navel pain

Dear Sir,
I am a 25 year old healthy woman. I have experienced an issue with navel pain twice in the past and it has returned for a third time. The first two times it began with slight pain in and above my navel and progressed to what appeared to be an infection. The area above my navel became red and hot and there was a large amount of greenish discharge from my navel. Both times I went to the doctor. Both times they had no idea what it was (other than the obvious infection), nor what caused it. I was put on antibiotics both times and it didn't seem to help. The pain is so severe that it is impossible to bend over and even hurts to walk. After the first incident I have been extremely vigilant in keeping the area clean and dry. Is there a condition that would be causing these symptoms? If so what is the treatment? Thank you very much for your time.

[Vanessa Lacuesta]

Hi

This appears to be a chronic recurrent infection which may need further evaluation. I suggest that you have this assessed by a medical internist so that a complete examination may be done. An ultrasound or CT scan of the abdomen may help exclude any involvement of deeper structures. A previous injury ( eg piercing) to the area or previous history of surgery and infections in the area may be contributory.

A culture and sensitivity test of the discharge as well as microscopic examination of the discharge will be able to help ascertain the organisms that may be causing the condition.

Are you diabetic?

[katiedid7]

Thank you for responding so quickly. To answer your question, no I am not diabetic. Also I have never had my navel pierced or otherwise injured. I spoke to my mother and she said that I never had an issue when I was young. I'll make an appointment tomorrow with an internist. Thank you for your help!