Brief Answer:
Fungal vs bacterial infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Sometimes dermatological things are hard to tell what is going on without seeing the problem in person. It is hard to tell what this is from these 3 pictures but there are 2 possibilities that are high on my list so I'll tell you about them.

1. If the reddened ring is irregularly shaped, not growing rapidly, and not very hot or tender to the touch, it could be ring worm which is a fungal infection (not a worm!). Treatment is an anti fungal cream such as clotrimazole, used for 14 days. Try to keep the area as dry as possible, such as after bathing, consider drying with a tissue, and even blow drying for a short time with a hair dryer, set on lowest setting.

2. If the reddened area is hot and tender and bright red, it may be a soft tissue infection with bacteria called cellulitis. On extremities such as a leg, this can often be nipped in the bud with frequent soaking in hot water, but it is harder to do so with the navel area other than frequent hot compresses. So if it is spreading or getting worse, then you would need an antibiotic.

One other thing: if you have had a piercing in the navel, it can be an allergic reaction to the metal or an infection. But I couldn't see any piercing holes from the picture.

I'm sorry I can't tell specifically from the pictures which it is, but hopefully this information will help you.

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Brief Answer:
About antibiotic ointment

Detailed Answer:
You can try it, but it won't help a fungal infection, and likely won't help cellulitis. Triple antibiotic is for certain types of bacteria in superficial skin infections, and while cellulitis is caused by bacteria, the infection is deeper (in the underlying soft tissue) and the antibiotic ointment may not penetrate the skin adequately.


Brief Answer:
Ok

Detailed Answer:
Ok - try the anti fungal; BUT, if it gets very tender and hot, then do go in for an oral antibiotic as hot and tender (and spreading) are signs more consistent with a bacterial infection.

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