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But belly button infections are absolutely a thing.
Getty / KEdward
you could thank the natural structure of this body part for that.
Bailey Skin Care, tells SELF.
On top of that, people often neglect to wash their navels well, Dr. Bailey adds.
(Or…at all.)
Like other areas of your body, your navel naturallycontains bacteria and fungi.
There are a few other mechanisms behind common belly button infections, too.
Here are five different belly button infections it’s possible for you to get, along with their symptoms.
Between the sores and the crust, the two types of impetigo have a lot of grossness in common.
[Its] the most common reason I’ve seen an infection in a belly button, he says.
Also, follow your piercing after-care instructions diligently.
LikeStaphylococcus aureus,Streptococcuscan cause impetigo.
National Library of Medicine.
Cellulitis can cause a painful, red, tender, swollenrashthat may blister and scab over, theU.S.
National Library of Medicinesays.
If you notice these kinds of symptoms, see a doctor ASAP forantibiotics.
A yeast infection
Your vagina doesnt have a monopoly onyeast infections.
They can recommend anti-fungal treatments to help clear things up, Dr. Bailey says.
Its basically an equal opportunity offender.
This can happen when your skin is super irritated or injured in some way.
But sometimes these cysts can rupture and become infected, theMayo Clinicsays.
Four words for you: Dont.
Messing with a cyst on your own can cause scarring and further infection, according to theMayo Clinic.
Instead, see your dermatologist.
They may want to drain or remove the cyst and can prescribe antibiotics to treat an infection if necessary.
In the meantime, theMayo Clinicadvises putting a warm compress over the cyst to help with discomfort.
As with epidermoid cysts, sometimes a sebaceous cyst is just a lump that doesnt have any uncomfortable symptoms.
Whos ready for a snack?
A warm compress can feel nice here, too.
To avoid these infections, keep your belly button clean!
She recommends washing your belly button with regular soap and water.
