Hygiene is crucial to long-term health and well-being. Taking a shower helps us stay clean all day, but certain parts of our bodies require extra attention. Think of the underarms, area behind the knees, ankles and last but not least, the belly button. While a regular bath keeps the area clean, learn what happens when you are inconsistent with your cleaning.
Dr Rashmi Sharma, senior consultant – dermatology, Fortis, Gurgaon, shared that if you don’t clean your belly button for a month, a few things can happen — most of them unpleasant.
“The belly button is a small, enclosed space where sweat, dead skin cells, natural oils, and clothing fibres easily accumulate. Left alone for weeks, this buildup can lead to noticeable odour, itching, redness, and sometimes a waxy or pasty discharge,” she told indianexpress.com.
In more severe cases, the trapped debris can harden into what’s known as a navel stone (or omphalolith), which can be painful and may need to be removed by a healthcare professional, she said, adding that the moist environment can also encourage bacterial or yeast overgrowth, occasionally leading to an infection.
Avoid harsh scrubbing or using anything sharp. (Source: Freepik)
Elaborating on why it is essential to keep the belly button clean, Dr Sharma said that it prevents this buildup, reduces the risk of irritation or infection, and helps maintain healthy skin. “It’s the same principle as cleaning behind your ears or between your toes – anywhere sweat and skin cells can get trapped deserves regular attention,” she said.
How can you keep it clean?
According to Dr Sharma, the best way to clean it is simple and gentle:
- Use warm water and mild soap in the shower. Clean your navel with your fingertips or a soft washcloth.
- Rinse well. Soap residue can irritate the skin if left inside the navel.
- Dry it thoroughly. Moisture left behind can encourage yeast growth. Pat gently with a towel or let it air dry.
For deeper cleaning (if needed), Dr Sharma recommended using a cotton swab lightly dipped in warm water or a bit of gentle soap to help reach inside deeper navels. “Avoid harsh scrubbing or using anything sharp. If there’s redness, pain, odour that doesn’t go away, or discharge, the belly button may be infected,” she said. That’s the point of seeing a healthcare professional rather than trying to treat it yourself.
Story continues below this ad
Regular, simple hygiene keeps the belly button healthy and prevents the month-long buildup that can turn it into a tiny but troublesome problem.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
