Do you notice that your upper lip swell upon waking up in the morning? Swelling of the upper lip is usually not harmful, but if the swelling gets severe and has been there for a long period of time, then it warrants immediate medical attention.

What are the common symptoms?

• Lip distention or enlargement of the upper lip
• A feeling of numbness on the upper lip
• There is a noticeable pain
• The upper lip feels tight and dry
• Itching and tingling feeling
• The lip appears chapped and with blister
• In severe cases, the patient experienced fever and chills ^{(1, 2)}

Image 1 : A woman suffering from upper lip swelling
Photo Source : www.askthedoctor.com

Figure 2 : A child with a noticeable swelling of the upper lip
Picture Source : s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com

Possible causes of upper lip swelling

1. Injury and trauma to the upper lip – Your lip will swell if it is hit by a blunt object. Other activities that might cause trauma and injury to the upper lip include dental procedures, lip surgery, piercing on the upper lip, accidental biting of the lips, burning such as intake of hot food, kissing, playing musical instrument using the mouth, injury caused by dental braces, and botox.
2. Allergic reaction – The upper lip may swell as a result of an allergy. It could be an allergic reaction to certain food groups, side effects of medications, use of lip care products, allergy to latex, and pet dander. Swelling of the lip secondary to allergy can be accompanied by other symptoms such as watery eyes, swelling of the face, and runny nose. It can happen to both children and adult. The swelling suddenly takes place, especially at night when you go to sleep. Upon waking up in the morning the following day, you noticed that there is something unusual in your lips.
3. Angioedema – This is a condition characterized by swelling of the tissues beneath the skin, specifically in the areas of the lips and around the eyes.
4. Infections – Various infections can lead to swelling of the upper lip such as herpes simplex virus infection, leading to the formation of blister or popularly known as cold sore. Inflammatory condition of the skin could also lead to swelling of the upper lip.
5. Nutritional deficiency – If the upper lip swells, it is a telltale sign that your body lacks essential vitamins, especially vitamin B group. Aside from a swollen lip, vitamin B deficiency can also cause memory loss and abnormal changes in smell and taste. The body does not have the ability to produce vitamin B and so you have to get it from food sources and dietary supplement. Foods rich in vitamin B include dairy products, salmon, chicken, pork, and egg.
6. Environmental factors – Various environmental conditions can cause swelling of the lips such as exposure to the extreme heat of the sun. It can cause chapping and drying out of the lips. It can also cause sunburn to the lips, which makes it appear swollen and inflamed. ^{(3, 4, 5)}

How to get rid of swollen upper lip at home?

Cold Compress

Applying a cold compress on the upper lip helps reduce swelling. Do not directly apply the ice on the lip. You have to wrap the ice in a cloth and gently place on the infected upper lip for a few minutes. Repeat when necessary, but make sure to take in between break to avoid irritation of the swollen lip.

Aloe Vera

The plant aloe vera is known for its healing properties. It is a good anti-inflammatory and is very effective in alleviating swelling and relieving burning sensation. It is very effective in alleviating swelling secondary to allergic reaction and insect bite. To use the aloe vera, just apply a fresh extract of the aloe vera on the affected lip, gently massage the lip, and repeat when necessary. ⁽⁶⁾

Honey

Honey is known for its antibacterial property. Its healing property helps in alleviating pain and swelling. At the same time, it moisturizes the lips, reduce inflammation, and prevent further infection. To use the honey, just get a cotton ball and dip in a teaspoon of honey. Apply on the affected part of the lip and leave it there for about 30 minutes before rinsing. Do this two to three times a day.

