Why Does My Belly Button Smell? Causes, Treatments, and When to Worry

You step out of the shower, towel off, and suddenly notice something odd. A faint smell you can’t place, and it’s coming from your belly button. Strange, right? The truth is, a smelly belly button is more common than people like to admit. 

The navel is small, hidden, and often overlooked when cleaning. That warm pocket collects sweat, oil, and skin cells, which bacteria and fungi love. Sometimes, it’s a simple hygiene issue. Other times, it’s a medical problem that needs attention.

Why Does My Belly Button Smell?

The belly button is basically a closed space that rarely sees light or airflow. Left unchecked, it traps dirt and sweat. That’s why belly button odor develops. A research review found that a typical navel can host around 67 different types of bacteria. Most stay harmless. But when the balance tips, that’s when odor starts.

Sometimes the smell is faint. Sometimes it’s sharp enough that you only notice when you touch it and then smell your finger. People describe it in all sorts of ways: like cheese, like fish, even like poop. That’s not imagination. It’s the byproduct of bacteria breaking down sweat proteins, or in some cases, an infection brewing inside.

5 Medical Reasons Your Belly Button May Smell

A belly button that smells once in a while after skipping a shower? Normal. A belly button odor that lingers or comes with discharge? That’s often medical. Here are the main reasons doctors see:

1. Infections (Bacterial & Fungal)

A moist belly button is perfect for overgrowth. Yeast, especially Candida, thrives there. Bacterial infections like Staphylococcus can cause pus and pain. Symptoms include:

• Thick yellow or green discharge

• Burning or itching

• Redness and swelling

• A foul-smelling belly button infection smell

A 2019 comparison of dry cord care with alcohol showed that keeping the area dry lowered odor risk. The same rule applies for adults: keep it dry, reduce infections.

2. Umbilical Hernia or Cysts

Not as common, but definitely worth knowing. An umbilical hernia pushes a bit of intestine into the navel area. That bulge collects sweat and bacteria, causing a smell. Sebaceous cysts, on the other hand, fill with thick sebum that can ooze and stink.

Both can look harmless at first. But if your belly button smells like cheese and also leaks, it might be one of these.

3. Skin Conditions (Eczema, Psoriasis, Dermatitis)

Skin flare-ups don’t stop at elbows or knees. They hit the navel too. Eczema makes skin dry and cracked, which holds bacteria. Psoriasis leaves thick, scaly patches that can bleed. Dermatitis, often from harsh soap, causes itching and tiny wounds. Each one adds to odor problems, and scratching makes it worse.

4. Diabetes-Related Issues

People with diabetes know infections stick around longer. High blood sugar feeds yeast, and the navel is one of the most moist spots on the body. That means a smelly belly button infection shows up faster and stays longer. Persistent discharge here should never be ignored in diabetic patients.

5. Piercings & Poor Healing

Pierced belly buttons look stylish, but healing takes months. During that time, the hole traps sweat, lotion, and bacteria. If not cleaned properly, you’ll get discharge and smell. Worst case: jewelry causes irritation that opens the door to infection.

Other Common Causes (Non-Medical)

Not every case means hospital time. Everyday factors matter too:

• Skipping regular belly button hygiene

• Wearing tight, non-breathable clothes that trap sweat

• Leaving the area damp after showers

• Using too much body lotion that sits inside

Diet can play a role as well. Spicy foods, garlic, and onions all affect body odor. The belly button is no exception. That’s why some say their belly button smells like fish after certain meals.

When to See a Doctor

Mild smell clears up with soap and water. But some signs mean you need a doctor:

• Ongoing discharge that doesn’t stop

• Redness, swelling, or fever

• Belly button smells like poop or rotten fish despite cleaning

• Pain near the navel or while urinating

• Post-surgery odor or discharge

Doctors may swab the area and send it to the lab. That tells them if bacteria or fungi are behind it.

How to Prevent Belly Button Smell

Prevention is always easier than fixing. Think of it like brushing teeth—you don’t wait until cavities show.

• Clean daily with mild soap and water

• Pat dry with a towel; never leave it damp

• Skip heavy creams and oils in the navel

• Wear cotton clothes that breathe

• For piercings, rinse with saline and avoid dirty hands

Even small daily habits keep navel odor under control.

Home Remedies for Mild Odor

For a smelly belly button that’s not infected, home care usually helps:

• Warm water rinses: Flush out sweat and dirt

• Cotton swab cleaning: Reach inside gently

• Tea tree oil (diluted): Antifungal, but never use it raw

• Saltwater soak: Great for piercings

• Mild antibacterial soap: Stops bacteria before it builds up

These work if the smell is mild. If discharge or pain shows up, home tricks won’t cut it.

Conclusion

A belly button that smells once in a while is usually about hygiene. But if it keeps happening, or comes with pus and pain, it’s time to take it seriously. Infections, hernias, and even diabetes all play a part. Regular cleaning, staying dry, and watching for warning signs keep the problem away. A small habit now saves a bigger headache later.