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home remedies for belly button infection
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General Health
Question #19465
62 days ago
110

home remedies for belly button infection - #19465

Aradhya

I am really worried about this belly button infection I think I have. A couple weeks ago, I noticed some redness and a bit of swelling around my belly button. At first, I thought it was just irritation from my new jeans or something but then there was a weird smell and I don’t wanna gross you guys out, but it started oozing a bit. I haven't even been able to wear some of my favorite tops because I'm too self-conscious about it. I did some quick searching online and came across home remedies for belly button infection. There are a ton of suggestions out there, like using tea tree oil or coconut oil. People claim those can help, but I'm kinda skeptical, ya know? I tried a few things like warm salt water but that hasn't done much it feels like. I feel like I should see a doctor, but honestly, with everything going on, I can't really afford a visit right now. Anyway, has anyone had a belly button infection that got better with home remedies for belly button infection? How long does it usually take to clear up? Just wondering if there are any safe home remedies for belly button infection that actually work, or if I should really bite the bullet and see a doc. Really appreciate any advice!

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Doctors' responses

It sounds like you’re dealing with a mild belly button infection, which is more common than you’d think. Home remedies can sometimes be useful for minor cases, but given the symptoms you’ve described – especially the discharge and smell – it might be more than just a simple irritation. Before jumping into remedies, let’s keep a few things in mind. The main goal is to reduce bacterial growth and inflammation while keeping the area clean and dry. You mentioned trying warm salt water, which is generally a safe initial step. A saline solution (1/2 teaspoon salt in 1 cup of warm water) can help cleanse the area without adding additional irritation. Gently apply this solution with a clean cotton ball a couple times a day. Avoid using oils like tea tree or coconut without professional guidance, as these can sometimes worsen irritation or delay healing if the skin isn’t tolerant. In the short-term, make sure you’re wearing loose, breathable clothing that doesn’t rub against the area. If you’re thinking about trying antiseptics, like hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, remember they’re not typically recommended because they might dry out the skin too much. Keeping the area dry is crucial so after cleaning, dab it gently with a clean cloth or let it air dry. Infection signs that don’t improve within a few days or get worse, like increasing redness, swelling, or pain, should prompt a medical review. Also, watch for signs like spreading redness or fever, which could indicate a more serious issue needing immediate care. You’ve already done well by considering to see a doctor if things persist, and I’d encourage keeping that in mind if the situation doesn’t get better or escalates. Cost concerns are completely understandable, but some clinics offer sliding-scale fees or payment plans for consultations, and it’s definitely worth checking into those options.

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