Baking Soda

Create a baking soda paste to help reduce swelling and inflammation of the lip. To create your own baking soda paste, mix a spoon of baking soda and a teaspoon of water. Apply the baking soda paste on the affected lip and leave it there for a few minutes. Use cold water when rinsing and repeat when necessary. ⁽⁷⁾

Medical approach/remedies

If you have tried the aforementioned remedies at home, but the swelling is still there and won’t go away, then it is time for you to ask help from a medical professional. There are various medical remedies for upper lip swelling and these include the following:

• Adrenaline injections – If the swelling of the lip is caused by an allergy, an adrenaline injection is commonly used. What it does is it counteracts the harmful effects produced by the immune system. However, not all people qualify for adrenaline injections. You have to discuss with your health care provider if you are suffering from other health problems. It is the doctor who will decide if you are going to receive adrenaline injections or not.
• Antihistamines – Drugs that belong to the antihistamine group can help relieve the symptoms of swollen upper lip. They are prescribed by doctors. The doctor usually prescribe oral antihistamine. However, if the symptoms are severe, the doctor could resort to other forms. In the case of anaphylaxis, an emergency treatment should be given to the patient as soon as possible.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs – Corticosteroids are quick when it comes to alleviating pain and swelling. There are over the counter corticosteroids and prescription drugs too. Prescription corticosteroids are tested and proven effective in the treatment of swelling of the upper lip. ^{(8, 9, 10)}

References:

1. http://www.webmd.boots.com
2. www.medicinenet.com
3. www.wowremedies.com
4. www.healcure.org
5. health.knowfacts.org
6. www.stylecraze.com
7. www.medhealthdaily.com
8. www.steadyhealth.com
9. www.medscape.com
10. www.stylecraze.com

Ingrown hair is a hair follicle that grown and curled back inside, instead growing upward outside the skin of vaginal surface.

A very common skin conditions occurring primarily in women. Develop bumps after shaved or waxed, can be a perfect site for ingrown hairs on the labia of a vagina.

Most bumps ranged from very small and no pain to large and painful. Large bumps are usually itchy, elevated red colored inflammation that looks like a pimple, when become infected the center of the bumps contain pus. Ingrown hair is a benign illness, which frequently appears as a small dark or occasionally pink bump underneath the skin.

Sometimes, a small pinpoint (often tan) region of the primary hair may be seen beneath the skin bump. Some widespread cases, numerous small red or pink tiny bumps of hair follicles might be seen on any skin part that has been recurrently shaved, such as face, neckline, armpits, legs, and pubic area. ⁽⁴⁾

Largely, most ingrown hair is pathologically harmless. Nevertheless, it can also result in mutilating and cause to scarring, skin colored hyperpigmentation, and possibly secondary skin infection. ⁽¹⁰⁾ Hyperpigmentation can be observed, which happens when the infected area is darker than the adjacent skin.

Moreover, improper removal/shaving techniques and blockage of the hair follicles against the growth direction is more likely the reason of ingrown hair. ^{(1, 2, 3)}

Image 1 : An illustration of ingrown hair
Photo Source : www.healthline.com

Figure 2 : An ingrown hair from after shaving
Image Source : www.treatcurefast.com

Who are prone to experiencing ingrown hair on vagina?

Most females with naturally dense and wavy types of hair follicles are more susceptible to having ingrown hairs on the vagina, especially the labia part and in the lining of the outer region of genital (bikini lining).

They consist of two types of bumps when hair follicles embedded back on the vaginal lips such as:

• Papules – are solid, small, elevated inflammation usually no pus present.
• Pustules – are round, small lesions that are red to yellowish or colorless cores with pus. ⁽⁵⁾

Even though the bumps are natural after shaving, waxing/plucking, there are still some secondary infections such as the following:

• Herpes – is a sexually transmitted disease (STD), asymptomatic. Sexually active individuals are prone to Herpes.  The two viruses responsible for herpes are the herpes simplex type 1 and herpes simplex type 2.
• Boils – also known as Carbuncle or Furuncle is an abscess caused by bacterium Staphylococcus aureus in the skin. Furuncle is a skin disease straight to the hair follicle, and the most common boil that have one or more intros onto the skin and possibly will be linked with a chills and fever. Carbuncle is a larger abscess that comprises a cluster of hair follicles and encompasses a bigger part as compared to furuncle. A carbuncle refers to the condition of hard lump in the skin formed. ⁽⁶⁾
• Genital warts – It is medically known as condyloma acuminata or venereal warts. The human papillomavirus (HPV) is the one responsible for the development of genital warts. Many types of these viruses had been discovered and there are about 40 viruses to date.

