A Dermatologist Is Begging People To Wash This 'Often Neglected' Body Part
For some people, showering and bathing isn't just a way to get clean; it's a form of self-care (you've heard of the "everything shower," right?). Their shelves are stocked with a variety of luscious-smelling products, and they'll splurge for the expensive shampoo. Other people are quick with their rinses, seeing washing off as a basic necessity or chore; they're in and out.We're all different, and we all have different approaches to getting clean. Regardless of what type of bath or shower you choose or when you prefer to rinse off—there's a bit of a divide between those of us who like to shower in the mornings, and those who prefer the nighttime—there's a good chance that you're forgetting to wash one specific body part, and it can lead to some pretty gross health problems.
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A Dermatologist Is Begging People To Wash This 'Often Neglected' Body Part
When was the last time you made a conscious effort to wash your belly button? If you can't remember, that's a problem. 'Belly buttons, even outies but especially innies, are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. It's dark, damp and often neglected when cleaning,' says Dr. Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology. Dr. Yadav explains that sweat, dead skin cells, sebum, dirt and debris (like fuzz from clothing) build up in the belly button, giving bacteria plenty of food to thrive. She says that not only can this cause the belly button to develop a foul odor, but it can also cause infections.
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One scientific study found 67 different types of bacteria on the belly buttons of the study participants. Where does it all come from? 'Bacteria is everywhere!' Dr. Yadav says. 'There are 'good' and 'bad' bacteria on our skin at all times, and other factors—like swimming in the ocean, working out at a gym, rewearing dirty clothes or sleeping in used sheets—can introduce new bacteria.'Another scientific study found that the more bacteria a belly button has, the stronger the odor is. PSA: A clean belly button doesn't have a smell. In the most extreme cases of neglect, Dr. Yadav says that umboliths (also spelled 'omphaloliths'), or naval stones, can develop. 'Umboliths are masses made up of sebum, dead skin, hair and other debris that become hard and compacted, similar to an old blackhead. They are not common, but are most likely to form in individuals with very deep 'innie' belly buttons,' she explains.Related:
The Best Way To Keep Your Belly Button Clean
Who knew the humble belly button could get so disgusting, right? Knowing what can happen, chances are you're going to be paying it proper attention from now on. 'Every time you bathe, you should be thoroughly cleaning your belly button with body wash,' Dr. Yadav says.
She says that, typically, using your finger to clean it is adequate (as long as your finger fits in there), explaining, 'Just swirl your finger around inside with body wash, then rinse thoroughly. If you want to be more thorough, you can use a washcloth."
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In terms of what type of cleaning products are best for washing your belly button, Dr. Yadav shares that body wash and your finger are typically all the cleaning tools you need. 'You can also use a liquid chemical exfoliant on a cotton swab if you're concerned about odor and buildup,' she adds. But if you have good hygiene habits, she says that washing your belly button when you wash the rest of your body is enough.
With all this in mind, you should be washing your belly button every time you bathe or shower. That way, you can rest assured there won't be any weird smells coming from it or anything sinister hiding out there that shouldn't be there.
It only takes a few seconds to properly clean the belly button, but it's a crucial few seconds. Give your belly button some undivided attention. That way, it stays healthy and clean.
Up Next: Sources:
Dr. Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology
A Jungle In There: Bacteria in Belly Buttons Is Highly Diverse, but Predictable.PLoS One. 2012
Microbiota in Umbilical Dirt and Its Relationship with Odor. Microbes and Environments. 2023
Omphalolith: An underdiagnosed entity. Clinical Case Reports. 2022
A Dermatologist Is Begging People To Wash This 'Often Neglected' Body Part first appeared on Parade on Jul 20, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
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