If you are one of the women looking for effective ways to clean the belly button and keep it clean, it is important to know that not taking care of it can lead to multiple health problems, such as infections, scabies, and severe itching. In the following lines, we will review in detail the correct way to clean the navel, through the Dalili Medical website.

**Benefits of the navel**

 

The navel has amazing and wonderful benefits, the most prominent of which are:

- The navel contains a thin layer of muscles that connect the vagus nerve to the skin, which makes massaging this area effective in activating the vagus nerve, thus positively affecting the brain.

- The navel contains about 72,000 nerves, making it a focal point in the body, and taking care of it enhances the activity of these nerves.

- The navel is an anatomical reference point for determining the locations of the different organs in the body according to traditional medicine.

- The navel contains about 2,368 different types of germs, which are considered unique and play an important role in promoting the health of the body.

- The location of the navel is linked to the optic nerves, intestines, and central nervous system, highlighting its physical importance.

- The navel is a source of many channels and pathways that feed the stomach and intestines.

What is the blackness in the navel?

 

The blackness that appears in the navel is the result of the accumulation of oils and dead skin residues, which are secreted from the body, leading to the appearance of this dark spot.

Is navel dirt dangerous?

 

The accumulation of dirt in the navel can be dangerous if it is ignored to clean it, as this may lead to the accumulation of fungi and germs in the body.

**Causes of the appearance of a black spot in the navel and ways to clean it**

There are several factors that lead to the appearance of a black area in the navel, the most prominent of which are:

**. Poor navel hygiene**

Poor navel hygiene is one of the main reasons that lead to the accumulation of fats and keratin in this area, which causes a black color to appear. Neglecting to clean the navel may also lead to an increase in the size of this black spot. Therefore, it is important to make sure to clean the navel regularly to avoid this problem.

**. Depth of the navel**

Increasing the depth of the navel can make it more susceptible to the accumulation of dirt and dust inside it, which contributes to the appearance of the black spot.

**Obesity**

The more obese a person is and the more abdominal fat they have, the deeper the navel becomes.

As a result, fat and dirt accumulate in this area, making it more difficult to clean.

Excess tissue can put pressure on the navel, which contributes to the accumulation of dirt in it.

This accumulation may lead to the appearance of a black spot in the navel.

**The most important problems affecting the navel area**

There are several problems that may affect the navel area, the most prominent of which are:

. **Umbilical hernia**: It occurs when the intestines protrude through the navel opening that has not closed after birth, and the matter gets worse when pressing on the abdomen, lifting weights, or during the birth process.

. **Sebaceous cyst**: This cyst appears under the skin surrounding the navel. Although it is not dangerous, it may cause a bad smell from the navel, and in some severe cases it may cause annoying pain.

. **Omphalocele**: It is a birth defect that affects newborns, and is caused by the incompleteness of the abdominal wall, which leads to the liver, intestines and other organs coming out to the base of the umbilical cord.

. **Urachus**: The bladder is connected to the navel before birth, and in some cases this problem continues after birth, which may lead to urine leakage from the navel.

**Bacterial infection**: Bacteria can affect the wounds in or behind the navel area, causing fluid to leak from inside the navel.

**Candida:** Candida fungi grow in the navel area, causing a rash, swelling and dryness in this area.

**Umbilical granuloma**:** This tumor occurs when skin cells do not shed properly, resulting in thick, foul-smelling secretions.

**How ​​to clean the navel**

 

There are several ways to clean the navel, whether from the inside or outside, the most prominent of which are:

1. **Medical alcohol**:

- Drops of medical alcohol, such as isopropyl alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, are placed. 

- The alcohol is left for a few minutes to get rid of dirt. 

- A cotton swab is used to clean the navel with water. 

- The navel is dried with a clean cloth. 

- It is recommended to repeat this process periodically to maintain the cleanliness of the navel.

Baby oil and hydrogen peroxide

Equal amounts of baby oil and hydrogen peroxide are mixed.

Then a cotton swab is used to clean the navel, where circular movements are made to ensure that all the protrusions inside the navel are cleaned.

**Water and salt**

A small amount of salt is added to the water and mixed until the salt is completely dissolved. After that, the solution is used to place it inside the navel. It is preferable to cover the navel with something suitable and leave it for several minutes. This method helps greatly in cleaning the dirt accumulated inside the navel.