Cardinal signs and symptom of ingrown hair on vagina?

• Itchiness/irritation
• Pain
• Red spots
• Hyperpigmentation
• Pus filled bumps

What causes ingrown hair on vagina?

• Irritation caused by shaving, tweezing, and waxing of hair on the vaginal region.
• Used of improper shaving tools or unclean shaving tools such as razors and blade.
• Wrong or improper shaving techniques
• Wearing of tight clothing that can irritate the vaginal region. ⁽⁷⁾

Home remedies for ingrown hair on vagina

Some Ingrown vaginal hair can heal itself without any treatment. You can decrease the possibility of having ingrown hair on the vagina by following these simple remedies:

1. Soak in bathtubs with warm water for about 15 minutes. It helps exfoliate dead skin and allows hair follicles to grow back again. It also cleanses the infected area using antibacterial soap
2. When shaving, make sure you shave where the hair follicles grow to prevent irritation of the roots of the hair. If the hair growth is massive, you have to trim first prior to shaving.
3. If there are painful bumps, you can somehow soothe them by placing cucumber on top of the bumps. Cucumber has cooling and anti-inflammatory property.
4. You can also cure the bump caused by razor burn by gentle and careful application of salicylic acid.
5. Use a clean blade every time you shave to prevent bumps and other forms of infection.
6. A topical antibacterial cream can help cure the bump and prevent ingrown hair on the vagina. However, you have to be very careful when it comes to using antibacterial cream on your vagina. See to it that you will use a cream that is prescribed by your doctor.
7. Use tea tree oil to cure the infection as it has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
8. A razor burn can be reduced by placing black tea bags on the infected part.
9. For shaving rash and bumps, a baking soda can be used. It is also a perfect home remedy for itchiness of the labia (vaginal lip) and other parts of the body.
10. Make sure that before you shave the vaginal hair, you have to thoroughly clean the vagina first. The same thing goes after shaving.
11. Make it a habit to use a clean underwear at all times. Avoid wearing tight fitting underwear and make it a habit to change your underwear every day. Choose an underwear that is made from cotton fabric.
12. If you are sensitive to shaving, then you can use other hair removal measures such as laser hair removal. This will help prevent the occurrence of ingrown hair on the vagina. Laser hair removal is painless and will not cause trauma to the vaginal region. For permanent hair removal in any parts of the body, the best remedy is electrolysis.
13. Strengthen your immune system by taking vitamin C. ^{(8, 9, 10)}

If you are still suffering from razor burns and ingrown hair on the vagina despite the preventive measures mentioned above, then it is now high time to see your doctor.

References:

1. http://www.express.co.uk
2. http://www.healtreatcure.org
3. http://www.wikihow.com
4. http://www.newhealthadvisor.com
5. www.clearskinstudy.com
6. http://www.medicinenet.com
7. http://www.emedicinehealth.com
8. http://www.livestrong.com
9. http://www.healthline.com
10. http://www.treatcurefast.com

An ingrown hair pertains to the backward curling of hair into the skin or on the surface of the skin that develops into small swelling-like pimples.

The condition is called ingrown hair cyst. An ingrown hair cyst affects the hair follicle. It is known for other names like folliculitis, pilar and isthmus-catagen cyst.

Can a simple ingrown hair turn into a cyst? Well, it all starts with an infection. The ingrown hair begins to pop discharges causing to pain and discomfort. It is important to get rid of the cyst as soon as possible to avoid worsening of the condition.

If it gets infected with bacteria, the cyst will be filled up with pus that is yellow or green in color ⁽¹⁾. The cyst appears as a large lump or boils. It affects various parts of the body such as:

• Face
• Bikini
• Armpit
• Groin
• Inner thigh
• Scalp
• Penile shaft
• Under the chin

How long does an ingrown hair last?

An ingrown hair appears after a few days after a close shave or other methods of hair removal. It starts with a small bump on the skin that looks like a pimple. You can see the trapped hair within the bump. Ingrown hair usually goes away after the hair grows out naturally. It can last for a few days to several weeks. There will be a mild discomfort but it can be eased with warm compress. ^{(2, 3)}

What are the causes of ingrown hair cyst?

