Purulent discharge from the navel with an unpleasant odor. Causes of discharge in women with an unpleasant odor from the navel

The navel is just a scar left after cutting the tube that connects the baby and the mother's body during pregnancy. Therefore, the discharge of fluid from the navel cannot be the norm. If such a problem occurs, appropriate measures should be taken as soon as possible, because this symptom may indicate a whole range of dangerous diseases.

Inflammation

Various debris and dirt easily enters the umbilical cavity. Dead cells and sweat accumulate there. In such an environment, bacteria multiply rapidly. Microorganisms cause itching and the appearance of a liquid discharge with a repulsive odor. For treatment, anti-inflammatory ointment antiseptics are used. As a preventive measure, during daily water procedures, attention should also be paid to the navel.

Omphalitis

The occurrence of a focus of infection in the umbilical zone. It is caused by staphylococci and Escherichia coli. The easiest way for pathogens to get there is through wounds. For example, after a puncture. Omphalitis is of three types: catarrhal, phlegmonous and necrotic. Patients have a fever. The inflamed skin turns red and swells, begins to itch. There is a liquid from the navel with an unpleasant odor and an admixture of blood and pus. It is possible to spread the infection to the vessels, blood, liver and intestines. At the initial stage of the disease, the affected surface is treated with antiseptic solutions and cauterized with alcohol, iodine or brilliant green. In difficult cases, a tube is inserted to drain the pus and antibiotics are prescribed.

Urachus cyst

Formation of a cystic cavity with mucous secretion in the urinary duct. The pathology is usually congenital, but with a small size, the neoplasm goes unnoticed until adulthood. If the capsule with the contents becomes infected, it increases to several centimeters in diameter. begins to put pressure on neighboring organs, disrupting the process of urination, causing constipation and flatulence. If a rupture occurs, pus is released from the navel. The skin is constantly wet and irritated. Treatment involves drainage of fluids and excision of the capsule. A course of antibiotics and physiotherapy are also prescribed.

umbilical fistula

Channel between the bladder or small intestine and the wall of the abdomen. The pathology is usually congenital, but may also appear at a later age due to inflammation or as a result of operations. There are several types of the disease with specific symptoms:

In case of incomplete fistulas, antiseptic treatment is carried out and ointment bandages are applied. Complete fistulas are sutured.

navel endometriosis

The endometrium is the inner layer of the uterus. Its cells can enter the peritoneum with lymph flow or during gynecological operations. It is the endometrium that bleeds during menstruation, therefore, on the days of menstruation, bloody discharge from the navel appears, which acquires a bluish tint. There are also pains associated with the menstrual cycle. When an infection joins, pus appears. The problem is solved by surgery.

Malignant tumors

Formed directly in the umbilical cavity or spread to it from the organs of the peritoneum. They look like seals, growths or ulcers. The skin around is dark and flaky. There is blood and an incomprehensible fluid. Tumors are removed surgically and chemotherapy is used. In the case of metastases in the navel, only symptomatic treatment is used.

If fluid comes out from the navel, this is a serious symptom. Do not think that since this is not a vital organ, then there is nothing to worry about. Inflammatory processes threaten blood poisoning, and there is no need to talk about the danger of oncology, which can occur anywhere. In the presence of discharge from the umbilical fossa, they turn to the surgeon.

The belly button throughout life is a reminder of how we came into the world. Someone decorates it with piercings and puts it on display, while others completely forget about it. But sometimes discharge from the navel with an unpleasant odor may appear, which cause a lot of inconvenience and cause panic. Why is this happening and should I seek medical help?

Possible reasons

Umbilical discharge can appear regardless of gender and age. The reasons for their occurrence are different:

1. Inflammation. The causative agent can be a bacterium: E. coli or staphylococcus aureus. The bacterium enters the navel, and as a result, it infects the tissues and causes inflammation. Purulent discharge with a pungent odor appears. As a rule, inflammation occurs rarely.
2. Garbage and dirt. Dust, particles of clothing and other pollutants enter the umbilical fossa. This leads to irritation and infection. First itching appears, and then the discharge.
3. Bladder cyst. This is a rare disease. You can recognize a cyst by pain, high body temperature (38-39 C˚), reddening of the skin, and induration in the lower abdomen. The cyst is filled with mucus, serous fluid, meconium. If you do not start treatment in a timely manner, then liquid begins to ooze from it.
4. Pathology of the urinary tract. The urinary duct (urachus) is a tube that connects the anterior bladder to the navel. With abnormal development of the urachus, the tubule does not completely or does not close the duct at all. This manifests itself in the form of secretions. Urinary incontinence is also added to the symptoms.
5. Fungal infections. If the discharge is accompanied by itching and burning in an adult, then this indicates the development of a fungal infection.
6. Sepsis. Often this problem is faced by young people who have pierced. Incorrect puncture is a common cause of inflammation. If a liquid with a putrid odor appears, then you should immediately see a specialist.