- Cleaning the navel from the inside

You can clean the navel before showering by dipping a piece of cotton in alcohol and gently rubbing its inner surface. Repeat this process until you are sure that the cotton is clean. When the cotton is clean, you can wet another piece of cotton with water to wash off the alcohol residue inside the navel, to avoid drying the skin in this area. After showering, use a dry and clean piece of cotton to gently dry the navel from the inside. Try to avoid getting body wash into the navel, as this may increase moisture and thus encourage the growth of bacteria.

**- Cleaning the navel from the outside**

 

Cleaning the navel from the outside is much easier than cleaning it from the inside. So, you can use a suitable cloth, wet it with water and mild soap, then gently rub the navel from the outside. After that, rinse the soap well and dry the navel area completely. It is important during the cleaning process to use appropriate moisturizing creams to moisturize the navel. If the navel contains dirt stuckIf it is difficult to remove using the previous methods, you can use some warm oils. Massage the navel in a circular motion clockwise and counterclockwise. Oils, especially coconut oil, help loosen the accumulated dirt and make it come out of the navel easily.

### - Cleaning the navel piercing (piercing)

 

The pierced navel, known as "piercing", is one of the decoration methods that women resort to, where a ring is installed in the navel area. This piercing requires special care in the cleaning process, as follows:

- **For the new piercing**: It should be cleaned with a saline solution twice a day for three months. It is also preferable to use a special cream to avoid inflammation and reduce the risk of infection.

- **For the old piercing**: After ensuring that the piercing has completely healed, the navel should be cleaned from the inside and outside as mentioned above. Care should be taken to clean the piercing area by gently washing it with a cotton ball soaked in saline solution. This solution can be prepared at home by adding a quarter teaspoon of salt to boiling water, then leaving it to cool to ensure its cleanliness.

Follow the following three steps carefully:

**Step One:**

**Required Tools:**

- A clean cloth.

- Sterile cotton wool designed for cleaning the ear.

- Hydrogen peroxide or isopropyl alcohol.

**Steps:**

1. Apply a small amount of the solution to the navel.

2. Wait for two minutes until the accumulated dirt is loosened.

3. Use cotton swabs to clean the area.

4. Repeat the process if necessary.

5. Use the cloth to dry the area.

The second method:

You, dear, can get a clean belly button that is completely free of germs by preparing a disinfectant solution made of water, baby oil, and hydrogen peroxide. Next, dip a cotton ball from the ear cleaning stick in this solution, and start rubbing your navel in gentle circular motions until you get rid of all the accumulated pollutants in it.

**Method Three:**

Another effective way to clean your belly button from the depths is to use a saline solution. Put an appropriate amount of salt water in your navel, then cover it with a plastic cup and leave it for a few minutes. You will then notice that your navel has become very clean, as salt water creates an unsuitable environment for bacteria that cause inflammation and itching.

1. Always make sure to dry your belly button after showering, because the presence of water and moisture promotes the growth of harmful bacteria.

2. If you suffer from a bad smell in your belly button and your skin is sensitive and prone to redness, you can clean this area using a cleanser suitable for your skin type, with a little coconut oil or olive oil inside the navel before showering. These products help remove dirt and other particles.

It is best to wash your belly button well while showering, especially if you sweat excessively while exercising or in the summer.

Use warm water and soap as part of your navel cleaning routine, as this helps keep it clean and healthy.

Deep cleaning with a towel or cotton ball: You may need to use a towel or cotton ball to clean the navel from the inside, to ensure that all parts are reached and cleaned completely.

**Tips and instructions for cleaning the navel**

 

To avoid diseases and problems that may affect the navel, such as smelly secretions, it is recommended to follow the following instructions for cleaning the navel:

**Use a cotton ball soaked in an appropriate liquid**

 

The first and most important step in cleaning the navel is to prepare a clean cotton ball or cotton-tipped ear cleaning sticks, then soak them in an appropriate liquid.

You can choose one of the following liquids: alcohol, baby oil, or water.

After that, gently wipe the navel with a cotton ball soaked in one of the mentioned liquids, and repeat this process several times, then make sure to dry the navel well and carefully.

**Avoid neglecting to use moisturizers**

 

When cleaning the navel, it is essential to use appropriate moisturizing creams to moisturize the skin of the navel and the surrounding areas.

This will help maintain the moisture of the navel and the surrounding areas, protecting them from inflammation, infection, bad odors, and unwanted secretions.

Dry skin around the navel may prompt you to scratch it, which may lead to cracked skin or even minor cuts and scratches, making the navel area vulnerable to infections and germs.

**Using water and salt**

The many benefits of water and salt are well known, as this mixture has sterilizing and disinfecting properties that make it an essential element in the navel cleaning routine.

