Belly button itching can be caused by various factors ranging from poor hygiene to skin disorders and infection. Here is a brief overview of such causes.
Being a warm and moist part of the body, the belly button is preferred by microbes, especially fungi, for growth and multiplication. Therefore, this body part is quite prone to microbial infections that are characterized by itching, redness, etc.
Apart from infections, navel itching can be caused by certain skin disorders too. Let us take a look at some of the common causes for such itching.
Causes
Dryness and lack of moisture in the surrounding atmosphere may affect the skin. The belly button is also prone to such dryness, and dry skin is the most common cause of itching.
Debris like lint may get entrapped inside the belly button, thereby causing inflammation, irritation, and itching.
Belly button may develop candidiasis, which is a type of yeast infection that is characterized by itching.
In case of bacterial infection, the belly button and the surrounding areas may develop a red rash and itching. The condition may also be accompanied with a foul odor and smelly discharge.
Skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis may also cause a red rash and itching.
Contact dermatitis is another condition that may affect the belly button region, and cause symptoms like rash and itching. This is mostly caused by soaps, lotions, piercing, etc. Some people may develop this condition due to contact with the belt buckle or the metal snaps of jeans.
Pregnancy is another condition that may cause an itchy belly button. Usually, such itching is due to skin stretching.
Home Remedies
If your belly button itches, resist the urge to scratch or rub the area. Try to keep it clean, but do not use strong soaps or chemicals for cleansing. Take a glass of lukewarm water and mix a teaspoon of salt in it. Use this solution for cleaning the area. Avoid applying any cream or lotion on the belly button as they may tend to irritate it even more.
Microbes thrive well in moist and warm areas. So, it is better to keep the skin clean and dry. In case you sweat a lot, sprinkle some talcum powder on the area. Avoid entrapment of lint and other debris in the belly button.
Removing body hair around the navel may prove effective for this purpose. If there is infection, consult your healthcare provider, who may prescribe antifungal or antibacterial medication. Treatment will be decided on the basis of the underlying condition.
In some cases, home remedies will be enough to cure belly button itching. If the condition persists or worsens, you must seek medical attention. This is very much necessary, because persistent itching can be an indication of some underlying disorder. So, the condition has to be diagnosed and treated properly.
Many a time, a weak immune system may trigger certain skin disorders that may develop on any location including the belly button. Most of these disorders are associated with an itchy rash. In that case, belly button itch can be prevented by making the immune system strong. A healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle will prove to be of great help.
Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.