Should I be worried about getting a serious infection?

[beq45]

I noticed three days ago that I had a brown crust inside of my belly button and that there was a foul odor coming from it. I figured that this was due to a sweat buildup and made sure I cleaned my belly button thoroughly in the shower, and the problem seemed to be resolved. I exercise a lot and think that there might be a bacterial/fungal infection inside of my belly button that originated from the sweat, since I didn't have any cuts or scrapes in the area. The day after, however, the inside of my belly button looked red and irritated and seemed to be oozing. It almost looked like there was a red ring inside. I read that fungal infections in belly buttons happen, so I got some anti-fungal cream. This seems to be working somewhat, but I don't think the issue has gone away completely. I was thinking about going to an urgent care clinic, since my doctor isn't available on the clinic, but would prefer to see my regular doctor on Monday. Would that be too long to wait?

[NotDeadYet]

Beq45

It happens to me frequently for the same reasons. The belly button is very sensitive and will turn red at the smallest irritation. My rule of thumb is if it doesn't clear up in two weeks and/or it begins creating other symptoms, then I make an appointment with the doctor. You are probably safe to follow the same rule in this situation.

Best Wishes.

[beq45]

Beq45

It happens to me frequently for the same reasons. The belly button is very sensitive and will turn red at the smallest irritation. My rule of thumb is if it doesn't clear up in two weeks and/or it begins creating other symptoms, then I make an appointment with the doctor. You are probably safe to follow the same rule in this situation.

Best Wishes.

I've been trying to keep it clean with soap and water and dry it out thoroughly after showering. Besides doing that, what else works for you?

[Carys]

I was thinking about going to an urgent care clinic

Really, why would you even consider it for this minor (probably nothing at all) issue? Even if there was some sort of fungal skin thing going in in that very localised area, then it most certainly doesn't come under the 'emergency' umbrella. Even if there is some minor skin infection......ditto. Suggestion - Wipe it out with a cotton bud and antiseptic twice a day and see how you get on. I'd certainly not even be going to my GP until I'd tried a few things first.

[beq45]

Really, why would you even consider it for this minor (probably nothing at all) issue? Even if there was some sort of fungal skin thing going in in that very localised area, then it most certainly doesn't come under the 'emergency' umbrella. Even if there is some minor skin infection......ditto. Suggestion - Wipe it out with a cotton bud and antiseptic twice a day and see how you get on. I'd certainly not even be going to my GP until I'd tried a few things first.

I was considering going to an urgent care clinic because as you said, it's definitely not an emergency, but my primary care physician is not available on weekends and I don't want what might be a minor infection that I've already been dealing with several days to turn into something worse. The belly button is near a lot of important organs and I don't want a potential skin infection to turn inward and start attacking vital organs.

[Fishmanpa]

I agree with the others but do what you feel you need to do as the replies and reassurance aren't helping :shrug:

Positive thoughts

[Dying_Swan]

I've had this a few times. I just treat it with antifungal cream, and try to keep your belly button dry as you're already doing. Minor fungal infections thrive in warm, damp places. I'm not a doctor, so by all means see one if you're worried, but it's not something I'd seek medical attention for as an otherwise healthy adult.

[beq45]

I've had this a few times. I just treat it with antifungal cream, and try to keep your belly button dry as you're already doing. Minor fungal infections thrive in warm, damp places. I'm not a doctor, so by all means see one if you're worried, but it's not something I'd seek medical attention for as an otherwise healthy adult.

Would it be a bad idea to use both anti fungal cream and hydrogen peroxide, or should I use one or the other?

[MyNameIsTerry]

I was considering going to an urgent care clinic because as you said, it's definitely not an emergency, but my primary care physician is not available on weekends and I don't want what might be a minor infection that I've already been dealing with several days to turn into something worse. The belly button is near a lot of important organs and I don't want a potential skin infection to turn inward and start attacking vital organs.

Don't you feel that is digging yourself into a rabbit hole with negative thinking? Aren't you leaping to the worst case scenarios for what is likely a minor health issue?

[beq45]

Don't you feel that is digging yourself into a rabbit hole with negative thinking? Aren't you leaping to the worst case scenarios for what is likely a minor health issue?

Probably. I feel like I often think about the worst case scenario, but don't a lot of serious infections start off with small issues like this that people let go on for too long?

[MyNameIsTerry]

Probably. I feel like I often think about the worst case scenario, but don't a lot of serious infections start off with small issues like this that people let go on for too long?

I'm not sure, some will, but how many start off small and that's all? We tend to here about the bad cases but we won't hear about the millions of basic infections treated daily everywhere. Which are you more likely to experience? Why don't people with HA think the same way about their chances of the worst? How important are a few days?

[Pkstracy]

This happens especially if you keep messing with it and sticking finger in it don't use soap inside it will dry it out and irritate it just let water run in it gently and if you have tea tree oil rub a little around the outside of belly button, I have only had infection one time and been doing steps above never had another one, don't even stick a Qtip in there.

[Midnight-mouse]

Being a slightly bigger girl and just existing through the summer I’ve had this more than once. I’ve never treated it with anything or thought more about it, I’ll dry the area when I notice it’s bad and then leave it alone, it is often sore for a few days and then will start to clear up on its own.

Positive vibes.

Mouse


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[Dying_Swan]

I'm not familiar with hydrogen peroxide I'm afraid so I'm not sure, but antifungal cream always clears it up for me.

[Carys]

I don't want what might be a minor infection that I've already been dealing with several days to turn into something worse. The belly button is near a lot of important organs and I don't want a potential skin infection to turn inward and start attacking vital organs.

You do know that your body is designed to deal with minor infections and deals with them all the time. This is literally nothing, a red sore area, with some weeping in your belly button, which some people get (I've seen it mentioned here before). Start attacking vital organs ?? Sorry but :roflmao: