5 Causes of a watery navel, from trivial to dangerous

According to dr. Aditi Jha, chief doctor at online medical consulting company JustDoc, a watery belly button could be a sign of infection. Bacteria, fungi, and germs that get trapped in the navel and multiply can cause the navel to become infected. This condition is usually characterized by an odor in the navel accompanied by a white, yellowish, to brownish discharge. If the infection is severe, bleeding in the navel may also occur. The following are some of the causes of a watery navel that you need to know.

Causes of a watery navel

1. Bacterial or fungal infection

According to a study published in PLOS One, the average navel contains 67 different types of bacteria, both beneficial and harmful. Leaving the navel dirty and damp can trigger bad bacteria to breed more fertile. As a result, the good bacteria in it lose and are replaced by bad bacteria that can cause infection.

Apart from being less clean, belly button piercing is also a risk factor for infection. The open wound in the navel where you pierce it provides a door for bacteria to get under the skin and infect it.

If it is infected, the navel is usually watery with a quite disturbing smell. In addition, the discharge may no longer be clear but may be green or yellow in color, accompanied by pain. This indicates inflammation or infection.

Apart from bacterial infection, another cause of a watery navel is a yeast infection. This infection is usually caused by Candida albicans , a fungus that grows in dark, damp places including the armpits, navel, and groin. Infection will usually cause a rash accompanied by itching in the infected area. Not only that, other symptoms of a yeast infection are usually accompanied by a thick white discharge from the navel.

2. Urachal cyst

Urachal cysts are cysts that form when the urinary tract connected to the umbilical cord doesn't close properly. Usually, this condition occurs while the fetus is still in the mother's womb and still doesn't close properly until the baby is born.

As a result, these lumps can become swollen and lead to infection. If the cyst is infected, usually the fluid inside, in the form of mucus, can leak out through the navel. Generally, the liquid that comes out has a foul smell. Other symptoms of urachal cysts include abdominal pain, fever, a lump in the stomach, and pain when urinating.

3. Sebaceous cysts

Sebaceous cysts are lumps that can form in the navel and other parts of the body as a result of lumps that occur in the oil glands of the skin. If the cyst is infected, it will usually come out a thick white, yellow, foul-smelling discharge. The cyst may also be red and swollen.

4. Diabetes

According to research published in the Journal of Pediatric & Adolescent Gynecology, people with diabetes are at risk of developing fungal infections, including in the navel. This is associated with the mushroom's habit of eating sugar as a source of energy. The problem is, high blood sugar is one of the hallmarks of uncontrolled diabetes. Therefore, always monitor your blood sugar and other health complaints that you may experience.

5. Surgery

Surgery in the abdomen such as a hernia can result in discharge or pus from the navel. If these side effects or complications occur, consult a doctor immediately because this is a marker of deep infection that requires immediate treatment.

Treat watery navel

Treatment of a watery navel is adjusted according to the cause. If it is caused by a fungal or bacterial infection, the doctor will usually treat it with an antibiotic ointment or cream and an anti-fungal powder or cream.

However, if the cause is a cyst, the first step that is usually taken is to treat the infection with antibiotics. In addition, it can be done drainage (minor surgery to remove the cyst mass). The cyst is still possible to grow again, therefore laparoscopic or laser surgery is required to completely remove the cyst.

Try to keep your belly button healthy by cleaning it regularly every day. Also, do not put any cream or moisturizer in the navel opening to avoid excess moisture, which can make bacteria and fungi more fertile.