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A 18-year-old female asked:

Why is my belly button is red and smelly ?

1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Richard Zimon
Internal Medicine 61 years experience
Sounds like: "OMPHALITIS" (infection/inflammation of the belly button..HYGIENE is important. Wash the area with sap and water daily and use some Rubbing alcohol on a Q TIP to CAREFULLY CLEAN the area! An antibacterial OTC ointment should be applied after the above Hope this is helpful Dr Z
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Similar questions

A 44-year-old member asked:

What to do if I have redness of belly button what does it mean?

1 doctor answer2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Charles Cattano
Gastroenterology 41 years experience
Belly-button pain: Belly-button (umbilical) pain may originate locally due to infection or herniation, or be "referred" from another abdominal location like the appendix. Signs/symptoms of concern include: local redness & drainage, umbilical bulging that can't be reduced with gentle pressure, fever, vomiting, change in bowels, generalized abdominal tenderness (suggests peritonitis), worsening pain.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 46-year-old member asked:

What to do about red raw wounds in belly button?

1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Tracy Berg
General Surgery 34 years experience
Umbilical wound: If you have had surgery, hernia repair, laprascope, at your umbilicus, then call and check in with your surgeon. If this is a spontaneous wound, okay to clean the area, soap and water, avoid oil based antibiotic ointments. If not better in a day or two, get checked by your regular doc. There are several other potential diagnoses.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
Roswell, NM
A 17-year-old female asked:

What does it mean when your belly button is red and crusty?

3 doctor answers7 doctors weighed in
Dr. Glynis Ablon
Dermatology 31 years experience
I would be : concerned about infection like impetigo. Try cleaning with hydrogen peroxide, and apply topical antibiotic ointment. If not better in a week see your derm
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 48-year-old member asked:

Red/brown liquid in belly button, what is this?

1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Heidi Fowler
Psychiatry 27 years experience
That could be : A combination of older and newer blood. An infection may be the cause of naval bleeding – especially if there is discharge, pain or odor. A second cause for bleeding can be trauma. A frequent scenario is when someone sticks their finger in their umbilicus to search for “lint” and they scratch or abrade the skin.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
A 41-year-old member asked:

Why is my toddler's belly button red inside?

1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Oscar Novick
Pediatrics 60 years experience
Belly button: Your toddler may have a low grade infection in his belly button. Have him soak in a bath of warm soapy water to which you have added 3 tablespoons of bleach. After the bath apply an antibiotic ointment. Do this 2-3 times daily
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

Related questions

A 18-year-old female asked about a 18-year-old female:
Since I've gained waight I have a smelly liquid coming from my belly button. It is also red inside?
2 doctor answers2 doctors weighed in
A 19-year-old male asked:
My belly button is itchy red crusty smelly and bleeding ?
1 doctor answer2 doctors weighed in
A 21-year-old male asked about a 21-year-old female:
There's bruseing and redness around my wife's belly button what does that mean?
1 doctor answer1 doctor weighed in
Last updated Nov 4, 2017
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