Why does your belly buttons stink

But the researchers also discovered other bacteria never before seen on human skin, like marimonas, which scientists had previously only seen in the ocean. And they even found bacteria that chefs use to make cheese, and, yes, somebody did exactly that. She grew the belly-button bacteria in a petri dish and then added it to milk.

Sure enough, after a few hours, the milk curdled into cheese. Belly-button Brie, anyone? Now, for the most part, the microbes in your navel are harmless. In fact, recent studies suggest that bacteria on your body may strengthen your skin's defense system, but if you never clean your belly button, they'll grow unencumbered, and that can be a problem.

The best-case scenario is that your belly button will start to smell. When common navel microbes, like corynebacterium, build up, they emit pungent odors, similar to body odor.

But the worst case is that your navel will get infected, not just by staph but also by microbes that cause strep throat and yeast infections. That's right, you can get a yeast infection in your belly button, which can lead to itching and redness, and cause a clear or off-white discharge to leak out, which almost looks like cottage cheese.

Share this on: Updated January 11, Your belly button is pretty easy to forget. Never Miss a Beat! Tap Click to Join! I understand that I may opt out of receiving such communications at any time. Thank you for subscribing! Message and data rates may apply. And because they don't serve any important function after we're out of the womb , they're easy to forget.

That is, until they start smelling. Or secreting discharge. And when that happens, you know something funky is going on. For the most part, there's no need to be concerned if you have a smelly belly button. According to Healthline, our belly buttons smell from time to time if we're not keeping up with our hygiene.

However, sometimes belly button odour can be a sign of something more serious that needs medical attention, such as an infection or a cyst. There are several reasons why your belly button may smell, from poor hygiene or an infection, having an "innie," to having your belly button pierced. If you have poor hygiene, fungi and germs can get trapped in the belly button , according to Healthline. Bacteria and other germs create the foul smell, just as they make your armpits smell when you sweat.

The deeper your belly button is, the more dirt and germs can build up inside it. Sometimes though, the smell is caused by an infection. Type keyword s to search. Today's Top Stories. Ab Exercises for a Stronger Core. Related Stories. This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below.