Why does my belly button smell like poop?
Sophia Koch
Updated on February 22, 2026
Share on Pinterest Poor hygiene is the most common cause of belly button smell. Most belly buttons are indented so act as a trap for sweat, dead skin, and dirt. Few people wash the belly button with soap so germs can develop. The most common cause for a belly button smell is poor hygiene.
Is it normal for belly buttons to stink?
Discharge and smells can be a result of several different factors, though slight navel odors are typically normal. If you have a combination of foul smell and discharge, it could be a sign of: A fungal infection or yeast infection of the belly button. A bacterial infection of the belly button.Why does my belly button smell even after I clean it?
Washing your belly button should stop the unpleasant smell if it's from a buildup of dirt and germs. However, if the odor persists even after cleaning, you may want to see a health care provider. If you develop redness, swelling, aching, or discharge, your belly button may be infected.Why is my belly button wet and smelly?
Dirt, bacteria, fungus, and germs can get trapped inside your belly button and start to multiply, which can cause an infection. If you develop a belly button infection, you might notice white, yellow, brown, or bloody discharge seeping out of it. That discharge might also have an unpleasant smell.Why do women's belly buttons smell?
Because of its shape and tiny skin folds, belly buttons can collect dirt, sweat, and bacteria. In fact, the average belly button contains about 67 types of bacteria. 1 This buildup can lead to a smell and even infection. Your belly button may smell because of a hygiene need or an infection caused by bacteria or fungus.What's Inside Your Belly Button?
Should you clean out your belly button?
But just like the rest of your body, they need to be cleaned. In fact, a 2012 study found that 67 different types of bacteria are in the average bellybutton. Most bellybuttons have crevices that can collect dirt and breed bacteria. Aim to clean yours about once a week.Why shouldn't you play with your navel?
There are many risks associated with playing with your navel, but one of the most important is that you can push on your bellybutton and cause an infection. This happens when you introduce bacteria into your body through a wound in the area. To avoid this, make sure to always keep your hands clean and dry!What happens if you dont clean belly button?
"All flesh holes can build up with sweat, dead skin cells, oils, clothing fabric, bacteria and forbidden cheese," he says in the clip, which has since been viewed over 300k times. "If not washed out on a regular basis, this material can accumulate and harden into an omphalolith – a belly button stone," he adds.Is belly button infection serious?
If the belly button becomes infected, a person should see a doctor for advice and prescribe medication if needed. The symptoms of an infection are redness, itching, and swelling. Sometimes, there may be fluid or pus, which can harden to form a crust around the area.Why does my belly button leak?
If your belly button is “leaking” clear or colored discharge or blood, you may have a bacterial, fungal, or yeast infection. Crusty skin, strong odor, itching, and redness are also signs of infection. If discharge and crust stick around after you wash your belly button, you should see your doctor.How can I clean my belly button without touching it?
Use plain soap and water for routine washing.You don't need anything fancy to wash your navel. Warm water and gentle soap will do the trick just fine! Apply some soap and water to your fingers or a washcloth and gently rub it into your belly button to get rid of dirt, grime, and lint.
Can belly button infection go away on its own?
Belly button yeast infections often get better on their own when you keep your navel area clean and dry. Healthy people can usually treat belly button yeast infections with an antifungal medication.How can you tell if your belly button is infected?
General signs and symptoms include:
- tenderness.
- pain.
- redness or skin coloration changes in or around the naval area.
- an itching, tingling, or burning sensation.
- a pus-filled abscess, which could signal a bacterial infection.
- swelling on or around your bellybutton.
- a bellybutton that's warm to the touch.