Patient's question:
Accidentally, I poked my navel with my finger, and then for some reason, I smelled it and found a foul odor. It startled me. I'd like to ask, what could be causing the foul odor from the navel?Doctor's answer:
An indented navel appears as a dark corner, prone to accumulating moisture and drying slowly. This area has a temperature that is suitable for bacteria, making it an excellent breeding ground. The initial signs of umbilical cord inflammation include redness at the base of the cord or on the wound surface after the cord falls off, along with white purulent discharge and redness and swelling around the cord. Bacteria can even enter the bloodstream through anatomically open potential pathways, such as the umbilical vessels, leading to severe consequences, such as sepsis. If the navel is moist with water or other substances, umbilical cord inflammation must be treated promptly, and local treatment should be administered immediately. If the umbilical cord inflammation is severe with purulent discharge, seek hospital treatment immediately. Then, it is important to pay more attention to rest and avoid spicy or irritating foods in daily life.