belly button

Dear Dr.,

For the last week my belly button has been dark pink, irritated and itching.  I have terribly dry skin problems on my upper body (arms mostly) during the winter months and have had numerous benign "moles" removed surgically.  I did have a laparoscopy procedure about 7 years ago in which the incision at my belly button became infected but it went away quickly. I do not have any piercings around that area and am wondering what is going on?  Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

Hayley:

The 2 most likely aues are a yeast infection or eczema.  Try this: at the pharmacy, pick up 1% hydrocortisone and 1% clotrimazole (both OTC). Apply each twice a day in the order described.  Of it's not gone in 10 days, se a doctor.

Yeast infections are not contagious, by the way.

Best.

Dr. Rockoff