United Kingdom
A 18-year-old female asked:
Why is my belly button is red and smelly ?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Richard Zimonanswered
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
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
489 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Similar questions
A 44-year-old member asked:
What to do if I have redness of belly button what does it mean?
1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

Dr. Charles Cattanoanswered
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.
697 viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
What to do about red raw wounds in belly button?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Tracy Berganswered
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.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Roswell, NM
A 17-year-old female asked:
What does it mean when your belly button is red and crusty?
3 doctor answers • 7 doctors weighed in

Dr. Glynis Ablonanswered
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.
3.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Red/brown liquid in belly button, what is this?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Heidi Fowleranswered
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.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Why is my toddler's belly button red inside?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

Dr. Oscar Novickanswered
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.
3.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Last updated Nov 4, 2017
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