To benefit from the benefits of water and salt while cleaning the navel, follow these steps:

1. Dissolve a small amount of salt in warm water, then use this liquid to rinse the navel after trying to remove any dirt stuck using cotton ear swabs.

2. After rinsing the navel with water and salt, make sure to dry it well by gently patting the navel and the surrounding area.

3. If you have pierced your navel, you should pay special attention to cleaning it and keeping it sterile and free of infections.

Here are the most important tips and instructions in this regard:

- Do not remove the new ring in your navel until the piercing is completely healed from swelling and bleeding.

- You can pull the ring up a little and then rinse the area with water and salt.

- After that, lower the ring as much as possible and start cleaning the area around it gently, removing any crusts or stuck materials.

Dry the navel carefully by patting it gently with cotton ear swabs.

Always make sure that the belly button and its surrounding area are dry, as any moisture in this area before the navel piercing is completely healed can pose a risk.

To get rid of stubborn dirt, you can use warm oils.

If the navel contains dirt that is difficult to remove with the previous methods, you can use some warm oils to clean it.

Massaging helpsNavel area in a circular motion clockwise and counterclockwise, using warm oils, to push the stubborn dirt accumulated in the navel to clump and come out of its place.

To benefit from oils in cleaning the navel, you can follow the following steps:

1. Take a small amount of coconut oil and heat it slightly.

2. Use the oil to gently massage the area around the navel.

3. Pull the skin surrounding the navel slightly to the sides to facilitate the appearance of the navel, which helps you remove the accumulated dirt using cotton swabs.

**Diseases resulting from not cleaning the navel**

 

The accumulation of dirt and impurities inside the navel is a completely undesirable sight.

Neglecting the navel can lead to redness and inflammation, causing a bad odor and a constant itching sensation.

When neglecting to clean the navel, the internal nerves of the body may be affected, as the navel contains more than 200 nerves.

Skin cracks may also appear inside the navel as a result of neglect.

Also, the digestive system may be affected if the navel is not taken care of and cleaned properly.

**Damages of not cleaning the navel**

 

The navel is a sensitive area that requires constant care and cleaning. Neglecting to clean it may lead to multiple health problems, including:

1. **Fungal infection**: The navel is an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria, due to its moisture and the presence of layers of skin on top of each other. Therefore, not taking care of its cleanliness may facilitate fungal infection.

2. **Bad odor**: The navel is a suitable place for bacteria, dirt, sweat and dead skin to accumulate, which may lead to an unpleasant odor.

3. **Navel stone**: Also known as "navel stones", it is the result of the accumulation of dead skin residues and oils and fats secreted by the body in the navel area. This accumulation forms into a solid, dark ball, similar in shape to blackheads, but larger in size.

**Ways to prevent the appearance of a pimple in the navel**

 

There are a set of tips and instructions that are preferable to follow to prevent the appearance of black spots or pimples in the navel area, including:

1. **Reduce sugar consumption**: It is recommended to reduce sugar intake as much as possible, as high blood sugar levels can contribute to the increased spread of fungi in the navel.

2. **Clean the navel daily**: Care must be taken to clean the navel daily using soap and water.

3. **Remove dirt**: It is important to get rid of dust and dirt accumulated in the navel area.

4. **Avoid excessive friction**: It is preferable to avoid excessive friction in the navel area to avoid infections.

5. **Choosing appropriate clothing**: It is recommended to wear clothes made of natural fabrics such as cotton instead of synthetic fabrics.

6. **Avoid aromatic substances**: It is preferable not to put creams or aromatic substances near the navel to avoid irritation and sensitivity.

7. **Avoid excessive hygiene**: Be careful not to over-clean the navel area, as it can lead to infections.

8. **Avoid perfumes**: It is recommended not to put perfumes on the navel area to avoid irritation.

Flesh tissue coming out of the navel in adults

The problem of the appearance of a black piece or purulent secretions or flesh tissue from the navel is one of the symptoms resulting from an infection of the navel.

Some wounds can lead to the formation of granulation tissue that appears in the form of a piece of flesh in a dark red color.

This area is accompanied by a bad smell and yellow secretions.

This condition can be treated using silver nitrate under the supervision of a specialist doctor, or by performing a surgical operation to remove this tissue.

**Damages of cleaning the navel with the finger**

 

It is important to be aware that cleaning the navel with the finger, especially when there is a black spot, may lead to some health damage, including:

- The possibility of infections in the navel area.

- Feeling itchy, scratching and pain in the navel.

- Irritation of the nerves in the navel, causing severe pain.

- Appearance of purulent secretions in the navel area.