• Excessive drying of the skin
• Improper shaving techniques.
• Diseases involving the hair follicle
• Hormonal imbalance
• Bacterial or fungal infection
• Cystic acne
• Clogged pores
• Improper waxing technique
• Curly hair
• High sex hormone level which could lead to increased hair growth

What are the symptoms?

• Itching
• The skin becomes tender
• Bump
• Bruises around the cyst
• Inflammation
• A fluid sac that appears yellow or white. When the color turns to green, it means that it is already infected.

Image 1 : An image of an ingrown hair cyst
Photo Source : www.treatcurefast.com

Picture 2 : An image of an infected ingrown hair cyst
Photo Source : usercontent2.hubstatic.com

How to get rid of ingrown hair cyst at home?

• Tea tree oil – It is one of the natural treatments for ingrown hair cysts. It can help get rid of the infection because of its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial property. Add a few drops of the oil to a little water. Use the solution to clean the affected area every day. Leave the solution for a few minutes and rinse with lukewarm water.
• Aloe Vera – This plant has long been used for maintaining hair and skin health. Put a few drops of aloe vera to the cyst to help fight the infection and speed up the healing process.
• Warm Water – If you don’t have aloe vera or tea tree oil at home, then you can use warm water to relieve the redness, swelling, and pain. Do this once you notice the onset of the infection. It is important to detect the infection right away to start the treatment and prevent worsening of the condition. ^{(3, 4)}
  Advanced treatment methods for ingrown hair cyst
• Prescription creams – Dermatologists usually recommend steroids to alleviate the pain, swelling, and itching. A topical steroidal cream alleviates mild to moderate inflammation. It also reduces itching and irritation. For severe cases, the best option is oral corticosteroid such as prednisolone and hydrocortisone. Corticosteroids have side effects and so it should only be used upon the prescription of your doctor.
• Antibiotic pills ⁽⁵⁾ – If you use prescription creams and there are side effects, the doctor usually recommends antibiotic pills. An antibiotic cream can be prescribed too depending on the severity of the condition of the patient.
  Pain medications – Ingrown hair cyst can be painful, especially in severe cases. The pain is intense if the cyst is located in areas like armpit and pubic area. To alleviate the pain, you should take over the counter pain medication like ibuprofen. A high dose of pain killer should be used for intense pain. However, you will need prescription from your doctor as high dose pain killers cannot be purchased over the counter.
• Tretinoin ⁽⁴⁾ – It is a form of vitamin A, which helps renew the skin cells. It reduces skin plugging and gets rid of accumulation of dirt and dead skin cells thereby reducing the chances of ingrown hair cyst.
• Injections – If the cyst is infected, an injection is given to prevent worsening of the condition. Not receiving the right treatment could lead to secondary infection. Patients are usually given an injection of antibacterial solution or retinoid solution.
• Anti-acne drugs – Acne creams help in preventing the formation of scars. Most anti-acne drugs contain salicylic acid, which helps exfoliate the skin. It dries out the cyst and eventually get rid of it with long term use.

Surgical approach

When all other treatment methods fail, the last resort is surgery. Ingrown hair cyst, especially if large in size can cause aesthetic discomfort. Hence, it should be removed through surgical approach. Other way of removing it is through laser surgery technique.

It will be a minor operation and can be done in the clinic of the surgeon. The doctor will use local anesthesia and will make incision. When filled with pus, the surgeon will drain the pus to get rid of all the content. ⁽³⁾

New treatment approach for ingrown hair cyst

The argon laser is a new treatment approach for removing ingrown hair cyst. It uses ionized argon as an active medium. Its goal is to photocoagulate. The laser coagulates the undesired hair and skin. It targets the hair follicle and destroys the roots. This method is highly effective and does not cause damage to the surrounding tissues. ^{(1, 2)}

What you can do to prevent ingrown hair cyst?

