The smell from a woman's navel. Causes, treatment

When there is a smell from the navel women are seriously uncomfortable. This is the part of the body in which dirt can periodically accumulate. However, the situation is much worse if an unpleasant odor appears due to infection or fungus. The navel can be compared to the armpit, which cannot fully interact with air. This leads to the fact that dead cells, as well as particles of sweat and more than 60 different microorganisms, get an excellent breeding environment.

Is it a norm or a disease?

If a person ignores simple hygiene measures and does not clean the navel while taking a shower, then the smell is a natural consequence of such negligence. If you clean your navel once every few weeks, then there should be no smell. When an unpleasant odor still persists (even with more frequent hygiene measures), the cause may be more serious.

It must be remembered that the human body should not emit unpleasant odors if showering is performed daily. But even in this situation, the smell of sweat is an absolutely normal consequence that appears during the thermoregulation of the body. Together with sweat, slags, salts and many other harmful substances are removed from it.

But if the smell appears only in a certain part of the body and after taking a shower, then this may be a sign of a local pathology, the treatment of which must be carried out as soon as possible. There is absolutely no point in masking such problems with deodorants and other means. It is much more important to understand the causes of the smell and eliminate them.

Why do women have a belly button odor?

The smell from the navel in a woman, the causes of which are discussed in the article, can be triggered by many factors. To determine the exact diagnosis, it is important to take into account all the circumstances in which the symptoms appeared. This means that you need to analyze all the changes in the patient's life, take tests from him and only then start treatment.

The appearance of such an unpleasant symptom may be associated with the so-called oozing in the navel area. This happens when an infection develops. Sometimes a bad smell can indicate the development of problems with the genitourinary system.

Simpler causes such as lack of hygiene should not be ruled out. Therefore, doctors also consider the individual characteristics of the anatomy of a particular patient. As a result, a specialist can determine a group of reasons to which a symptom can be attributed. There are 2 types of problems in total: physiological and pathological.

Physiological causes

This category includes those factors that have absolutely nothing to do with the development of pathology. Sometimes physiological causes are the norm, in which an unpleasant odor appears.

However, even in this case, in the navel area, in no case should there be redness and swelling, since this already speaks of serious problems:

• Hygiene. This is one of the most popular causes of belly button odor. Most of all, those women suffer from such a problem in whom the navel is depressed and rather deep. This leads to the accumulation of dust, as well as pellets from clothes, which are very difficult to pull out on your own. Over time, all this mass turns into a mud plug, exuding a fetid odor. The situation is aggravated in the presence of elevated temperatures. If a woman lives in a hot region, this means that it is necessary to carry out hygienic measures more often and better. It is not enough just to shower, you need to pay special attention to areas such as the navel, and use additional antiseptics.
• Excessive sweating. Hyperhidrosis is not a serious disease and most often refers precisely to the physiological reasons for the appearance of various problems. With excessive sweating, the body is constantly moist, which is an excellent environment for millions of bacteria to multiply faster in it. In the umbilical fold, such reproduction occurs with a doubled intensity. This provokes an unpleasant odor, as well as the feeling that fluid is constantly accumulating in the navel. Overweight people suffer from increased sweating, but also patients who are diagnosed with vegetative dystonia or other problems. Some in such a situation resort to cosmetic services and inject themselves into the armpits and other cavities, blocking the sweat glands. In no case should this be done, since in this case the body simply cannot find through which zones it can release harmful substances that accumulate in it. Therefore, it is necessary to move on to treating problems, not symptoms.
• Pregnancy. For women who are expecting a baby, it is often a matter of concern that discomfort and an unpleasant odor develop in the navel area. However, more often than not, there is absolutely nothing to worry about, since during this period a natural stretching of the abdominal tissues occurs. This leads to the fact that in this area there is a slight inflammation. From such processes, the skin becomes more moist and, accordingly, an odor appears.
• Surgery. The reason for the appearance of such a symptom may be a recent operation. If the event was carried out with cutting the abdominal cavity, then during the healing process, infection could appear in this zone. For example, this often occurs in women who have performed a tubal ligation procedure.

Pathological causes

The smell from the navel in a woman (the reasons can be very diverse) may appear against the background of certain diseases:

• Bladder cyst. Also, this pathology is called a urachus cyst. During the development of the cyst, the urinary duct does not develop correctly. As a rule, a child suffers from such problems even during the period of embryonic development of the fetus. Problems for a long time may not bring any troubles, even after birth. However, gradually the urinary duct begins to overgrow. In children from about 1.5 years of age, a cavity is formed into which waste begins to flow. Since they cannot find any other way out, they pass out through the only accessible opening, that is, the navel. As a rule, the first unpleasant signs appear already in early childhood. But often women notice such physiological changes later, in adulthood. Unfortunately, the treatment of such a pathology can be exclusively surgical.
• Omphalitis. This pathology is characterized by inflammatory processes that occur on the skin, located directly in the umbilical fold. As a rule, problems are diagnosed in children, but also occasionally occur in adult women. The reason for the development of such a pathology is trauma to the skin in the navel area. Against this background, an infection penetrates into this zone. It can develop after a piercing or any other manipulation of the abdomen.

