What Is a Belly Button Infection?
6. Can Poor Hygiene Cause a Belly Button Infection?
It is normal for belly buttons to house countless numbers of microorganisms. One scientific study called the Belly Button Biodiversity Project analyzed bacteria growing in human belly buttons. One participant in the study who had not showered or bathed in several years had thousands of species of bacteria living in his navel; these bacteria coexisted peacefully and caused him no apparent harm.
However, despite the unlikelihood of most people developing a belly button infection, failing to wash the area is one of many risk factors that make it more likely to occur. Experts recommend using a cotton swab to clean the belly button with soap, isopropyl alcohol, or saline solution at least once per week.
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