Belly Button Yeast Infection - Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction

Yeast infection is an infection that can affect any area of the body and is caused by Candida albicans. Fungal infection is normally found on the skin and does not cause any infection or discomfort. When yeast overgrows and multiplies, it can cause an infection known as candidiasis, mycosis, or cutaneous candidiasis. Multiple species of fungi can grow in warm and moist climates. It is the most harmful microorganism of the skin and commonly occurs in dark areas of the body, including the groin, hairs, skin folds, armpits, and navel. Candida causes yeast infection of the belly button. The navel is an isolated place in the body and comes in many shapes and sizes. Some navels are internally folded, and some are extreme bumps and easy to clean. The navel is a skin fold that can hold sweat for a long period. The fat deposits in the skin on the stomach can cover the navel and make the skin moist, leading to fungal infection.

Some people are more prone to fungal infections, including athletes who sweat over a long period. The other groups include overweight people and people on antibiotic treatment. Fungal infection in the belly button can cause a red, itchy rash and may cause thick, white discharge. People with weakened immune systems and diabetes are at high risk of infection. Around 30 percent of people in the United States are affected with fungal infection in the belly button.

What Are the Causes of Belly Button Yeast Infection?

Candida causes the belly button yeast infection known as candidiasis. Candida can grow in warm, hot, and damp environments. The conditions that allow the fungus to grow include

• Poor personal hygiene.

• Excessive sweating.

• Wearing tight clothing.

• Hot and humid weather.

• Not changing clothing.

• Using public swimming pools and skin diseases like psoriasis and eczema.

The dirt and fungus get trapped inside the naval, multiply and cause fungal infection. Belly button yeast infection is not contagious.

Who Are at Risk of Getting Belly Button Yeast Infection?

Belly button yeast infections are common in all sex, ages, and race. Belly button fungal infections are more common in some groups of people, including pregnant women, people who are taking antibiotics, are overweight or obese, and people who receive chemotherapy treatment. People with deeper belly buttons and piercings are more prone to get infected. People with weakened immune systems, diabetes, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are at high risk of developing a fungal infection.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Belly Button Yeast Infection?

• When yeast lives on the skin causes no symptoms, but if the fungus overgrows and multiplies can cause fungal infection.

• The most common symptom of belly button fungal infection is a red rash in the skin folds of the belly. The rash may be itchy and cause pain, discomfort, or a burning sensation in the naval. There may be scaling or yellow, green, and dark-colored discharge.

• Belly button yeast infection can cause a foul smell or odor. The foul smell is present if the yeast infection is due to an intertrigo (skin infection occurs when the skin rubs together) skin condition.

• In the case of piercing, there may be persistent pain and blistering around the navel.

• People can develop a stone-like mass inside the belly button. The growth can fill the naval and cause inflammation, ulceration, and infection. Systemic candidiasis can lead to life-threatening infection.

• Other symptoms include fever, chills, bleeding, and cyclic pain.

How Can Belly Button Yeast Infection Be Diagnosed?

There are various tests to diagnose belly button yeast infection. The investigations include.

• Physical Examination - The doctor may perform a physical examination to diagnose the fungal infection by looking at the naval area. A bright red rash with blisters in case of belly button piercing is a common sign of belly button yeast infection.

• Lab Examination - The healthcare provider may take a sample from the infected area by scraping the skin from the naval area using a tongue depressor or scalpel. The lab technician will examine the sample under a microscope or may place a sample in the culture. A culture may allow the fungus to grow and identify the belly button yeast infection.

• Other Tests: If the person has a yeast infection, the doctor may prescribe the test for diabetes and skin diseases. High blood sugar levels in people help the yeast to grow.

How Can Belly Button Yeast Infection Be Managed?

• The cause and severity of fungal infection may determine the treatment. Treatment for the belly button yeast infection may include antifungal medications. The doctor may prescribe antifungal agents that can be given orally, topically, or intravenously, depending on the severity of the infection.

• The doctor may prescribe topical antifungal creams, ointments, or powders to treat the fungal infection of the belly button. It includes Clotrimazole, Ketoconazole, and Ciclopirox. Oral antifungal medications include Fluconazole and Metronidazole.

• The doctor may recommend the patient keep the naval area clean and dry to prevent the yeast infections from recurring.

• The belly button yeast infection can clear up within two weeks of starting antifungal treatment.

• The belly button piercing may be cleaned with saline water or a warm compress several times daily and may remove the discharge from the piercing area.

• In the case of diabetes, the endocrinologist may help maintain the patient's blood sugar level.

How Can Belly Button Yeast Infection Be Prevented?

The best way to treat the fungal infection is by preventing the fungus from reaching the infection stage. The preventive measures include.

• Wash the naval area with soap and water and keep the area clean and dry.

• Apply powder on the naval area to keep the area dry.

• Change sports clothes daily.

• Wear loose clothing so air can flow in and around to moisten the naval.

• Avoid applying oil or lotion in the naval area because the moisture will encourage the fungus to grow.

• Losing weight.

• Maintenance of good personal hygiene.

Conclusion

Belly button yeast infection can be itchy, but it can be easily treatable. People can prevent fungal infections by keeping the area clean and dry. The doctor diagnoses the cause and provides treatment to prevent the further spread of infection and complications. Maintaining proper hygiene and cleaning naval piercing can help to prevent belly button infection. The healthcare team, including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, can organize camps and educate people about belly button yeast infections.