How To It's time to treat an illness in your belly button.
An infectious belly button can sound off-putting or unpleasant, but it usually clears up quickly.The dark, warm environment in your belly button can sometimes lead to infections.Getting a belly button piercing can be dangerous.Infections can become painful if they are not addressed quickly.Antibiotics and changes to personal hygiene are some of the things that can be done to clear the infection.
Step 1: There is a discharge from your belly button.
A liquid discharge can come from in and around your navel.The discharge is usually greenish in color.It is possible that your navel is swollen and painful.This may seem gross and unpleasant, but it is relatively easy to treat.
Step 2: Pay attention to the redness of your skin.
This is a sign of a disease.The red skin is itchy and sometimes painful.If you scratch the red tissue it could cause the infection to spread or become worse.If you see streaks of red on the skin of your belly, this could be a sign of an illness.If you see streaks, call your doctor.
Step 3: There is a dry rash around your belly button.
A raised rash can be caused by infections within your belly button.The rash may or may not be painful.The rash may look different in different areas, or it may not be completely round.If you touch or scratch the rash with your hands, it will spread to the area around your bellybutton.
Step 4: Take your temperature.
You will most likely contract a fever as the infection gets worse.If you have a rash or discharge from your belly button with a fever, it's possible to have an infection.In addition to a raised temperature, there are other signs of a fever.At any large pharmacy or drug store, you can purchase an oral or underarm thermometer.
Step 5: If you suspect a navel problem, schedule a doctor's appointment.
If you don't have a high temperature and the pain is not serious, you can wait a few days for the infection to clear up on its own.If the symptoms get worse, make an appointment to see your doctor.Tell the doctor about your symptoms when the infection began.Your general doctor may refer you to a dermatologist.
Step 6: You can apply an antibiotic cream by your doctor.
If you have a belly-button infection, your doctor should write you a prescription for antibiotics.Over a period of about a week, these creams need to be applied 2 or 3 times a day.The pain should go away as you use the cream.Ask your doctor how often you should apply the cream.Always wash your hands with soap and warm water after touching the area or applying medications, and use gloves while applying the ointment.This will help stop the spread of the disease.
Step 7: If you have a fungus, use an antifungal cream.
If your doctor prescribes an antifungal cream for you, you can use it.Rub the red, flaky skin around your navel with the cream.In the case of a mild belly-button infection, the doctor may recommend that you use an over-the-counter antifungal ointment or cream.You should always wash your hands with warm, soapy water after applying the ointment.
Step 8: It is a good idea to take a daily shower.
As basic as it may seem, a shower is the best way to clean your navel.Warm water, a soft cloth, and a gentle soap can be used to clean your abdominal area.If you apply lotion to the rest of your body, don't put it on your belly button.The lotion will cause your belly button to be damp.If you want to prevent the spread of infections, don't share your towels or washcloths with anyone else.After you use the shower or bath, you should use a solution of 2 c (120 mL) of bleach per 1 US gal of water.
Step 9: If you have a deep navel, massage your belly button with salt water.
If your belly button is aninnie, you should wash it with salt water.A spoon of table salt is added to a cup of warm water.You need to dip 1 finger into the solution.You can massage the saltwater into the belly button with your finger.If you have an illness, do this 1 time per day.It should clean out any leftover germs.If you don't want to use your finger to clean your navel, use a damp washcloth.
Step 10: Proper hygiene can keep the infection from spreading.
Infections in the navel can spread to other parts of your body.It is easy to spread infections.You should always wash your hands after touching or applying lotion if you want to prevent the spread of the disease.You should change and wash your bedsheets every now and then.Personal items such as towels or bedclothes should not be shared with other people.Encourage everyone to wash their hands.
Step 11: Look for red streaks or sharp pains near the piercing.
It may take a few days for you to be symptom free after having your navel pierced.Pay attention to the piercing and the discharge from the site.If you have recently had your navel pierced, it is likely to have these symptoms.If you had a piercing done by a professional, they should have given you instructions on how to keep it clean.These should be followed to prevent infections.
Step 12: If the symptoms don't go away in a few days, you should see a doctor.
Minor infections will usually clear up on their own if the piercing is kept clean.If the area is still red after more than 4 days, you should make an appointment to see your doctor.An antibiotic can be prescribed to clear up the problem.You should make an appointment with your doctor if you have a high temperature, a painful infection, or both.
Step 13: Once the infection is gone, keep your belly button piercing.
It is more likely to be contaminated bybacteria if you play with or remove it.It is recommended that you leave the piercing in for at least 2 months.You can wash your piercing with soap and water.Try to wear baggy shirts if you are worried about re-infection.The belly button can be dried out if the shirt is tight, which can lead to re-infection.