• When shaving, make sure you are going to use clean and sharp razors. Observe the proper shaving technique.
• If you have a sensitive skin or super soft skin, you have to apply a cream or skin conditioner prior to shaving for easier hair removal.
• Avoid shaving against the grain. The direction of your shave should be into the direction of the hair growth.
• Keep the razor clean before and after use. By doing so, you will be able to avoid build-up of infection-causing microorganism.
• As much as possible, use fewer stroke when shaving.
• Make it a habit to exfoliate your skin to get rid of dead skin cells that may cause the hair to be clogged beneath the skin’s surface.
• You should keep the skin clean at all times.
• Do not scratch the skin using your nails, especially when the irritation occurs after shaving.
• You should avoid wearing too tight clothing to reduce curling of the hair that could lead to ingrown hair cyst. ^{(7, 8)}

References:

1. https://medlicker.com
2. www.healcure.org
3. www.lightskincure.org
4. dailyknowledgetree.com
5. www.wowremedies.com
6. www.healtreatcure.org
7. www.healtholino.com
8. www.tandurust.com

Pimple scabs also known as acne scab is a red and sore formation that form after popping a pimple. Scabs appear in red, brown and even black color.

Scabs can be permanent, although most fade over a period of time or depending on the types of treatment used. However, if not properly treated will leave marks on infected areas (pimple scars) such as the face, neck, back, and other parts of the body. _⁽¹⁾

There are a lot of remedies for pimple scab to prevent secondary infection. How do you heal scabs on pimples? There are many possible contributing causes of scabs such as:

• Popping or pricking the pimples
• Lack of proper hygiene
• Stress
• Unhealthy food intake
• Sedentary lifestyle

According to acne expert Dr. Schweiger, “The formation of scabs on the skin indicate that the skin is healing.  Do attempt to pick these scabs off of the skin, which can cause scarring. ⁽⁷⁾

Crusty scabs form usually on wounds or cuts to help healing. After scratching, dry crusty scabs form on the pimple’s head. They can keep scabbing over and over to yellowish and come off too early sometimes.

Image 1 : A woman with pimple scabs
Photo Source : www.medhealthdaily.com

Picture 2 : A hair follicle types of pimples
Image Source : www.dermascope.com

The pathology of acne/pimples

Pimples or medically known as acne is a type of inflammatory disease that can be caused by a multitude of factors. It primarily affects the pilosebaceous follicles. Usually, acne appears if there is an abnormal desquamation of the keratinocytes lining the sebaceous follicle thereby creating a microplug.

The pilosebaceous unit is prone to sebum plugging due to the increase in the production of androgens. The excessive sebum is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, medically known as Propionibacterium acne. It secretes various inflammatory molecules and chemotactic factors that trigger local inflammatory response. ^{(2, 3)}

What causes pimples to appear?

• Dead skin cell trapped inside the pores of the skin, which is typical during puberty
• Yeast infection
• Allergic reaction to cosmetics
• Hormonal imbalances, especially during pregnancy
• Stress
• Unhealthy food intake
• Genetics

Types of Acne

The acne can range from small patches of red skin with small bumps to large cysts that are painful to touch.

There are various types of acne and each have different underlying causes. Understanding precisely what type of acne you have can help in identifying the type of treatment you are going to use.

• Type 1 acne – There is a minimal inflammation on the affected area. There is no associated pain and irregular outbreak.
• Type 2 acne – It is characterized by mild inflammation and pain. The person will experience a regular outbreak.
• Type 3 acne – There is a moderate inflammation. The pimples are painful even when not touch. They are also filled with pus. Regular outbreak will be experienced by the patient.
• Type 4 acne – There is a serious inflammation and the pimples are very painful. They are filled with pus and regular outbreak is noticeable. ^{(4, 5)}

How to make pimple scab go away at home?

Here are important practices you should consider to get rid of pimple scabs fast and naturally at home.

