Why does my belly button smell?

+90 votes
asked Jul 5, 2019 in Health & Wellness by Kim (630 points)
edited Jul 15, 2019
This may seem kind of weird, but of a truth, it smells. Though I can’t say what exactly it smells like, but it sure smells because I often have to wash it severally with soap anytime I’m in the shower and dry it up after that.

But at other times, I try getting it cleaned out with a Q-tip and the smell still gets to me from where it is. It is so disgusting. Do you think this is normal? Can you give me advice or suggestions on how I can fix it?

3 Answers

+16 votes
answered Jul 21, 2019 by Lateisha (850 points)
edited Aug 12, 2019

It seems that you belongs to innies who are prone to have this issue. Here are details:

In most cases, what determines if your navel will smell when it isn’t being properly washed and cared for is its shape. In some people, their navels face upwards while some others have navels that face inwards. The two unconventional names for these two types of navels are outies and innies. The navel is located at one spot in your body where both dirt and oil accumulate; bacteria live in it most times. Mostly, the innie-styled type of navels is most prone to bacteria growths, which explains the characteristic disgusting odor that emanates from them. Outies may still be prone to bacteria growth, but to a much lower degree. The link below will help you learn how to get your bellybutton cleaned properly.

http://www.enkivillage.com/how-to-clean-belly-button.html

In some rare cases however, a number of skin problems can worsen cases of navel odor and the production of bacteria. Skin conditions like eczema can increase the number of dead skin cells which flake off to clog up the navel. This kind of skin condition can encourage the growth of bacteria and oils thereby causing more smells.

+9 votes
answered Jul 27, 2019 by Judy (630 points)
edited Aug 8, 2019
Why does my belly button smell? The reason why your navel smells is not different from why your armpits smell. It is due to the actions of bacteria on sweat.

You are not supposed to clean it obsessively. When you put some drops of alcohol in it, you will experience a burning pain, which is because you hardly keep your fingers away from it and in the process you stretch or scratch the skin.

Stop being obsessed with your belly-button because no one is likely going to sneak on you and smell it! Lol!
+4 votes
answered Jul 19, 2019 by danielle (690 points)
edited Jul 20, 2019
The dirtiest spot in the body is the belle button. When your face sweats, it drains down into your bellybutton. So don’t expect your navel to smell anything close to good. Just do all you can to keep your navel clean. Your navel will always smell in an unpleasant way because you do sweat most times. Whether you wash it often enough or not, expect a certain odor once in a while. I won’t try to see if mine smells. But I wear a stud on my bellybutton so the much cleaning and caring it gets ensures it doesn’t ever get infected. I clean it about three times daily and spray certain anti-bacteria to stop it from hurting and accelerate the healing process. Good luck with your bellybutton!
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