Why Is My Belly Button Bleeding?

Why is my belly button bleeding?

There are several reasons why you saw your belly button bleeding. However, only three of those reasons are most common. 

⦿ Infection

⦿ Portal Hypertension complication

⦿ Primary umbilical endometriosis

Sometimes dirt, fungus, and germs get inside your belly button, causing infection. This infection is one of the commonest reasons for your belly button bleeding.

People who develop a bellybutton infection usually notice yellow, white, and brown discharge oozing out of the belly button. In this article, I have explained the possible reason and treatment for bleeding from the belly button. 

Why Is My Belly Button Bleeding?

The main reason that causes the belly button to discharge is infection. It can also happen as a result of cysts and surgery. Here are different types of infections that cause the belly button to bleed. 

Infection

Your belly button harbors more than 67 different bacteria. This was found in a study from 2012. It is suggested to keep the belly button clean. Your piercing can also get dirty and cause an infection. 

Why is my belly button bleeding? The reason could be due to yeast infection. Candida is a type of yeast that grows on the damp and dark areas of your skin, especially your groin area and under your arms. 

The infection causes the belly button to give out a thick white discharge. It also causes red and itchy rashes. Poor skin hygiene can cause the belly button area to grow warm, red, and moist. 

Symptoms 

You can experience these symptoms alongside bleeding; you can experience these symptoms –

• Redness of your skin around the belly button. 
• Swelling or itching around the area of infection. 
• A tender mass that bleeds and discharges smelly pus. 
• Fever with chills. 
• Vomiting or nausea. 

Diagnosis And Treatment

The doctors usually collect a sample from the skin and the discharge and send it to the lab for a test. If different bacterial and fungal strains are found in the discharge or skin sample, the doctors will suggest a remedy accordingly. 

The doctors usually recommend cleaning the area of infection with warm water and salt. They may also prescribe topical or oral antibiotics to reduce the symptoms.

Cyst

Cysts can develop anywhere within your body. They are pockets of tissues filled with fluids. Cysts can appear even on your belly button. Epidermoid cysts usually occur due to a hair follicle getting clogged with oil or dirt. It may also occur due to sun damage or infection. 

But why is my belly button bleeding and smelly.? It can be due to cysts. The cysts can cause bloody discharge to come out from your belly button. 

Symptoms

Here are the symptoms of cysts causing bleeding from the belly button –

• There can be a moveable mass underneath the skin.
• The skin may become red or discolored. 
• Swelling. 
• Tenderness or pain. 
• Problem during urination.

Diagnosis And Treatment

The doctor will examine the cyst and may touch it to see if it moves. They will check for different symptoms. They usually look for tenderness, swelling of the cyst, and fever. Doctors may also collect samples of the ruptures. Your doctor might suggest you conduct an ultrasound or CT scan if they suspect a urachal cyst.

The treatment part depends upon the type of cyst they have developed. If the cyst is normal, it may not need any medical attention. But, if it is infected, you might need medical assistance. The doctor may need to drain your cyst surgically and remove large cysts.

Primary Umbilical Endometriosis

Endometriosis is another issue that usually occurs among females. This disorder occurs due to ectopic endometrial tissue inside the umbilicus. 

Symptoms

When patients are diagnosed with this disorder, they usually see the following symptoms –

• Umbilical swelling
• Cyclical pain
• And bleeding or discharge

Diagnosis And Treatment

Your doctor may perform a pelvic examination or conduct several image tests such as MRI or ultrasound. Your doctor may also suggest a procedure called laparoscopy. This process helps them spot and identify abnormal growth of tissues inside the pelvic region. Doctors may also run a biopsy of the abnormal tissue if the endometriosis is located at the belly button.

Females suffering from this condition can ease the symptoms with pain medication, hormonal birth control, and different dietary supplements. Sometimes, the doctor may remove the endometriosis tissue surgically. 

Omphalitis

Just after birth, the doctor cuts the umbilical cord and leaves a small section of it attached to the belly button. This is known as the umbilical stump. However, this stump dries out and falls off in 5-15 days, and the wound closes and forms the belly button. 

Often, you will notice blood coming from the umbilical stump of your newborn baby. Once it falls off, the would often bleed a little till the skin heals.  

However, this can also happen if the belly button gets infected. This is rare and happens in just 0.7% of the cases. 

Symptoms

You will notice the symptoms after 3 days, and those include: 

• Fever 

• Irritability 

• Bleeding the cord stump 

• Lethargy 

• Foul-smelling drainage 

• Poor feeding 

Diagnosis And Treatment

To diagnose this, the doctor must run a complete blood count test and collect a blood sample from the cord for analysis.  

Moreover, if the newborn is experiencing symptoms that affect the whole body, the doctor suggests a urinalysis and chest radiograph. 

Also, when you are cleaning the umbilical cord area, make sure you sanitize your hands before touching it. Also, do not cover the area when you are getting them in a diaper, and keep the area dry and clean. 

If you notice gas in the surrounding tissue, then take them to a doctor immediately. This might even need surgery. 

Pregnancy

Another reason for belly button bleeding is pregnancy. The body undergoes many changes, and the belly button changes as well. The muscles and skin stretch as the uterus expands to accommodate the growing fetus.  

This often tears the skin around the belly button. However, if you accidentally scratch it, then the belly button can also bleed. Rough clothes rubbing against the belly button also irritates the skin, causing redness and bleeding. 

Symptoms

Well, you would know if you are pregnant. If there are no other severe symptoms than redness, tenderness, and bleeding, then you can confirm that it is because of your pregnancy. 

Diagnosis And Treatment 

This is common, and you can prevent bleeding or infecting it by: 

• Remove belly button piercings if you have. 

• Keep the area dry and clean. 

• Apply aloe vera gel to soothe the area. 

Keep Your Belly Button Healthy With These Healthy Tips

You can keep your belly button healthy if you follow these tips –

• Wear soft and loose clothes. 
• If you are obese, reduce your sugar intake to prevent yeast infection. 
• If you suspect an infection, clean the belly button with warm water and pat dry the area. 
• Wash your belly button every day using antibacterial soap. Using a sponge or washing clothes also works. 
• Once you have bathed, dry your belly button using a piece of dry clothing. 
• Avoid using any cream or moisturizer inside the belly button.  
• If you pierce the belly button, keep the area around the piercing clean. 
• Reduce your alcohol intake to prevent liver damage, as that can cause liver cirrhosis. This can cause portal hypertension. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS):-

Here are some popularly asked questions related to bleeding from the belly button – 

Final Words

Why is my belly button bleeding? The reason can depend on the ones I have discussed here. However, if you take care of your belly button and maintain proper hygiene, you will not develop an infection in the first place. 

However, we always suggest seeing your doctor if you experience any type of discharge or bleeding. Other symptoms such as bleeding, foul smell, or redness of the belly button should also be diagnosed by your doctor. I think you have found the answer to your query. Please share your feedback with us. 

Read Also:

• Most Common Characteristics Of Rehab Services
• How to Make the Life of a Dysphagia Patient Easier
• Coping with an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: A Guide for Family Members