1. Apply baking soda gently on the infected area daily. Mix with water to make a paste. Let it dry for 3-5 minutes. It helps by killing bacteria and fungus.
2. Cleanse your face using antibacterial soap (sulfur). This is useful in drying excessive oil, exfoliating dead skin cells, and get rid of bacteria on the surface of the skin. It can help deliquesce both blackheads and whiteheads and lessen hyperpigmentation caused by acne scars.
3. Put on moisturizer. Moisturized and intact skin is your body’s greatest defense against harmful microorganisms because it is a naturally occlusive barrier that retains moisture in and infectious agents out.
4. Drinks plenty of water, ideally 10-12 glasses per day.
5. Vitamin E oil applied topically will help remove the scab and lighten the scar.
6. Eat nutritious foods regularly. Avoid oily foods and junk foods.
7. Maintain a good hygiene and have healthy lifestyle. Be stress free. ^{(7, 8)}

How to heal acne scab quickly?

Pimple scabs can make you unconfident and uncomfortable with the way you look. Acne can be awkward and annoying for people so it’s a must to get rid of them fast and naturally so they won’t leave scars. To restore your skin to good health, you must religiously take good care of your skin and overall health and well-being.

A lot of us tend to pick at our skin, especially in areas where blemishes, pimples, scabs or bug bites are noticeable. However, this behaviour can lead to worsening of the condition. It can actually cause widespread scarring and noticeable wounds on the skin. The scars and lesions become prominent, which will surely affect one’s self-confidence and self-esteem.

Those who have severe acne breakout and severe pimple scab avoid going out in public because they fear of being judged by other people. They try to do everything they possibly can to conceal the scab. They would resort to wearing tight clothing such as long sleeves and would cover up the scab with heavy makeup.

With these drastic measures, you are unconsciously contributing to more infection. You think you are doing the right thing, but you are totally wrong. The pimple scan can get infected and it could lead to another breakout, which increases your chance of developing acne marks.  ^{(6, 9)}

Medical procedures for removing acne scab

Fortunately, there is no existing medical procedures in removing pimple scab but most scars are highly treatable. The dermatologist can used various treatments for the scar but it basically depends on the factor that causes scar formation.

Dermatologists are expert that can support you for the treatment of skin diseases. Although scars are a natural part of the skin’s healing process, they can cause pain, inconvenience, and self-consciousness. Small scars are barely difficult to notice, especially if given enough time to heal. Huge thick, raised, and indented scar need medical treatment to somehow reduce its appearance.

They can be removed or somehow improve in appearance through the help of surgical procedures like laser scar removal, microdermabrasion, chemical peels, and fat transfer therapy. ⁽¹⁰⁾

References:

1. http://www.dermascope.com
2. https://www.niams.nih.gov
3. http://thescienceofacne.com
4. http://www.medhealthdaily.com
5. http://www.mayoclinic.org
6. http://www.docshop.com
7. http://clearclinic.com
8. www.treatcurefast.com
9. www.livestrong.com
10. https://www.verywell.com

Had you experience a smelly belly button? Are you wondering what causes the foul smell?

From a medical standpoint, a smelly belly button could mean the presence of discharge due to unsanitary practices. If there is a distinct offensive smell, then it could indicate an ongoing infection.

People with belly button piercings are susceptible to smelly discharges. If the navel or belly button appears to be moist, warm, and smelly, it should be addressed right away.

What are the causes of smell belly button?

• Poor hygiene
• A developing wound
• Could suggest fungal infection
• Improper healing of the belly button secondary to piercing
• Sweat and dirt build up
• Bruised skin in the navel

Picture 1 : An image of an infected belly button secondary to piercing.
Image Source : gudhealth.com

Image 2: A belly button with stinky discharges.
Photo Source : heydoctor.org

Smelly belly button as a result of yeast or fungal infection

A smelly belly button is commonly associated with yeast infection. Candida albican loves to thrive in warm and moist environment, which leads to foul smell. There is also pain along with liquid discharges that is yellowish in color. The smell won’t go away even after washing. ⁽¹⁾

Smelly belly button during pregnancy or menstrual period

Is your belly button smelly when you are having your period or when you are pregnant? If yes, then there is a physiologic explanation to that. During your menstrual cycle or pregnancy, your body’s metabolism increases significantly, which makes you prone to sweating. If you are not the type of person who cleanses her navel regularly, moisture will build up which causes foul odor. ^{(2, 3, 4)}

A smelly bell button after undergoing surgery

Many people who recently undergone a surgery noticed that their belly button has foul smell. This mostly happens to people who just had tummy tuck or laparoscopy. Surgery usually leaves scabs on the skin, which causes the belly button to somehow emit an unpleasing smell.

