Belly Button Issues

For the past year or so, I've had a slight problem with my belly button. Every once in a while, I'll itch my belly button and notice some pain. On closer inspection, I'll find a small clump of hair, covered in blood. I will then find a bloody sore in the very back. I was myself religiously and rinse out my belly button right before I leave the shower, so I don't think it's hygiene, i could be wrong though. When this occurs, my belly button and the small amount of hair I find inside smells absolutely terrible. Does anybody know what this is or how to get rid of it for good?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to a boil or an abscess. A boil generally starts as a reddened, tender area. Over time, the area becomes firm and hard. Eventually, the center of the abscess softens and becomes filled with pus. Finally, the pus "forms a head," which can be surgically opened or spontaneously drain out through the surface of the skin.

Boil is usually due to plugged sweat glands that become infected or by an ingrown hair.

Apply warm compresses and keep the area clean. Drainage is done only when it becomes soft and forms a head. Take some over the counter pain reliever and consult a doctor for examination and antibiotics prescription. Till then apply some Neosporin cream on the bump.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.