why do belly buttons smell?

Question

ok, it is not because im dirty, i do shower everyday, its not a case of keeping it clean, im asking why does it smell in the first place not how can i make it not smell

Answer 1

They don't and shouldn't smell at all if they are kept clean and dry. Problems occur if debris is left to accumulate. It is more of a problem in the obese, when the umbilicus becomes a deep dark hole, difficult to see, reach and clean. There is also sometimes an extra problem in diabetics, who because of raised sugar levels are more prone to infection. Bacteria begin to live in the debris in the deep dark hole and there waste products cause the smell.

Answer 2

All these people with smart *** answers about "maybe you shoudl clean it" need to shut up. Okay, almost everyone I know has a smelly belly button, including me. It is NOT a hygiene problem, although of course someone who doesn' shower or lean their belly button will also have a stinky one. But, because it is such a small crevice, it collects lint and sweat easily. They kind of just stick in there and start to stink. Just try to cleanse it with soap and water at every bath or shower, and using a Q-Tip with rubbing alcohol should also do the trick. I like to put some baby powder in mine from time to time, because it keeps it drier, and smells better.

Answer 3

First of all, there are belly-buttons and belly-buttons. Some are very deep, some are quite shallow. Everyones belly-button is slightly different. BUT because a deposit of bacteria collects/ grows in it, as it is a very small warm place. A yeast infection would be the result, IF we would not wash the deposit away. CANISTON Cream is very effective should it occur. Some people have the same problem under their breasts, in the groin and occasionally under any fatty flaps of skin.( I am mainly talking about disabled people, who are not very mobile). Hope this helps.

Answer 4

i had the same problem before. later on, i figured out what was happening. Firstly, i did not dry the insides of the belly button properly. moisture built up and soon bacteria started growing on it. Secondly, i was probably not applying soap to it when i was showering. so my belly button was'nt clean! that's probably wats happening to you, considering that bacteria give out smell during their life processes. Yes, it sounds absolutely disgusting. but its the sad truth. I suggest you dry the insides of your belly button before applying baby powder. it shouldn't be serious. So rest assured. :P

Answer 5

They smell because of bacteria and fungal infections. With it being such an enclosed area if it isn't cleaned & dried properly you will get stuff growing basically! Dead skin and damp conditions mean a big time smell!!

Answer 6

Because it is a small space and lint from your clothes gets stuck in there, and even when you shower, the soap and water gets stuck to the lint and it starts to ferment. Kind of like leaving your sweaty gym socks in your gym bag. I put alcohol on a cotton swab and clean mine out every couple of days.

Answer 7

If you clean them with a Q-tip dipped in alcohol then they don't smell. All you have to do is wash.

Answer 8

You gotta keep it clean. Every shower. Swab it out. Finger, washcloth, whatever. Otherwise, PU

Answer 9

Maybe because you need to clean it... Seriously, people tend to neglect it.

Answer 10

ive always wondered that. and why is the fluff always blue?

thats a whole new area of questioning