Additionally, during the development of this pathology, other symptoms are observed:

• severe inflammation in the umbilical area;
• unpleasant discharge that smells very strong even at a great distance;
• the appearance of pus when pressing on the navel;
• increased body temperature.

All this speaks of the rapid development of infection and the need for immediate medical attention. There are other pathological problems that can lead to the appearance of an unpleasant symptom.

Umbilical fistula

The navel is connected to the bladder by the urinary duct. After the baby is born, the duct should close, but sometimes it doesn't. Due to the fact that the duct is not closed properly, waste products begin to be discharged out through the navel. This can provoke the development of pathogenic infections, pus and many other problems.

Pathology is not always detected immediately after birth. Sometimes adult women turn to a doctor with such a problem. Also, an umbilical fistula can appear if an umbilical hernia has ruptured or the intestine has been damaged.

Additionally, this pathology is accompanied by reddening of the skin and the appearance of severe irritation. The navel becomes constantly wet, you can see the discharge of pus in it. If the fistula is complete, then even urine or intestinal contents can be found in the navel.

Fungal infections

The smell from the navel in a woman may appear due to the development of candidiasis. However, there are other fungal infections that can lead to unpleasant symptoms. The fungus develops in the folds of the skin and begins to spread more actively in the absence of proper hygiene procedures. In this case, the skin turns red and begins to itch strongly.

Additional symptoms include the appearance of white discharge, which in its consistency resembles cottage cheese. Candidiasis in the navel can develop during pregnancy, in case of imbalance of hormones or while taking hormonal group drugs, including contraceptives. Also, taking antibiotics leads to similar problems (in the case of diabetes and other diseases).

Other pathologies

Also, similar symptoms can be observed in other diseases:

Disease	Peculiarities
Diabetes	Due to the increased glucose content, deposits appear in the umbilical fold. At the same time, patients complain of an almost nauseous odor and cheesy discharge.
Atheromas and wen	So it is customary to call formations of a benign type, which are localized in the duct of the sebaceous gland. They do not have a direct effect on the umbilical zone, but they are the cause of the development of infections. If a person gets even a minimal abrasion, then this can provoke severe inflammatory processes.
Endometriosis	Women of childbearing age are more likely to suffer from this pathology. During this period, there is a more active proliferation of the uterine mucosa. This leads to the fact that it penetrates into the peritoneum. With a more complex form of pathology, patients complain of the appearance of an unpleasant odor in the navel and discharge in this area in this area.

Associated symptoms

If hygiene measures do not change the situation and the unpleasant smell still remains, then it is safe to assume that its appearance is provoked by another reason. In this case, you need to pay as much attention to additional symptoms as possible.

For example, along with the onset of an unpleasant odor, a fairly liquid yellowish pus often appears. A crust may form on the belly button. At the same time, the patients complain of serious inflammation and pain in this area.

Also, a red ring may appear around the navel, and some women note an increase in temperature up to 38. If, in addition to an unpleasant odor, at least one of the additional symptoms appears, then it is necessary to diagnose and begin treatment as soon as possible.

Some types of symptoms can be distinguished, which differ depending on the specific pathology:

• If the patient suffers from a simple form of omphalitis, then in this case the discharge will have a serous character (the smell is appropriate). Additionally, with the development of this disease, there is hyperemia and increased swelling of the skin around the navel.
• With phlegmonous omphalitis, the symptoms are characterized not only by purulent discharge, but also by a strong increase in body temperature. At the same time, a scab appears over the inflammation zone, under which pus actively accumulates. On palpation, the woman complains of severe pain.
• With a complex course of omphalitis, this disease can turn into a necrotic form. This is an extremely dangerous condition that can even provoke death. In the case of necrotizing omphalitis, the body temperature of a person can rise to 39-40. The inflammation covers a large area of ​​the peritoneum, which can provoke phlegmon. If the inflammation reaches the internal organs, then there is a high risk of blood poisoning (sepsis).
• In the case of inflammation of the umbilical wound (this is observed mainly in newborns), serous-purulent discharge appears. At the same time, it is clearly visible on the abdominal wall that vasodilation has occurred. This provokes a state of general intoxication, so the child behaves restlessly, stops more lethargic, refuses to eat and begins to regurgitate more often.
• If umbilical vein thrombophlebitis has been diagnosed, then the skin around the navel turns red. A similar pathology is also more often diagnosed in newborns, when the so-called fibrous cord appears above the navel itself. The abdominal wall is in constant tension. And if you stroke the baby on the belly, then bloody discharge may appear from the navel.
• Fistula is characterized by the fact that the discharge is at first transparent, but gradually they acquire an increasingly thick consistency and a white tint. The skin around the navel also becomes inflamed. In the absence of any therapeutic measures, blood may even appear in the secretions. In this case, the anterior abdominal wall is also in constant tension. When pressing on the abdomen, the patient complain of severe pain.

