Discover how your belly button harbors dangerous bacteria that can cause infections, inflammation, and mysterious health ...

The average belly button is home to 67 different types of bacteria, according to a 2012 study. If you don’t clean the area well, these bacteria could cause an infection. Belly button piercings ...

A belly button that smells like cheese or that has a sour, sulfur-like odor could be a sign of a bacterial infection. Not washing your belly button properly lets bacteria grow in the moist folds.

Fast facts on belly button smell: A fungal infection can result if belly button bacteria multiply too much. Belly button skin needs to be cleaned regularly to keep it healthy. Risk factors ...

Medically reviewed by Chris Vincent, MDMedically reviewed by Chris Vincent, MD If you have noticed a smell coming from your belly button, you likely want to treat it as soon as possible.

If a doctor suspects a skin infection, they may collect a sample of skin or pus from the belly button. A laboratory technician will then analyze the sample for different bacterial and fungal strains.

An unpleasant odor isn’t the only issue a dirty belly button can cause. Those small creases are a playground for bacteria ... alone is enough to cause an infection.” Oil, dirt, keratin ...

Rotate the jewelry as you do this to remove any bacteria ... Don't get a belly button piercing while you're pregnant. You may get an infection if the aftercare of the piercing is not pristine.