are more prevalent. Those who are pregnant are included in this.

• Overweight or obese.
• Those who consume antibiotics. The germs that naturally reside on your skin can be killed by antibiotics. As a result, Candida can develop and flourish.
• People undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment.

People with compromised immune systems are also more likely to get belly button yeast infections. Having a yeast infection increases one's risk of having a disease like HIV/AIDS or diabetes.

Treatment

An antifungal drug could be used to treat your belly button yeast infection. A lotion, ointment, or powder with antifungal properties may be suggested by your doctor. The antifungal will be applied directly to the skin around your abdominal button. Many antifungal creams are available over the counter. If required, your doctor could prescribe an antifungal medication.

As part of your therapy, you'll need to keep the region around your navel dry and clean. Keeping the area dry and clean might also aid in preventing the recurrence of yeast infections. Your belly button is exposed to air, which could also be helpful.

Your doctor could recommend an oral antifungal drug in some circumstances. Oral administration is used for medications like fluconazole.

When to Contact Doctor

If you have any other signs of illness, such as:

• Fever
• Redness Or Discoloration
• Swelling
• Pain In Your Abdomen
• Pain When You Urinate

In addition to checking your belly button, your doctor may take a sample of the discharge.

The sample will be taken to a lab, where a worker will examine it with a microscope or carry out additional sample testing to determine what elements are in the discharge.