Causes of umbilical discharge may be associated with diseases. One of these is omphalitis (inflammation of the subcutaneous tissues, blood vessels and the bottom of the umbilical ring). The causative agent of the disease is a fungus or a bacterium. Omphalitis is a common cause of discharge from the navel during pregnancy.

In medicine, there are several forms of the disease. In the catarrhal form, a clear liquid appears. Sometimes with an admixture of blood. Reddening of the skin appears. This form is not dangerous and is easily treatable. Catarrhal omphalitis proceeds without complications. The purulent form is characterized by the appearance of a dark liquid, a viscous consistency with a pungent odor. Redness of the navel is more pronounced. The patient's body temperature rises sharply, appetite disappears. Treatment is medical and long-term. The third form is phlegmonous. The patient's condition is regarded as serious. The navel is an ulcer where pus accumulates. The infection spreads to nearby tissues. If you do not start treatment, then necrosis develops.

Discharge from the navel in women appears due to the development of the Candida fungus. Thrush affects women with weakened immune systems. Symptoms of candidiasis are cheesy whitish discharge with a pungent odor. With their appearance, you should immediately see a specialist.

Discharge in a newborn

Discharge from the navel in newborns is not uncommon. When the umbilical cord heals, a clear or light yellow fluid may be released. It is not dangerous and does not require special treatment.

If the umbilical discharge has a strong odor or the color has changed to bright yellow, see your doctor immediately. This may be a sign of inflammation or a fistula. If a seal is palpable in the umbilical region, then this is a granuloma. This is not an infectious disease. A granuloma is formed due to a wide umbilical ring or improper processing of the umbilical cord. The baby becomes whiny, refuses breast milk, sleeps poorly. Self-medication is not worth it, it can aggravate the situation and lead to the development of complications.

Important! If there is a liquid with the smell of urine, then this is a symptom of the connection of the bladder with the crust of the healing navel (fistula). Treatment in this case is only surgical. After the operation, additional diagnostics of the genitourinary system is prescribed to make sure that it functions normally.

To identify the cause, the doctor will prescribe a series of tests. Based on the received data, treatment will be prescribed. If the cause was a granuloma, then the pediatrician prescribes the treatment of the umbilical cord with chlorophyllipt or hydrogen peroxide, as well as antibacterial ointments and creams. In inflammatory processes, broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed.

Bloody issues

In adults, discharge from the navel of a red color may appear as a result of an injury. You can injure the navel by accident with sharp objects or nails. So that the infection does not get into the resulting wound, the navel must be treated with an antiseptic. It is not recommended to seal the top with adhesive tape. In order for the wound to heal faster, air must flow to it.

The cause of discharge of blood from the navel in women can be a disease such as endometriosis. Pathology is characterized by the growth of endometrial cells in the tissues of the abdominal wall. Blood is released during the premenstrual period, during or after menstruation. You can't fight endometriosis on your own. Treatment is prescribed only by a specialist.

Fistula is also a possible cause. It can be congenital or acquired. The fistula may ooze pus, sometimes blood. The acquired fistula is caused by the infringement of the umbilical hernia. Congenital fistula may not manifest itself for a long time. But with inflammation, abundant purulent and bloody discharge appears.

Bloody umbilical fluid can be in newborns. The reason for this phenomenon is prolonged and frequent crying, constipation, coughing. All this leads to tension in the abdominal press. Blood can appear when rubbing the umbilical region with a diaper or poor hygiene. Bloody discharge is not the only symptom. Puffiness and redness of the umbilical fossa, soreness, and an unpleasant odor may also appear.

Symptoms cannot be ignored. Early diagnosis increases the chance for a speedy recovery. Diagnosis includes a primary examination, a smear from the navel, a general blood and urine test, x-rays and ultrasound. The doctor selects the method of treatment (conservative or surgical) based on the cause that caused this violation.

