The reasons for developing belly button infections can be many. This article discusses their causes and preventive measures.
The most common belief about belly button infections is that it is caused only because of piercing. Though this is one of the prominent causes of infections, there are other causes too, which we must consider for proper prevention and treatment.
General Information
The belly button can get infected due to some peculiar kinds of bacteria causing bleeding or excretions of white substance or some other symptoms like pain and soreness. You may experience nausea if the intensity of the infection is high. Pathogens such as fungi and bacteria coupled with touching with unwashed hands or bathing in impure and polluted water are known to cause infections. Though piercing is done for a style or fashion statement, it can be harmful to your body and cause infection if done in a wrong manner. The first sight would be bleeding with discharge of pus, which may be green, yellow, or gray in color. The stage in which a fluid called ‘pus’ is released is known as ‘cellulitis’. The stage in which yellowish-green discharge is seen due to the bleeding of the piercing wound is known as ‘septicemia’. You might experience pain due to the infected ring.
The possibility of the infected area becoming red is high. If you neglect the infections and do not treat it in time, you will have to face very serious consequences. There is every possibility of the development of abscess due to early negligence, and prolonged negligence can prove fatal for the infected person. There are some more effects of delaying the treatment. They are infection of the abdomen and also food poisoning. This can happen if the untreated infection spreads and reaches to the other parts of the body. Infections of the belly button may lead to further complications such as high fever and frequent body aches in many parts of the body. In such critical circumstances, the patient may be suggested hospitalization to avoid further damage.
How to Treat the Infections
If your case is very severe, you may be prescribed a heavy dose of antibiotics by your physician or consulting doctor. If you find that your belly button region is sore, visit your doctor immediately without delaying for proper counseling and treatment immediately. In most of the cases, infections aggravate due to the lack of consciousness and medical knowledge among the people.
To avoid getting an infection, you should properly wash your navel area every day. Note that this should not be done too roughly or for too long as this can invite problems without any reason. After you have a bath or a swim, you should ensure that there is no water remaining in the pierced area by drying it properly.
If your belly button is pierced, then make sure that the ring does not contain nickel, and avoid removing it as doing so can cause the wound to spread.
Dissolve a teaspoon of sea salt in a glass of warm water. Dab the infected area with this saline water using a cotton ball. This will help drain the puss and reduce the swelling. Wipe away the puss with a cotton ball. Now, dip a clean cotton ball in an antibacterial soap and wipe the infected area followed by wiping with a wet paper towel. At last, dry the infected area using a clean dry paper towel.
Apply antiseptic creams which are available in the market only after taking suggestions or advise from your family doctor.
Thus the aforementioned treatment options will help avoid the complications that may arise from the infections.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
