A belly button infection can cause excruciating pain. If the right precautions aren't taken, the naval area's warmth and moisture make it the ideal environment for various bacteria and fungi to flourish. The good news is that, contrary to popular belief, these infections are more common and can be easily cured naturally.
What is a Belly Button Infection?
The root of a belly button infection is a foreign micro-organism living and growing in your belly button, such as a fungal infection (most commonly candida albicans) or an infection of bacterial origin (most commonly staphylococcus or streptococcus).The initial signs and symptoms of a belly button infection is pretty easy to spot. At first, in its abscess stage, one would notice that there would be some redness and swelling in and or around the navel area, also accompanied by some mild pain or tenderness.
As the infection develops and moves into its later stage, the cellulitis stage, more serious and unpleasant symptoms will start to appear. In this stage, the abscess or swelling in the navel is likely to burst, causing an unpleasant discharge. The discharge (or pus) will typically have a foul odor or smell. The discharge can vary in color, from being clear in color, to even yellow, grayish, or even a brownish color.
Who is at risk?
People of all ages can be susceptible to a belly button infection, from babies to the elderly. Although, there are some factors that could increases one’s likelihood of contracting an infection of the navel.The first preventative measure would be to keep your belly button clean. Infections of the navel can easily be caused by not washing your belly button or keeping proper hygiene. Rinsing is also incredibly important when bathing, or drying it properly, for the soap residue and excess moisture can make an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungus.
Navel infections are also commonly caused by an open wound in the area, such as a piercing of the navel that is not cleaned properly, or from the practitioner not using sanitary equipment while executing the piercing, as well as wounds from surgery in the area.
Naval infections can also be caused by a condition known as Patent Urachus, which is a condition in which the urachus (tube connecting the bladder to the umbilical chord) doesn’t close up after birth like it should leaving the urachus open, which causes susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections. Frequent touching of the navel can also increase the risk of a belly button infection.
Common Symptoms of Belly Button Infection Are:
* Redness or swelling around the naval
* Warm or ‘hot’ feeling around the naval
* Feeling sick to your stomach
* Green or yellow discharge from the naval
* Pain and soreness in or around the naval
10 Ways to Treat your Belly Button Infection Naturally
So, without further ado, now that you know some of the signs, symptoms, and causes of a belly button infection, here are some things you can do to cure that pesky naval at home naturally:
1. Keep it Clean
Clean the infected site at least 2-3 times per day with an antibacterial soap, and make sure you dry your belly button completely after-wards.
2. Tea Tree Oil
Tea Tree oil is a very powerful antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial that has been used for thousands of years for all sorts of things. It is very effective at curing a belly button infection when applied regularly.
3. Warm Salt Water
Warm salt water mixtures can also be used to cure belly button infections. The salt in the mixture will help absorb the moisture in your navel, and it will also act as a disinfectant, while warm water helps to increase blood flow to the area. To make the concoction, add one teaspoon of salt to one cup of water then dip a cotton ball in the mixture and clean out the infected naval. Once done, pat dry and repeat daily as necessary.
4. Rubbing Alcohol
The strong antiseptic qualities of alcohol will help fight and kill the infection. For this method just apply a healthy amount rubbing alcohol to a cotton ball and clean the infected area. Do this about 2-3 times a day until the infection is gone.
5. Turmeric
Turmeric has been used for thousands of years for all sorts of things, it is effective for belly button infections because of its natural antiseptic, antibacterial, anti inflammatory, and anti viral qualities. For this method take about a half teaspoon of turmeric and mix a few drops of water with it to make a paste. Apply this to the belly button, leave it for about 5-10 minutes, wash it off, dry completely, and repeat 2-3 times a day until the infection is gone.
6. Neem Oil
Neem oil is another good oil that is known for its antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. Just apply 3-4 drops to a cotton ball and rub on the infected area, leave for about 10-15 minutes, then clean it off with a dry cotton ball. Repeat 2-3 times a day..
7. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is also an oil that has medicinal, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. It can effectively sooth the dry inflamed skin in and around your naval. You’ll need to apply ½ teaspoon of coconut oil to a cotton ball, rub on the infected area, leave for about 10-15 minutes, then clean off with a dry cotton ball. Repeat 3-4 a day until infection is gone.
8. Calendula Flower Juice
Calendula flowers are an excellent source of natural antiseptic and skin soothing components. Extract as much fluid as you can from the fresh flowers and apply some of the juice to the naval area. Leave for 10-15 minutes then rinse with pure water and dry completely.
9. White Vinegar
White vinegar is very acidic and is therefore a useful fluid for fighting tissue infections. For this method, add one teaspoon of vinegar to two teaspoons of water, dip a cotton ball in the mixture, and clean the infected area. Leave for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with pure water and dry completely. Repeat a few times daily until the infection is gone.
10. Warm Compress
This method will sooth the infected area as well as help with healing. To do this method dip a washcloth into some warm water and leave it on the infected area for 5-10 minutes. Repeat a few times daily until the infection is cleared.
The above tips provide some very useful and effective methods of curing a belly button infection. So, if you ever need to get your belly button to stop oozing smelly goo, use one, some, or all of the above listed methods, and you’ll probably be surprised at how useful some of these natural remedies are.