Should I be cleaning my belly button?

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**Joseph Chance** (0:57)
Should I be cleaning my bellybutton?
Thanks for asking. We talked about ompliphobia in a recent episode of Do you really know? Which is the fear of bellybuttons. Well the subject of today's episode may make for awkward listening for anyone affected by that phobia. That's right, we're talking about bellybuttons again. Now, be honest, when was the last time you washed your bellybutton in the shower? It's commonly overlooked, but surprisingly it's actually one of the dirtiest parts of the human body. That's because it accumulates dead skin cells, clothing fibres, soap residue and sweat, making it a haven for bacteria. In fact, it hosts more than 60 different species of fungi, yeasts and bacteria. How does the bellybutton form?
During pregnancy, a baby is connected to its mother through the umbilical cord, which contains blood vessels that supply the baby with nutrients and oxygen. When the baby is born, the umbilical cord is cut, leaving a stump which usually falls off within two weeks. When it does, the bellybutton remains. Some people have an outy bellybutton which protrudes, while others have an inny, which is more likely to collect dirt for obvious reasons. That's particularly true for men who tend to have more abdominal hair, which in turn traps impurities more easily. Why does my bellybutton sometimes smell bad? As we've learned, the bellybutton can contain a high concentration of microbes, both in terms of quantity and diversity, and these bacteria generate foul smelling molecules. The most effective way to clean the bellybutton is by putting a small amount of mild soap on a cotton swab or your little finger, then gently cleaning, rinsing and drying the bellybutton once a week. Proper drying is essential to prevent moisture, and consequently the growth of bacteria and fungi. It's important to use mild soap to avoid disrupting the skin's natural microbiota. Do I need to use lotion?
Using overly aggressive cleaning methods isn't advised. Moreover, some bacteria that coexists with us in our bellybuttons might actually have a positive impact on our health. Most of the time these bacteria are harmless and contribute to healthy skin. Some may even protect it from less friendly organisms. However, if your bellybutton area becomes red or painful, or starts leaking fluid, that could indicate an infection by bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus, or a fungus like Candida albicans. In such cases, you should disinfect the area with an appropriate product recommended by your doctor or pharmacist. Any discharge could also be related to conditions like eczema or psoriasis, which are dermatological issues. Finally, it's worth knowing that certain synthetic fabrics may irritate the navel, as they don't allow the skin to breathe adequately.
There you have it.
Now you know whether you should be cleaning your bellybutton. In under three minutes, we answer your questions, and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines. Listen along and you will really know for sure.