Smelly Belly Button

[kat202]

My belly button is smelly, yet there isn't actually any noticeable pus coming from it. My mom suggested that I cleaned out my belly button with some soap and water, but it's still smelly! Should I be concerned? Should I see a doctor? Please help!

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Foul smell can be due to a boil with pus inside, or due to the umbilicus not being very clean or due to a fistula or tract being formed between navel and gut.
Though there may not be any discharge, all these causes need to be eliminated. As your mother advised, keep the navel clean. If still you get a foul smell, then consult a doctor who can examine the area, and if need be do an ultrasound or an X-ray with dye to see if there is a tract.
Take care!

[leenet_77]

hi there my daughter had that my gran told her to give it a wee clean with vith vinigar and cotton bud xxxx

[kat202]

I also recently poured Hydrogen Peroxide into my belly button, and then thoroughly cleaned it out. It still smells a little bit, and now the area around my belly button is pale. Is this okay?