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What Causes Smelly Discharge From The Navel Area?
Question: For the past 2 days, my belly button has been giving off a smelly discharge. It's not a large amount at all, and the smell isn't too strong. I was cleaning it out with my finger until I read not to do that. This morning when I woke up there was a little bit of blood. Very small amount. I never would have known if I didn't go looking for it.
I have been gaining weight very rapidly.
Very very occasional pain in belly button but normally it's totally fine. No redness.
About 4 years ago I had a surgery for an umbilical hernia. I checked the stitches and its not coming from the scar. Seems to be from deep in.
Tried looking but couldn't see where it's from.
This happened to me a few months ago, little bit of discharge and bleeding. I ignored it and it passed.
What should I do? Do I need to see a doctor?
I'd much rather not see a doctor as I'm a hypochondriac..
I have been gaining weight very rapidly.
Very very occasional pain in belly button but normally it's totally fine. No redness.
About 4 years ago I had a surgery for an umbilical hernia. I checked the stitches and its not coming from the scar. Seems to be from deep in.
Tried looking but couldn't see where it's from.
This happened to me a few months ago, little bit of discharge and bleeding. I ignored it and it passed.
What should I do? Do I need to see a doctor?
I'd much rather not see a doctor as I'm a hypochondriac..
Brief answer....explained below
Detailed answer...
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I have read your query and understand your concern.
Belly button is very favourable place for fungal infection or bacterial infection to grow since it is a warm,moist and dark area.
What to do ....
Clean it properly with saline water. Salt helps a lot in taking care of infection.
In addition put 1-2 drops of antifungal liquid like nystatin, 2-3 times a day.
Apply NEOSPORIN skin oint in the night,
You should be all right in few days.
In case there is no improvement,you can consult a doctor,however chances are that you won't need to consult a doctor.
I hope it helps however you are most welcome to revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Detailed answer...
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
I have read your query and understand your concern.
Belly button is very favourable place for fungal infection or bacterial infection to grow since it is a warm,moist and dark area.
What to do ....
Clean it properly with saline water. Salt helps a lot in taking care of infection.
In addition put 1-2 drops of antifungal liquid like nystatin, 2-3 times a day.
Apply NEOSPORIN skin oint in the night,
You should be all right in few days.
In case there is no improvement,you can consult a doctor,however chances are that you won't need to consult a doctor.
I hope it helps however you are most welcome to revert to me for any further query.
Best of luck
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
What if it's not a fungal infection, what if there is a small hole in my belly button that leads to my abdomen? I've read that can happen. I also had that surgery 4 years ago for umbilical hernia. That could have left a hole maybe. Also a few months ago this same discharge was happening from belly button but I ignored it and it went away. I looked deep in it and everything looks OK. What if there's a hole? I'm afraid to put cremes and liquids in there if it will go inside me. Is it dangerous to use antifungal creams if there's no fungus?
Hello,
Your apprehensions regarding a hole left by surgery is misfounded because muscle repair in hernia surgery is done in many layers and can not happen and moreover there is a mesh also sutured in there.
Even if it is not a fungal infection,local antifungal drops won't cause any problem to you.
You can relax and go ahead with the treatment as advised or if you think that you still have doubts,you can consult your doctor and seek his opinion regarding this.
Thanks
Your apprehensions regarding a hole left by surgery is misfounded because muscle repair in hernia surgery is done in many layers and can not happen and moreover there is a mesh also sutured in there.
Even if it is not a fungal infection,local antifungal drops won't cause any problem to you.
You can relax and go ahead with the treatment as advised or if you think that you still have doubts,you can consult your doctor and seek his opinion regarding this.
Thanks
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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