Buzz
The belly button often slips our mind during our cleaning routines. Neglecting regular cleaning can lead to the accumulation of lint. You can effectively cleanse your belly button post-shower using a simple salt solution. If you have a baby with an intact umbilical cord, ensure regular cleaning. Going forward, prioritize keeping your belly button clean and free of lint on a routine basis.
Instructions
How to Properly Clean Your Belly Button
Prepare a Salt Solution Opt for a salt solution to cleanse your belly button effectively. Dissolve a teaspoon of table salt in a cup of water until fully dissolved.
- Before starting the cleaning process, take a quick shower to loosen any dirt or lint inside your belly button.
Apply the Solution to Your Belly Button Use your fingertips or a small cloth to massage the solution into your belly button. If using your fingers, ensure they are clean. Dip them into the salt solution.
- Gently massage the interior of your belly button to dislodge any lint or debris. For larger pieces of lint, gentle pulling may be necessary.
Thoroughly Rinse and Dry Your Belly Button After cleaning, rinse your belly button with plain water and gently pat the surrounding area dry with a clean cloth.
Seek Medical Advice for Belly Button Infections If you suspect a belly button infection due to poor hygiene or recent piercing, promptly consult a doctor. Symptoms include redness, itching, swelling, foul odor, discharge, or pain around the belly button.
- Red or itchy skin near the belly button
- Swelling
- A bad smell
- Discharge from the belly button
- Pain or blistering around the belly button
Caring for a Baby's Belly Button
Prepare Your Supplies Ensure you have all necessary supplies ready beforehand to prevent delays during cleaning. Babies may become fussy if cleaning takes too long.
- Place a large towel for your baby to lie on.
- Prepare a sponge, cotton swabs, a bowl of warm water, and baby soap.
Ensure Clean Hands Babies are vulnerable to infections. Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before cleaning your baby's belly button.
- Thoroughly dry your hands with a clean cloth or paper towel.
Watch for Signs of Infection Belly button infections pose risks for infants. Promptly consult a pediatrician if you suspect an infection. Symptoms include:
- Discharge around the belly button
- An unpleasant odor from the umbilical cord
- Tenderness or swelling of the skin
Cleanse the Umbilical Cord Moisten a cloth with warm water and gently wipe the umbilical cord and its surroundings. Follow with a mild cleanser.
- Keep the cord clean and dry until it naturally detaches to prevent infection.
- Avoid using rubbing alcohol on the umbilical cord.
Ensure Cord Dryness Moisture can lead to infections. Gently pat the umbilical cord and surrounding area dry with an absorbent cloth to prevent infection. Ensure both the cord and surrounding skin are completely dry.
Preventing Accumulation of Belly Button Lint
Trim the Hair Surrounding Your Navel Decrease the likelihood of belly button lint by reducing the hair around your navel. Shaving this area may help prevent lint buildup. If belly button lint is a concern, try shaving around your navel with a razor to see if it reduces lint accumulation.
Opt for Worn Clothing When Feasible Belly button lint results from fabric fibers, such as cotton, shedding from your clothes. Older garments may attract less lint compared to new ones since they've already shed these fibers. Whenever possible, wear older clothing to minimize belly button lint buildup.
- On days without special plans, consider wearing an old t-shirt.
Avoid Moisturizing Your Belly Button Refrain from applying lotions or moisturizers inside or around your belly button. While generally safe for other body parts, excess moisture near the belly button can promote fungal or bacterial infections.