An unpleasant odor can occur anywhere in our body, even in the navel. The navel is a scar left as a memory of our intrauterine life. This place was once the umbilical cord, which supplied us with all the necessary nutrients. And few people take care of their navel. But if this is not done, then an unpleasant odor may appear.

There are many reasons for the occurrence of an unpleasant smell from the navel. This may be a symptom of a disease or ordinary pollution. In addition, an unpleasant odor can be accompanied by discharge, discomfort and irritation. In this article, we will tell you why there is an unpleasant smell in the navel area in adults and children and what needs to be done in such cases.

Bad smell from the navel

Not only an adult can have an unpleasant smell in the navel. This problem is also common among children. If you bathe your baby daily and follow all the rules of hygiene, and the smell does not disappear or is accompanied by discharge, then the baby should be shown to the doctor as soon as possible so that he can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

An unpleasant smell from the navel in infants may appear at the time of healing of the umbilical ring. In this place, crusts often form, and the skin may turn red. An unpleasant smell can provoke fistulas, complete and incomplete. Incomplete fistulas appear much more often and with them the navel first gets wet, then irritation appears around it and the fistulas themselves are lined with mucous. In addition, fistulas can occur on the urinary and bile ducts.

Whatever the reason for the appearance of an unpleasant odor, the baby should be immediately shown to the doctor and examined. Unfortunately, in many cases it is necessary to resort to surgical intervention. It is impossible to try to cure an unpleasant smell in the navel on your own. This can complicate the disease and lead to negative consequences.

One type of fistula in the healing of the umbilical ring is intestinal fistula. At the time of healing, the umbilical cord is no longer present, and part of the intestinal wall dies off (alloyed area). As a result of this, a fistula appears, which is the cause of the fetid odor. If the treatment of this ailment is not started in time, then it can turn into a chronic form, which will negatively affect the well-being of the crumbs.

One of the most dangerous diseases in which an unpleasant odor from the navel occurs is omphalitis. Omphalitis is an inflammation of the bottom of the navel. The inflammatory process is provoked by staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. There are three stages of this disease: simple, phlegmonous and necrotic.

The symptoms of this disease are specific: redness of the umbilical ring, the appearance of an unpleasant odor from the navel, yellowish discharge from the navel, while the umbilical region becomes covered with crusts and the baby's body temperature rises to 38 degrees. The disease is treated only in a hospital, as constant supervision of doctors is necessary. In addition, every day the navel is washed with special solutions from pus. In very difficult cases, doctors prescribe surgery. But this rarely happens, and if timely treatment was started, then the disease will not lead to such consequences.

To reduce the risk of disease, follow simple hygiene rules. Approach the baby only with well-washed hands. In the first three weeks after the birth of the crumbs, wash his things well and iron them on both sides. Bed linens in the crib need to be changed every day. After each bath, the wound must be treated. This is done very simply. Remove the crusts with a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution, then dry the area well and apply a drop of antiseptic or potassium permanganate to it.

Why is fluid coming out of the navel?

An unpleasant smell in the navel may be accompanied by other symptoms. For example, the release of liquid.

There are many reasons for this:

• Dirt in the navel. Dust, particles from clothes, sand and other pollutants can get into the navel, especially if the navel is deep. This can lead to tissue irritation, which can further provoke the development of infection. Initially, itching appears, then discharge with an unpleasant odor.
• Inflammation. Inflammatory processes near the navel are rare, but cause a lot of trouble. With inflammation around the navel, purulent masses begin to accumulate. Often, such suppurations break through and the release of pus begins, which causes the appearance of an unpleasant odor.
• A bladder cyst can also cause an unpleasant odor from the navel and discharge. Initially, pain appears in the navel. After a while, the body temperature rises. The cyst leads to the appearance of bursts from the inside, as a result of which fluid begins to ooze from the navel and an unpleasant odor appears.
• Candidiasis. All women are familiar with this disease. Ordinary thrush can lead to an unpleasant smell from the navel. This is due to the fact that a fungus called Candida begins to develop in the navel area. With this ailment, curdled discharge will also stand out from the navel. Very often this disease affects people who have a weak immune system. In such cases, immediate treatment should be started.
• Pathological development of the urinary tract. The urinary duct is a tube that connects the top of the bladder and the navel between the transverse fascia of the abdomen and the peritoneum. Sometimes it happens that the urinary duct does not close this tube after birth and this leads to the fact that fluid begins to be released from the navel, an unpleasant odor appears, and a cyst forms. In addition, the patient has urinary incontinence. Surgery is prescribed to correct the defect.
• Various fungal infections provoke the appearance of discharge and an unpleasant odor from the navel. Often they are accompanied by severe itching and burning.
• Sepsis. This disease can develop in those people who have pierced the navel. An incorrectly made puncture can lead to the development of an inflammatory process, bleeding and sepsis. If a white liquid begins to ooze from your navel after the piercing, and you feel a putrid smell, then you need to see a doctor as soon as possible and begin treatment.

