Bacterial infection
The average belly button is home to 67 different types of bacteria, according to a 2012 study. If you don’t clean the area well, these bacteria could cause an infection. Belly button piercings can also get infected. Bacterial infections cause a foul-smelling discharge that can be yellow or green.
Moreover, is discharge from a piercing normal?
You might even see some white or clear fluid from the piercing — this is lymph fluid, not pus. Dr. Wexler adds that this is normal and may be noticeable for several days after your piercing. If it persists past a few days it’s good to rule out an allergy to the jewelry.
Then, is belly button discharge normal?
Discharge and smells can be a result of several different factors, though slight navel odors are typically normal. If you have a combination of foul smell and discharge, it could be a sign of: A fungal infection or yeast infection of the belly button. A bacterial infection of the belly button.
What does a infected belly button piercing look like?
Signs of infection include: severe swelling with pain and redness. yellow, green, gray, or brown discharge that has an odor. red lines that radiate from the piercing site.
Will a belly button infection go away on its own?
Though it usually disappears by the time you’re born, sometimes it remains. You might not notice it, but if it’s completely open, your navel may be wet as urine flows up and even leaks out. Your doctor will do surgery to repair the problem.
What is the white stuff coming out of my piercing?
Some earring hole infections may also be accompanied by an oozy discharge, but not all ear discharge is cause for alarm. In fact, ears sometimes secrete a white to yellow thin liquid while healing from a piercing, and sebum from your oil glands can also collect on your piercings.
Should I squeeze the pus out of my piercing?
You should never try to drain pus or fluid from the infected area. This can make the infection worse. If your symptoms are severe, see your doctor. They may prescribe antibiotics to help clear the infection.
Why is there white stuff coming out of my ear piercing?
During the healing phase, there will always be the production of either a clear liquid or white stuff that looks like mucus. If anything, the white stuff is a natural part of the healing process, and it signals that your body is cleansing the piercing.
Is it normal for pus to come out of your belly button piercing?
It’s normal for a white or yellow-colored fluid (not pus) to ooze from your new piercing. This may form a crust that can itch or feel tight. Try not to pick at it, since that will cause the area to bleed.
How do I know if my belly button piercing is being rejected?
Symptoms of piercing rejection
- The jewelry has noticeably moved from its original place.
- The amount of tissue between the entrance and exit holes gets thinner (there should be at least a quarter inch of tissue between holes).
- The entrance and exit holes increase in size.
- The jewelry starts to hang or droop differently.
How do you close a belly button piercing hole?
Is belly button discharge serious?
If your belly button is “leaking” clear or colored discharge or blood, you may have a bacterial, fungal, or yeast infection. Crusty skin, strong odor, itching, and redness are also signs of infection. If discharge and crust stick around after you wash your belly button, you should see your doctor.
How do you clean the inside of your belly button?
How to clean your bellybutton
- Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and gently rub the surfaces inside your bellybutton. …
- Once the cotton swab comes out clean, use a fresh one dipped in water to rinse the alcohol out of your bellybutton so it doesn’t dry your skin.
How long does a belly button infection take to heal?
Infections are usually minor. Symptoms can include pain, redness, and swelling, and improving hygiene can help. Complete healing can take 9–12 months.