A symptom of the development of endometriosis is the appearance of bloody discharge in the navel and pulling pain. As a rule, the highest intensity of pain syndrome occurs before or after menstruation.

Treatment

The smell from the navel in a woman (the reasons should be established as soon as possible if the symptoms last for a long time) can be observed under different conditions.

If it is not yet clear what led to the symptoms of such a plan, and there are no other signs of possible pathologies, then you need to follow several rules for caring for the navel:

• Take a shower at least once a day, preferably a bathroom. It is recommended to use mild soap. After taking a shower, you need to blot the body with a napkin or soft towel and make sure that the navel is dry.
• If the umbilical area is deep enough or folds are clearly visible in it, then additionally once a week this area should be disinfected. To do this, you can purchase Chlorhexidine, Miramistin or any other similar drug. Hydrogen peroxide will also work. Apply the product very carefully with a cotton swab (but do not immerse it too deep in the navel).
• Periodically, it is necessary to inspect the navel and check if a mud plug has formed in it. It resembles a tightly knit roller, which consists of accumulated particles of dying skin and dirt. Such plugs must be carefully removed, as otherwise there is a risk of developing an inflammatory process. As a rule, people who are overweight are more likely to face similar problems.

Such measures usually help if the reasons are physiological. However, with the development of pathology, everything is much more complicated. First you need to undergo a complete examination and diagnose a specific disease. The problem is that most pathologies have similar symptoms, so you cannot do without an experienced doctor. After the diagnosis is made, the type of treatment will be chosen depending on the specific disease.

Disease	Treatment features
Cyst or umbilical fistula	Surgical intervention is recommended. This is the only way to eliminate the problem and exclude the recurrence of unpleasant symptoms. Failure to perform the operation can lead to more serious problems.
Omphalitis	Just like any other inflammation in the navel area, it is treated using conservative methods. One of the mandatory therapeutic procedures is the periodic treatment of the umbilical zone with antibacterial or antiseptic agents. It is equally important to keep the area clean at all times.
Candidiasis	As with other fungal diseases, it will be necessary to undergo a course of treatment. Doctors prescribe antifungal drugs to patients. At the same time, it is important to monitor the umbilical area and maintain its hygiene. Only in this case it will be possible to avoid the subsequent multiplication of fungal spores.

If the cause is diabetes, overweight or any other disease, then appropriate treatment is prescribed. As soon as the condition improves, the unpleasant smell from the navel should be eliminated. However, even after this, it is important to maintain proper hygiene and prevent similar complications in the future.

Folk remedies

The smell from the navel of a woman, the reasons for the appearance of which are discussed above, brings serious inconvenience. It is worth switching to traditional medicine only after the diagnosis has been made and if the doctor agrees to such additional measures.

In order to get rid of the unpleasant odor, you can use several proven folk remedies:

• Salted water. The point is that salt is a natural antiseptic. It is an excellent remedy for the development of fungal diseases. Using a salt solution (1 tbsp is enough. l. per glass of warm water), it is necessary to process the umbilical fossa. The procedure is carried out 3 times daily until the unpleasant odor disappears.
• Oil. Natural essential oils have many beneficial properties. For example, tea tree oil is an excellent remedy for avoiding the effects of infectious diseases. This composition dries the skin well and has a calming effect on inflamed skin. In addition, tea tree oil promotes healing. To get rid of the unpleasant smell, you need to mix a few drops of essential oil with a spoonful of olive oil. The resulting mixture must be soaked in a cotton pad and put on the navel. You can repeat the procedure an unlimited number of times. The course of treatment is carried out until the unpleasant odor disappears completely.
• Turmeric. This popular spice is also an excellent antiseptic that can be used if an infection develops. For treatment, you need to mix 1 tsp. l. turmeric with 2 tbsp. l. water. The resulting mixture must be spread over the affected area and left for 10-15 minutes.
• Aloe. This plant has many beneficial properties and is very popular in folk medicine. Aloe juice is used to get rid of suppuration in the navel area. This plant significantly speeds up healing and is also an anti-inflammatory agent.
• Alcohol. This is another popular antiseptic that not only disinfects the wound, but also kills germs. Alcohol dries the skin well and relieves redness. In addition, after treatment, pain is significantly reduced.
• Vinegar. It can also help get rid of infections. Vinegar is good at killing bacteria. To perform a navel treatment, you need to apply vinegar to a cotton pad and lay it on your stomach. The procedure is performed several times a day until the unpleasant odor disappears. However, you need to be prepared for the fact that in this case, not the most pleasant vinegar aroma will emanate from the skin. But after a while it disappears.

Thus, a woman has a scent from the navel for a variety of reasons. If they are of a physiological nature, then they can be dealt with with the help of traditional medicine and simple hygiene measures. If the problem is in the pathology, then you need to immediately start treatment.

Video about the smell from the navel

Malysheva about the navel: