Check for warning signs about your belly button and learn how and when to clean it properly to avoid problems.
Although often ignored in our hygiene routine, the belly button deserves special attention when cleaning. This small cavity can accumulate dirt, dead cells and even cause discomfort if not cleaned properly. But what is the right way to clean your belly button?
To answer this question, the Earth you interviewed dermatologist Mayla Carbone, member of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology (SBD). According to the expert, cleaning the navel must be done delicately and carefully to avoid irritation and infections.
How to clean?
The doctor indicates that during the bath you can use warm water and a neutral soap, applying it delicately with your fingers or with gauze or a cotton ball. It is important to avoid vigorous scrubbing, as the skin in this area is very sensitive.
Then just dry well with a clean towel to avoid humidity, which can encourage the proliferation of bacteria.
The dermatologist states that in most cases, water and neutral soap are sufficient to properly clean the navel. It is therefore not necessary to use antiseptic soaps or alcohol on a daily basis, as these products can be harsh and unnecessary for the skin.
“My recommendation is to reserve the use of antiseptic products for specific situations, such as medical advice in case of infection. The important thing is to ensure gentle cleaning and adequate drying after bathing,” he recommends.
How often should you clean your belly button?
According to the dermatologist, the ideal is to clean the navel daily during the shower, as well as other areas of the body. Emphasizes that care must be taken when drying between the inner and outer belly button.
“The inner navel tends to accumulate more moisture, so it is important to ensure they are very dry to avoid the proliferation of fungi and bacteria. External belly buttons are easier to clean, but they also need proper drying to avoid problems,” she says.
Signs you need to clean
Some signs may indicate that your belly button is not being cleaned properly. Bad odor, itching, redness, swelling and irritation of the area are some of them.
The doctor explains that these symptoms may indicate the presence of accumulations of dirt or even an infection. In more advanced cases, yellowish or whitish secretions may occur.
If the belly button has persistent discharge, redness, or any type of pain, even with regular cleaning, it is important to see a doctor.
“These signs may indicate a local infection or another condition, such as dermatitis or mycosis. Early treatment is essential to prevent the situation from worsening and a dermatologist can recommend the appropriate treatment, which may include specific ointments or even topical antibiotics”, underlines the professional.
The recommendation is to never try to solve these problems by self-medicating, as this may worsen the condition. By adopting simple measures you can keep your navel in optimal conditions and thus contribute to your general well-being.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