What to do if there is an unpleasant smell in the navel?

When an unpleasant odor appears, all hygiene rules must be observed. It is also very important to properly care for the navel. You need to take a shower at least once a day, with soap. After showering, wipe your belly button with a soft cloth to remove moisture. If you have a deep navel, then twice a week you need to clean it with a cotton swab dipped in hydrogen peroxide or any other antiseptic.

From time to time, carefully inspect your navel for a mud plug. This phenomenon is often observed in overweight people with a deep navel. Dirt, lint from clothes, skin particles accumulate in the navel - all this can lead to an inflammatory process.

If you follow the hygiene of the navel, but the unpleasant smell does not disappear, be sure to consult a doctor. An unpleasant smell in the navel can provoke diseases such as urachus cyst, umbilical fistula, fungal diseases, omphalitis and other diseases. You need to contact a dermatologist and a surgeon, as a last resort, a therapist.

In the modern world, keeping the body clean is not so difficult: everyone in the house has a bathroom or shower, and baths are also built in a private house. If desired, a person can wash not only every day, but several times a day. Why, then, does an unpleasant odor come from the navel? And how to get rid of it?

Irregular hygiene

Why does an unpleasant smell appear from the umbilical fossa? Very often, the reason lies in the elementary non-compliance with personal hygiene, especially if a person has a deep navel.

Dirt, dust, skin and hair particles, lint from clothes accumulate in it - all this leads to the appearance of "navel pellets" - small lumps of wool, which, if not washed and removed from the navel, can turn into a foul-smelling "mud plug" ".

Diseases accompanied by a smell from the navel

You take care of yourself, but you can't get rid of the unpleasant smell? Does your belly button not only smell bad, but does it leak fluid? In this case, you must consult a doctor. There are a number of diseases that can cause an unpleasant odor in the umbilical fossa.

Urachus cyst (bladder cyst)

This disease is an abnormal development of the urinary duct, urachus. It can appear even during the period of embryonic development and for a long time not to make itself felt.

Medical standards state that the urinary duct in a child should be overgrown at 5-6 months after his birth, but sometimes pathology occurs, and a hollow formation appears in this duct. It is filled with waste products, which are excreted through the umbilical opening.

A person can live with this cyst for a long time and be unaware of it, but at some point (often this happens in adulthood) it will still reveal itself. An infection that has entered the body will lead to suppuration of the cyst and require urgent treatment.

Urachus cyst is usually diagnosed in men, but sometimes occurs in women. It requires surgical intervention.

Omphalitis

This is an inflammation of the skin that is located in the umbilical fossa. Most often, this disease develops in children, but it can also appear in adults. The disease occurs due to damage to the skin inside the navel, which then penetrates the infection. For example, this can happen due to an unsuccessful navel piercing or an injury inflicted on the abdomen.

Characteristic signs of omphalitis:

• navel smell,
• navel discharge,
• inflammation in this area
• if you press on the umbilical fossa - pus is released,
• sometimes the temperature may rise.

What to do when these symptoms appear? Seek medical attention as soon as possible! He will prescribe treatment or, if necessary, refer you to the hospital.

umbilical fistula

This is a rather rare, most often congenital pathology that occurs if the umbilical cord is not completely tightened in a child, the bladder or bile duct does not close. Sometimes there are also acquired fistulas - they can appear due to wounds of the intestine or infringement of the umbilical hernia.

This disease is usually observed in children, but can also occur in adults (both women and men).

Characteristic signs of a fistula:

• the skin in the umbilical fossa is red and irritated,
• the navel is wet and stinks, there is purulent discharge from the navel (with a complete fistula, urine or intestinal contents may also be released),
• the person has a fever.

If you notice any of the above symptoms, you should immediately seek medical help! In some cases, an operation may be required.