Smelly navel secondary to diabetes and high blood pressure

Diabetes and high blood pressure can cause havoc to the health of your navel. These conditions could result to fishy or rotten cheese smell. There are discharges that look like cottage cheese.

A belly button that smells like anus or fecal matter

Is your belly button smell like a bowel movement? If it smells like poop, it can be an indicator that the dead skin cells are rotting in the navel. This leads to accumulation of bacteria in the navel leading to foul smell. ^{(3, 6)}

How to prevent a smelly belly button?

There are many things you can do to prevent smelly belly button. These include the following:

• When you take a bath, you have to make sure you wash you navel and rinse properly.
• After performing strenuous activities such as exercising, make sure you clean your navel to prevent the accumulation of sweat.
• Keep your belly button dry at all times. Bad microorganisms thrive in warm and moist environment and your belly button can be a perfect thriving ground if you don’t keep it clean. ^{(1, 2)}

How to treat a smelly belly button?

If there is something wrong in your belly button, the best thing to do is to see your doctor right away. The doctor will thoroughly assess your condition and will determine the right course of treatment. For mild infection, the doctor will recommend topical creams.

However, severe infection requires topical creams and ingestible antibiotics. Other treatment methods include the following:

1. An antifungal cream is used to treat a smelly navel, especially if it is caused by a yeast infection.
2. If the source of the infection is bacteria, the doctor will recommend a topical antibacterial cream. ⁽¹⁾

When is surgery needed?

A surgical approach is deemed necessary when the patient has patent urachus. The urachus is a part of the channel between the belly button and the bladder. It drains the urine in the fetus on the first trimester of pregnancy. In the 12th week of gestation, the urachus closes and obliterates.

All that is left is a tiny fibrous cord, which is medically known as the median umbilical ligament.  A patent urachus occurs when the urachus did not totally seal off. It causes the urine to leak at the umbilicus, which causes a foul smelling belly button. To correct this problem, a surgery is required. ^{(4, 5)}

How to get rid of smelly belly button at home?

• To get rid of smelly belly button, you should begin with keeping your navel clean at all times. When cleansing the area, you have to use salt water or saline solution. It helps absorb excess moisture. Make it a habit to clean the navel regularly and pat dry to prevent moist.
• As much as possible, you have to avoid applying creams or lotions in the belly button. They make the navel moist thereby attracting harmful microorganisms.
• Cleaning the belly button with a rubbing alcohol helps, but make sure you will not put too much rubbing alcohol. The proper way of cleansing is dipping the cotton ball in a rubbing alcohol. Swab the cotton in the belly button two times a day to prevent foul smell.
• If there is an ongoing infection in the belly button, you can somehow get rid of it by using tea tree oil. This oil is known for its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It hastens healing of the navel infection.
• If there is redness and the navel appears sore, you can alleviate the redness and swelling through warm compress. ^{(6, 7)}

If you keep the belly button clean and dry at all times but still there is an odd smell that seems to not go away, then the best thing to do is to consult your doctor. A recurring infection could indicate a more serious problem that warrant immediate medical attention.

As mentioned above, a course of treatment which includes topical and ingested drugs will be used to thoroughly get rid of infection. If there is a severe infection, you have to avoid putting anything on the belly button. Do not self-treat, especially if you are not so sure of what you are doing.

You could inflict more harm than good. If the infection won’t go away, the best thing to do is to consult your doctor. ⁽⁷⁾

References:

1. www.medguidance.com
2. www.treatcurefast.com
3. www.livestrong.com
4. www.isitnormal.com
5. www.newhealthadvisor.com
6. www.healcure.org
7. www.zocdoc.com