Infection of the belly button is very common among newborns. But just because you are now an adult doesn’t mean that you are impervious to having such problem.
Actually, it is very much possible for an infected belly button to affect any one at any age because the belly button, which is deep, dark and damp, provides the kind of environment that is highly favorable for microbes! Experts say that either bacteria or fungi can make an infection of the belly button to strike.
There are a handful of factors that can increase your risk of having an infected belly button. One of them is having poor hygiene habits, which is something that can really encourage the proliferation of microorganisms in the belly button. Another one is having a belly button piercing. Especially if the procedure is done in an unsanitary manner and you fail to practice proper aftercare measures, it’s not unlikely for an infection of the belly button to happen.
Certain health conditions can also make you more susceptible to having an infected belly button. Some of them, according to experts, include sebaceous cysts, diabetes and obesity.
You can tell that your belly button is infected if it’s painful, red and swollen. Then there is also discharge coming from your belly button, which can be grayish or greenish in color. In advanced cases, you may even have fever, a very common occurrence when your immune system is trying to put an infection under control.
So what should be done if it seems like your belly button is infected? The first thing that you should do is to refrain from panicking. Then try some of the following effective home remedies:
Count on Coconut Oil
With the help of a medicine dropper, instill a few drops of coconut oil in your belly button. Lie on your back for 15 to 20 minutes to give coconut oil’s antimicrobial properties plenty of time to work. Use a washcloth or cotton pad to catch excess coconut oil when you stand up. Do this home remedy for an infected belly button 3 to 4 times per day. There is no need to rinse your belly button with water each time.
Get Better With Garlic Oil
Aside from coconut oil, another kind of oil that you may employ to deal with a belly button infection is garlic oil, which is often sold in capsule form. All you have to do is pierce a garlic oil capsule and empty all of its contents into your belly button. Allow the pungent-smelling oil to stay there for 15 to 20 minutes, and then remove excess without washing off the remaining with water. Do this up to thrice a day for immediate relief.
Blast It Using Baking Soda
You may also rely on baking soda to make that belly button infection go away in no time. What you need to do is add a few drops of distilled water to half a teaspoon of baking soda and mix very well. The resulting paste, which boasts of superb antimicrobial properties, should then be applied on your belly button. You don’t have to rinse it off with water — it will naturally fall off little by little once completely dry. Do this up to twice daily.
Try Tea Tree Oil
Everyone who is into all-natural healing knows that tea tree oil is a powerful infection fighter. You can employ this oil by diluting 4 drops of it with a teaspoon of olive oil or just about any other vegetable oil you like. Instill the mixture in your belly button and let it stay there for about 10 minutes. Use a washcloth or cotton pad to absorb the remainder. Do this home remedy up to twice daily for superb results.
If the infection going on in your belly button refuses to go away after a few days or you have fever, it’s a smart move to consult a doctor right away to keep complications from striking.
