Sometimes, the navel can have discharge. However, not all discharge is harmful. If the discharge is clear, light in color, does not smell, and there is no pain or redness around the navel, there is no need to see a doctor, according to the health website Medical News Today (UK).

However, if the discharge from the navel has an odor, you should see a doctor immediately. The most common cause is a bacterial or fungal infection of the navel. This is the result of poor hygiene, excessive sweating, or the navel being moist for a long time. Other causes of navel infection include navel piercings, cysts, and skin problems such as eczema and psoriasis.

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that people with diabetes who do not control their blood sugar well are especially susceptible to fungal infections, such as candida. These infections can also appear in the belly button.

Bacteria and fungi love the dark, moist environment of the belly button. If the belly button is infected, the skin around the belly button will be red or swollen. The discharge will look like pus, causing the belly button to smell bad. If it is a yeast infection, the belly button will be itchy.

In case of fungal infection, the patient can use over-the-counter antifungal creams. If it is an infection, antibiotics are needed. If the symptoms persist, a doctor should be consulted, especially if the patient has diabetes, a weak immune system, a painful navel or a fever.

In addition, some belly button infections have other causes. For example, if you have recently had a hernia or laparoscopic surgery, your belly button may become infected if there is a surgical wound nearby. This discharge may look like pus, be yellow-green or brown in color, have an unpleasant odor, be accompanied by redness, swelling, blood, and cause fever and chills.

A study in the journal PLoS ONE found that the navel is home to about 2,300 species of bacteria. Therefore, regular navel hygiene is necessary. People can gently clean the navel with soap and water, then dry it to avoid the navel from getting wet, according to Medical News Today (UK).