Table of Contents
Introduction
The belly button is an unofficial term for the navel. Your belly button, also called the umbilicus or naval, has no function after birth and is simply a scar or remnant of the naval or umbilical cord that connects you to your mother. The umbilical or naval cord provides nutrition and oxygen to a baby during pregnancy, and it is cut and, detached and removed after birth, leaving a scar. The belly button refers to the scar on the abdomen caused when the umbilical cord—through which the mammalian fetus receives nourishment—is removed.
- Belly button
Our naval evokes our initial human state—connection. For the first and most growing period of your life, while you were in your mother’s womb, you were physically attached to your mother by the naval or umbilical cord. After birth, the physical cord was cut, and when the site healed, it became your navel or belly button.
2. What your belly button says about your health
The skin near the navel has beds of superficial veins that feed towards the deeper circulation. They drain blood into the hepatic portal vein, a large vessel heading into the liver, chock-full of nutrients absorbed from the gut. If your naval is “leaking” clear or coloured discharge or blood, you can have a bacterial, fungal, or yeast infection. Crusty skin, pungent odour, itching, and redness are also signs of disease. You should see your doctor if the discharge and crust stick around after washing the naval.
3. Oil in the belly button
The belly button connects to many vital blood vessels, and massaging oil on this area helps better blood circulation to the skin, providing essential nutrients. The practice is familiar. It’s based on Ayurvedic methods, a historic medical system from India that involves applying different kinds of oils—like caster, peppermint, and ginger oil—to the naval and surrounding abdomen.
4. castor oil in the belly button
- Castor oil has its roots in ancient medicine, containing unique chemical properties that may offer various health benefits.
- It gets absorbed through the naval.
- Potential advantageous of applying castor oil to the naval include pain relief, digestive system support, enhanced skincare, hair growth promotion, detoxification, and improved sleep.
- It would help if you took caution regarding allergies or interactions with medications.
- The application process is easy, requiring cold-pressed castor oil and regular massaging techniques.
Outie belly button
An outie naval is when the naval protrudes outward instead of going inward. It’s considered a normal variation in how the umbilical cord stump healed after falling off. It could also indicate an umbilical hernia or granuloma, which usually resolves independently or with minimal treatment. Outie belly buttons or naval in babies are a normal appearance variation and require no special care. Keeping the area clean and dry, watching for any signs of infection or discomfort can ensure your baby’s outie naval remains healthy and simply adorable. Moreover, during pregnancy, you can also see the outie naval.
Outies are simply an example of normal human variation like some people have curly or dimples. When the tip of the umbilical cord’s remains pokes past the skin around it, you have an outie; about ten per cent of people have this naval. Any convex one is an “outie”, and the concave navel is called an “innie”.
Belly button infection
A belly button or naval yeast infection is a fungal skin infection or contamination caused by a yeast known as Candida. It causes a bright red, itchy rash in the navel area. Candida grow or get more prominent and thrive in warm, dark environments. Treatment includes creams, ointment or powders. You can prevent naval yeast infections by keeping your navel area clean and dry.
The most common symptom or cause of a naval yeast infection is a bright red rash in the skin folds of the navel. The rash is typically highly itchy. It may burn. You may also see scaling, swelling or a white discharge.
Belly button yeast infections don’t typically cause a smell or odour. However, you may notice a musty smell if your yeast infection is due to an intertrigo skin condition. Intertrigo is very common. It occurs due to heat and moisture, and your skin rubs together.
Conditions that allow Candida to thrive and grow include:
- Not changing clothing often.
- Poor hygiene.
- Skin conditions such as intertrigo and psoriasis.
- Wearing tight clothing.
- Humid and hot weather.
Belly button or naval yeast infections are more common in many groups of people. It includes people who are:
- Pregnant.
- Have overweight/obesity.
Keep your navel area clean and dry to prevent naval yeast infections. Losing weight may also prevent yeast overgrowth in this region. If you have diabetes, be sure to continue proper blood sugar control. Keep the area clean and dry. Use a warm compress to help with pain or discomfort. Try an over-the-counter antifungal cream or ointment.
Can a belly button infection kill you?
If left untreated, some naval infections can become severe. As mentioned above, some diseases are caused by bacteria that may spread to other parts of your body (including organs and blood), causing sepsis and other deadly conditions. Your belly button or naval doesn’t get much attention or awareness once it heals after birth. But, like any part of the skin or body, it may get infected. Typically, naval infections aren’t too serious, but your healthcare provider should look at them.
Why does my belly button smell
Most belly buttons are indented, so they act as a trap for dead skin and sweat. Many people wash the naval with soap so that germs may develop. Poor hygiene is the most common cause or reason for a naval smell. It would help to stay clean and healthy; all body areas should be cleaned regularly.
Why does my belly button hurt
There are many reasons or causes a person may experience bellybutton pain. Some causes may be minor, such as pregnancy, constipation, and indigestion. Others may be more serious, such as pancreatitis, gallstones, appendicitis, or gallstones. Bellybutton pain may range in severity from mild to sharp.
Why is my Belly button smelly and wet
It is because bacteria break down sweat and create a waste product with a strong odour. If the belly button has trapped dead skin and sweat, it will likely smell sweaty. A fungal infection can also smell bad, especially if pus surrounds the area. If your naval is foul, dip your finger into some table salt and gently massage your naval before rinsing it thoroughly. When you get out of the shower, pat your naval dry. It’s also a good idea to avoid using lotions or other skincare products around your belly button.
How to clean belly button
Using warm or lukewarm water and mild soap, gently clean around and inside the naval or belly button with a washcloth. Rinse with clean, warm or luke water and dry with a towel to ensure that all water has been removed. Showering or bathing daily can help prevent skin problems and odour.
conclusion
The umbilical or naval cord provides nutrition and oxygen to a baby during pregnancy, and it is cut, detached and removed after birth, leaving a scar. The naval refers to the scar on the abdomen caused when the umbilical cord—through which the mammalian fetus receives nourishment—is removed. Poor hygiene is the most common cause or reason for a naval smell. It would help to stay clean and healthy; all body areas should be cleaned regularly.
