Why Does My Belly Button Smell?

Thousands of people type into Google “why does my belly button smell” each year, so we’re here to tell you: it’s most likely a buildup of bacteria, but there are a few other health problems you should look out for. 

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Smells are often, but not always, associated with bacteria. As they feast on organic material, they release gas and volatile organic compounds into the surrounding air. Humans and other animals have evolved to be particularly sensitive to the odors produced by bacteria, as they might signal that death, disease, and decay are near. 

And bacteria cover your body, from head to toe (let alone your insides). Certain parts of the body are known to harbor more bacteria than others, especially the many nooks and crannies that foster a moist, warm environment. This includes armpits, groins, between your toes, and the humble belly button.

In the words of one study, the bacterial content of the navel is like “a jungle.” Researchers at North Carolina State University swabbed the navels of people gathering at two different science festivals in the US. 

Among the 60 samples they closely studied, they found over 2,300 different species of bacteria. Up to 1,458 of the species "may be new to science," according to National Geographic, plus some were extremely rare and found in only a few individuals. One person's belly button was home to a bacterium that had previously been found only in Japanese soil (they had never been to Japan).

A small number of bacteria were frequently found across many individuals, but overall, belly button microbiomes were highly diverse. Each sample had a few common, abundant, and related bacteria, along with a wide array of rare species.

Given this abundance and diversity of bacteria, it’s no surprise that the navel might occasionally give off a mild aroma.

Why Does My Belly Button Smell Even If I Wash It?

The simplest solution to a smelly belly button is to give a good scrub with warm water and soap. 

If you need another excuse to pay close attention to your navel next showertime, here’s a good one: belly button stones. People have been known to poke around their belly button and find a black, hardened mass, formed by the accumulation of dead skin cells, hair, and/or sebum, a waxy material made to protect your skin. You can easily have these removed.

If the problem doesn’t go away after washing, or if you notice there’s any discharge from the navel, it could be a sign of something more serious, like a cyst or an infection. In this case, you should contact a doctor.

One of the more common ailments to affect the navel is a yeast infection, caused by an overgrowth of the fungus Candida. Fortunately, it can be easily treated with creams or ointments. 

Another, less common issue is cysts. Urachal cysts, often seen in young children, result from incomplete closure of the urachus – a fetal connection between the bladder and the umbilical cord – and can sometimes produce discharge. Epidermal cysts are non-cancerous lumps that form when skin cells become trapped beneath the surface; these can appear anywhere on the body, including the navel.

The best way to prevent your belly button from smelling is to keep it clean and dry thoroughly after washing. 

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.