Candidiasis and other fungal infections

Because of them, too, sometimes the navel stinks, and the skin around it itches and turns red. The Candida fungus loves warm and humid places, so it can develop not only on the genitals, in the intestines and in the oral cavity, but also in the folds of the skin, including in the umbilical fossa.

Navel candidiasis can occur due to hormonal imbalances, including during pregnancy, improper or insufficient hygiene, antibiotics or hormonal contraceptives, diabetes, and other diseases.

In addition to an unpleasant odor, white curdled discharge, reddening of the skin and itching may appear in the umbilical fossa. To treat this disease, you will need the help of a doctor.

Why can there be a smell from the navel of a newborn?

Most often, the causes of an unpleasant odor from the navel of babies are complications in the healing of the umbilical wound and the formation of fistulas. Both cases require medical attention.

Why are there difficulties in healing the umbilical ring? In most cases, this is due to improper hygiene: parents treat the wound incorrectly, use stale towels, touch the umbilical ring with dirty hands.

Umbilical fistulas in infants are accompanied by the same symptoms as in adults:

• irritation of the umbilical ring,
• redness of the skin around and inside the navel,
• purulent discharge,
• sometimes a rise in temperature is possible.

How to get rid of an unpleasant smell from the umbilical fossa?

What to do to get rid of the smell from the navel? Everything is quite simple: it is necessary to observe regular and proper hygiene in this area.

How to properly wash your belly button?

It is necessary to wash every day, preferably using a liquid product (shower gel, soap), which will help clean all the folds in the umbilical fossa - it is not always possible to thoroughly wash them with a bar of soap.

After washing your belly button, pat it dry with a towel to prevent water from accumulating in it. Once a week, treat the navel with alcohol, soaking a cotton swab in it. Attention! Newborns with a navel that has not yet closed are an exception; they cannot treat the wound with alcohol, this can lead to difficulties with healing.

What to do if the smell does not disappear?

If you follow hygiene every day, but the smell still does not disappear, you should definitely see a doctor. It is possible that the problem is more serious than it seemed at first glance. Especially if, along with an unpleasant odor, you observe purulent, bloody or white discharge, pain, the navel itches and turns red.

Remember, ignoring such symptoms can lead to complications, prolongation of treatment, unscheduled hospitalization and even death (in case of infringement of the umbilical hernia). The same applies to self-medication.

What to do if the baby smells from the navel?

If you notice that the newborn smells from the navel or the healing of the wound is very slow, the child must be shown to the doctor. It is possible that suppuration has occurred or omphalitis has developed, in which case the baby will be prescribed additional medications.

What else can you advise young parents?

1. Wash your hands with soap before picking up your baby. Before treating the umbilical wound, additionally wipe your hands with alcohol.
2. Change your baby's clothes every day. After washing, do not forget to iron it on 2 sides with a hot iron.
3. Bathe your baby every day (you can add a small amount of potassium permanganate to the water for disinfection).
4. Do not cover the umbilical wound with a band-aid - this can lead to skin irritation and complications in healing.
5. Talk to your pediatrician and treat your navel with an antiseptic that he recommends.

Video: why can a smell appear from the navel and how to get rid of it?

Each of us has a navel, it is an integral part of the human body. It is the umbilical cord that connects the fetus to the mother in utero and it is through it that the child receives all the nutrients necessary for its full development. At birth, the umbilical cord is cut off, the umbilical wound is processed and no longer connects the baby with the mother. And throughout life, the navel is a reminder of how we came into the world. And not every one of us knows that the navel can also “catch” an infection and cause certain troubles.

Discharge from the navel in women can appear the same way as in men. And this is an important reason to seek medical help.

Causes of discharge from the navel

Discharge from the navel usually has an unpleasant odor. There may be several reasons:
Trash. Sand or dust particles, pellets from clothes or other dirty objects can get into the navel. With untimely cleansing of the navel, tissue irritation and subsequent infection of the navel may develop. Symptoms: the appearance of itching and discharge with an unpleasant odor.

Inflammation. Bacteria (staphylococcus, E. coli) can get on the tissues around the navel, which leads to tissue infection and, as a result, an inflammatory process. Symptoms: redness and swelling of the skin around the navel, purulent discharge.

Bladder cyst. The cyst of the bladder can be filled inside with mucus, meconium, serous fluid. Their infection can provoke suppuration. Symptoms: rise in temperature, pain in the lower abdomen, redness of the skin from the pubis to the navel, the presence of seals in this place.