Because your belly button is dark and oftentimes damp, it provides the perfect breeding ground for the likes of bacteria and yeast, both of which are commonly present on the skin. When the said microbes multiply out of control, your belly button may end up infected.
Poor hygiene practices, being overweight, belly button piercing, having diabetes — all of these things can increase your odds of having a belly button infection.
You certainly do not want to have your belly button infected by bacteria or yeast because it can come with pain, redness and swelling. Sometimes pus is present, as with the case of most skin infections. A doctor should be seen if your belly button infection is severe so that you may be prescribed with antibiotics.
There are certain steps that you may take at home if the infection is mild to moderate only. Some of the most effective home remedies for an infected belly button are:
- Salt water. In a cup of lukewarm water, dissolve a teaspoon of salt. The resulting mixture possesses disinfecting properties that can help speed up the healing of that infected belly button. Clean your belly button with the said mixture using a cotton ball. Dry thoroughly afterwards, then apply an antibacterial ointment.
- Tea tree oil. No matter if your belly button infection is caused by bacteria or yeast, tea tree oil can do the trick. In a teaspoon of olive oil or coconut oil, add 5 drops of tea tree oil. Apply on the affected area using a cotton swab. After 10 minutes, gently wipe it off with tissue paper.
- Aloe vera. If you have aloe vera in your garden, it only means that you have quick access to an all-natural antibiotic each time you are bugged by a minor skin infection like an infected belly button. All you have to do is let a thin layer of the gel to dry on the infected site, and then gently wash off with distilled water afterwards.
- Calendula. Another home remedy for a belly button infection that may be present in your garden is calendula. Pounding 2 to 3 calendula flowers allows you to obtain juice enough to be applied on your belly button. Similarly, you may simply buy a tube of calendula ointment from your local herbal shop.
- Turmeric. We all know that turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, and that’s why you may count on it if you have a belly button infection. Simply add a few drops of distilled water to a teaspoon of turmeric. Apply the paste on the problem area. Once dry, carefully remove as much of the paste as you can with a tissue.
