Belly Button Discharge: Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Doctor

1. Examine the discharge.

- Color: Clear discharge or yellow to brownish or red tint.

- Consistency: Thick or thin

2. Take a whiff.

- Is the odor foul, sweet, or have a metallic smell?

3. Apply pressure around your belly button.

- The discharge increases with applied pressure.

4. Observe the skin around the belly button.

- Color. Redness or darkening

- Touch: Tenderness or warmth

If the discharge is:

- Clear or light yellow, it could be a small amount of lymph.

- Bloody or brownish this may be due to an infection.

- Thick and yellow or greenish often due to a bacterial infection.

- Red and smelly, this could be an infection caused by bacteria or fungus.

- Smells like yeast, could be a yeast infection

Tips to care for your belly button

- Wash your belly button regularly with soap and water, especially after exercising or sweating.

- Avoid wearing tight clothing or pants that can irritate the belly button.

- Trim your pubic hair to reduce the amount of moisture and bacteria that can accumulate in the belly button.

- If you notice any changes in the appearance or smell of your belly button, see a doctor.