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When you think of all different holes on your body that can be infected, you could completely ignore your belly button. But belly button infections are absolutely a thing. You can thank the natural structure of this part of the body for that.
Belly pimples contain a lot of wrinkles that allow the accumulation of dead skin cells, sweat and various microorganisms. Cynthia Bailey, M.D., graduate of the American Board of Dermatology and founder of Dr. Bailey Skin Care, says SELF. In addition, people often neglect to wash their belly button well, adds Dr. Bailey. (Or … at all.)
Like other areas of your body, your belly button naturally contains bacteria and fungi. If you do not clean the navel regularly and the circumstances are right, microorganisms can proliferate and cause infection, says Edidiong Kaminska, MD, a dermatologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. There are also some other mechanisms behind common belly button infections.
Here are five different navel infections that you can contract, as well as their symptoms.
1. Staphylococcal infection
Technically, any type of bacteria can cause a belly button infection, says Jules SELF, an badistant professor of dermatology at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. However, says Dr. Lipoff, bacteria Staphylococcus aureus is often behind the belly button infections because it tends to cause many skin infections in general.
Staphylococcal infection can manifest itself in various ways, particularly in the form of a highly contagious disease called impetigo, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Non-bullous impetigo may cause symptoms such as itchy pimples that burst and leave behind red and raw skin, as well as a yellow crust, AAD said. Then there is the bullous impetigo, which can lead to fluid-filled blisters that crack and leave crusty sores, AAD said. Between wounds and crust, both types of impetigo have a lot of rudeness in common. One of the main differentiating factors is that bullous impetigo does not tend to cause redness of the skin, whereas non-bullous impetigo does. AAD points out.
Skin infections with staphylococci can also cause abscess, according to the Manuel Merck, which are essentially small pockets of hot pus that are under the skin.
It's possible to have a bacterial infection such as Staph in the navel, because that's exactly what your body decides to do that day, but getting a navel piercing is a big risk factor, says Dr. Lipoff. "[It’s] That's the most common reason why I saw a belly button infection, "she says.
If you get your belly button perforated, ask your piercer how to tell the difference between the normal healing process and the potential signs of a bacterial infection. Also follow the post-treatment piercing instructions diligently.
If you have recently had a navel piercing and think you have an infection (or if you think you have a navel infection, menstruation), you should consult your dermatologist or see a doctor. emergency care center depending on the severity of your symptoms. Your doctor may try to determine the type of bacteria causing the problem and then suggest a treatment such as antibiotics help.
2. A streptococcal infection
Streptococcus Bacteria are another common cause of global skin infections and belly button infections in particular, says Dr. Lipoff.
As Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus can cause impetigo. It can also cause cellulite, which usually occurs when the group A streptococcus bacteria enters your body through an opening of the skin such as a cut, as the case may be. National Library of Medicine of the United States.
Cellulite can cause a painful, red, painful and swollen rash that can form blisters and a crust, National Library of Medicine of the United States said. It can also spread beyond your skin and touch your underlying tissues. fever, chills and swollen lymph nodes. If you notice this kind of symptoms, consult a doctor as soon as possible. antibiotics.
3. A yeast infection
Your bad does not have the monopoly of yeast infections. This type of infection can also impact your health. mouth, throat, esophagusand, in this case, your navel.
The medical term for this fungal infection is candidiasis, and it happens when candida (yeast) that normally lives on your skin becomes uncontrollable, the Centers for Disaster Control and Prevention (CDC) says. If this happens in your belly button, you will usually notice a red rash, flaky skin, a clear discharge, itching and a burning sensation, depending on Johns Hopkins Medicine.
If you are almost sure of having a yeast infection in the belly button, consult a doctor as your primary care physician. They can recommend antifungal treatments to help clarify things, says Dr. Bailey.
4. An infected squamous cyst
An epidermoid cyst is a non-cancerous lump that can appear just about anywhere on your skin, including your belly button, the Mayo Clinic said. It's basically an offender of equal opportunity.
Squamous cysts usually form when skin cells should shed become five clingers stage, digging in your skin and growing instead, the Mayo Clinic said. This can happen when your skin is extremely irritated or hurt one way or another.
You can have an epidermoid cyst on your body with zero problems for years, Gary Goldenberg, M.D., badistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Hospital, told SELF. But sometimes these cysts can break and infect, the Mayo Clinic said.
If you have an infected squamous cyst hidden in your belly button, it will probably look red, have a feeling of pain, and have a yellow or green-colored discharge, says Dr. Kaminska.
Four words for you: do not do it. To crush. The. Cyst. Having fun with a cyst can cause scarring and infection, according to the Mayo Clinic. Instead, consult your dermatologist. They may want to drain or remove the cyst and may prescribe antibiotics to treat an infection if necessary. In the meantime, the Mayo Clinic advise to put a hot compress on the cyst to help with discomfort.
5. An infected sebaceous cyst
Sebaceous cysts are very similar to squamous cysts, except that they occur because of sebaceous glands or clogged hair follicles. Mayo Clinic.
As for epidermoid cysts, a sebaceous cyst is sometimes only a size that presents no uncomfortable symptoms. But if your sebaceous cyst is infected, it can cause redness, heat and … odor discharge that the Cleveland Clinic described as "cheese-like". Who is ready for a snack?
If you have a sebaceous cyst, your doctor will be able to drain it, remove it and offer you medicines to eliminate the infection from your body if necessary. A hot compress can be nice here too.
To avoid these infections, keep your belly button clean!
Although cleaning your navel is not a guarantee of never being infected, it can go a long way, says Dr. Kaminska. She recommends washing your belly button with soap and water. If you have an innie, use a soapy finger to search every nook and cranny. It only takes a few seconds and it's a lot quicker than finally seeing a doctor for a belly button overflowing with something horrible.
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