Belly Button Yeast Infection: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment (2024)

FAQs

Belly Button Yeast Infection: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment? ›

A belly button yeast infection is a fungal skin infection caused by a yeast called Candida. It causes a bright red, itchy rash in your navel area. Candida grow and thrive in warm, dark environments. Treatment includes creams, ointment or powders.

Call your doctor if you suspect a yeast infection in your belly button. They may suggest treating it with an over-the-counter, anti-fungal cream. They may also advise you to keep the area clean and dry. If that doesn't work, they may prescribe a stronger anti-fungal treatment.

OTC medication for belly button yeast infections

Your healthcare provider may recommend an antifungal cream, ointment or powder such as miconazole nitrate (Micatin, Monistat-Derm) or clotrimazole (Lotrimin, Mycelex) to apply directly to the skin of your belly button.

To treat an infection

Keep the skin of your belly button clean and dry. Use an antifungal powder or cream to clear up a yeast infection. For a bacterial infection, your doctor might recommend using an antibiotic ointment. Some infections may require oral antibiotic treatment, incision and drainage of the cyst, or both.

“If your belly button looks redder than usual, a bit swollen and there is purulent discharge (or pus) coming from the belly button that has a foul smell, you could have an infection,” Kadri said. Other signs to watch out for include: Pain and tenderness. Itching.

Hydrogen peroxide can easily kill fungus on the surface level but is not intended for internal use. You can pour hydrogen peroxide over the infected area, but be aware it may sting and should bubble, especially if you have any open wounds.

Soak the area in warm water for 20 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day. If it's too hard to soak the site (for example, if you had your belly button pierced), apply a warm, moist cloth instead. If your doctor told you how to care for your infected piercing, follow your doctor's instructions.

Navel fungal infections cause a rash like symptom that's red, itchy and may resemble eczema. The navel may also become red in general and feel quite sore. Skin fungal infections are also like dandruff and skin psoriasis diseases as scaly skin flakes may accompany them.

It's best to consult a healthcare provider and get rid of a yeast infection early with an OTC or prescription treatment. A single-dose oral drug is one of the fastest ways to clear up a yeast infection. It can be taken in one day, but it may take a few days for symptoms to improve.

In the event of stomach eczema, cortisone creams can be applied to the entire stomach, including areas considered more fragile such as the belly button or nipple.

What can I buy for an infected belly button? ›

A belly button yeast infection can be itchy and unpleasant. But it's easily treatable. You can prevent belly button yeast infections by keeping your navel area clean and dry. If you have symptoms of a belly button yeast infection, call your healthcare provider.

That's really no more than putting some extra attention into cleaning it. To do that, apply antibacterial soap to a washcloth or your finger and gently rub your belly button in the shower or bath. It's important to be gentle, as vigorous scrubbing can irritate the skin, which may increase your risk of infection.

The most common cause for a belly button smell is poor hygiene. All areas of the body need to be washed regularly to stay clean and healthy. Skin is home to trillions of bacteria, which develop naturally and are usually harmless. The belly button has folds of skin that provide a place for bacteria to grow.

Cellulitis makes your skin painful, hot and swollen. The area usually looks red, but this may be less obvious on brown or black skin. Your skin may also be blistered. You may also feel unwell and have flu-like symptoms, with swollen, painful glands.

The fastest — and most reliable — way to get rid of a yeast infection is to visit a doctor if you suspect you have one. They will likely prescribe fluconazole, an oral treatment that may take 1 week to get rid of the infection.

This is because bacteria break down the sweat and create a waste product that has a strong odor. If the belly button has trapped dead skin and sweat, it is likely to smell sweaty. A fungal infection is also likely to smell bad, especially if there is pus around the area.

Tea Tree Oil– This oil has antifungal and anti-bacterial properties. Just applying a few drops of tea tree oil will kill the microbes. Tea tree oil can be a great saviour for itching, swelling, and pain in the navel. Peppermint Essential Oil– Apply peppermint essential oil and coconut oil mixture in the navel region.