Medical expert of the article
New publications
Belly button discharge
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.

Discharge from the navel is a pathology, since in a normal state the retracted scar covering the umbilical ring at the site of the fallen umbilical cord should be absolutely dry and not cause any unpleasant sensations.
Despite the fact that the navel area contains only muscle tissue and skin, unpleasant discharge from the navel indicates the presence of inflammation.
Causes of discharge from the navel
Surgeons cite the following causes of discharge from the navel: inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the umbilical cavity (omphalitis), thrombophlebitis of the umbilical vein, umbilical fistulas, endometriosis of the navel, inflammation of the urachus cyst.
Discharge from the navel of a newborn in the first month of life in most clinical cases is a symptom of omphalitis - simple, phlegmonous or, very rarely, necrotic. The causative agent of the inflammatory process in the area of the umbilical wound of infants is staphylococcus or streptococcus.
Thrombophlebitis of the umbilical vein and related complications in a newborn can be diagnosed when the infant underwent catheterization of the umbilical vessels during resuscitation procedures for asphyxia. Thrombophlebitis of the umbilical vein is one of the complications of this manipulation.
Infectious inflammation of the skin of the navel (omphalitis) in adults also has a bacterial or fungal etiology. And discharge from the navel during pregnancy can occur precisely because of omphalitis. Discharge from the navel in women and men is possible as a result of an acquired periumbilical fistula, which forms at the site of an opened suppuration during strangulation of an umbilical hernia.
One of the reasons for such discharge is also a urachus cyst - a congenital anomaly that occurs during intrauterine development. This pathology is associated with the fact that the fetal urinary duct (urachus) does not completely overgrow, but doctors have not yet figured out why this happens. Moreover, this developmental defect may not manifest itself for a long time and only appear with age.
In addition, discharge from the navel in women may appear as a result of endometriosis of the navel, when the inner mucous membrane of the body of the uterus (endometrium) grows into the tissue of the peritoneum in the umbilical area.
Symptoms of navel discharge
Symptoms of navel discharge depend on the cause of the pathology. Characteristic signs of simple omphalitis (also called a wet navel) are serous discharge and odor from the navel, as well as hyperemia and swelling of the skin surrounding the navel. Phlegmonous omphalitis is characterized not only by purulent discharge from the navel, but also by an increase in temperature - locally and throughout the body. In this case, a scab forms over the site of inflammation, under which pus accumulates, and when palpating the area adjacent to the inflammation, patients complain of pain.
The necrotic form of this disease, according to surgeons, is a rare but extremely dangerous phenomenon. With necrotic omphalitis, the skin around the navel becomes purple or bluish, and open ulcers may appear. The body temperature rises to +39.5°C. The inflammatory process goes deep, that is, it affects the peritoneum and can cause acute purulent inflammation of the abdominal wall (phlegmon). It can also reach the internal organs, which is fraught with blood poisoning (sepsis).
In case of inflammation of the umbilical wound in newborns, serous-purulent or purulent discharge is possible, dilated vessels are visible on the abdominal wall. In case of general intoxication, the baby may show anxiety or become lethargic, suckle poorly and regurgitate frequently.
With thrombophlebitis of the umbilical vein in newborns, the skin around the navel turns red, a fibrous cord appears above the navel, the abdominal wall is constantly tense, and when stroking the abdomen, bloody discharge appears from the navel.
First transparent, and then white discharge from the navel is observed with a fistula. The skin near the navel can also become inflamed, and blood may appear in the discharge. The anterior abdominal wall is tense and painful.
With endometriosis of the navel in women, bloody discharge from the navel and pulling pains appear before, during or immediately after the end of menstruation.
If the discharge from the navel is caused by inflammation of the urachus cyst, then the accompanying symptoms are pain of varying intensity in the abdominal area (acute on palpation), intestinal dysfunction and problems with urination.
Who to contact?
Diagnosis of navel discharge
Today, diagnosis of navel discharge is carried out mainly on the basis of patient examination data, determination of the causative agent of inflammation by bacteriological examination of discharge (navel smear) and a general blood test.
If the discharge from the navel is not associated with omphalitis, a urine test, X-ray or ultrasound examination of the abdominal and pelvic organs is prescribed.
Treatment of navel discharge
Treatment of navel discharge depends on its cause. In local therapy of simple omphalitis (both in newborns and adults), the navel is treated with antiseptic preparations such as alcoholic iodine solution (10%), alcoholic brilliant green solution (2%), hydrogen peroxide solution (3%), potassium permanganate solution (5%), silver nitrate solution (2%).
It is also recommended to apply the following ointments:
- Synthomycin liniment (Synthomycin emulsion) - applied to the navel area, a regular bandage is placed on top (possibly with compress paper) - 3-4 times a day.
- Polymyxin-M sulfate - applied in a thin layer to the affected area after removing pus - 1-2 times a day.
- Baneocin (Bacitracin + Neomycin) - applied 2-4 times a day. Redness, dry skin, skin rashes and itching at the site of application may occur. Not recommended for use by pregnant women.
- Bactroban ointment and cream (Mupiprocin) - applied three times a day, the course of treatment is 7-10 days. The ointment is not used to treat children under 2 months, and the cream is not used for children under one year.
Treatment in case of phlegmonous or necrotic omphalitis is carried out in a hospital setting - with antibiotic injections. In severe situations, they resort to surgical intervention with the installation of drainage to remove pus.
But umbilical fistulas of the navel are treated only surgically - by excision and suturing. In most cases, the treatment of the urachus cyst is carried out by surgeons, since the existing conservative methods of therapy for this pathology, as a rule, do not give the desired effect.
Prevention of navel discharge
Since unpleasant discharge is most often a consequence of an inflammatory process, prevention of discharge from the navel consists of preventing it.
The most effective of them is to follow the rules of personal hygiene. That is, regular washing under the shower should not bypass the umbilical cavity. At the same time, it is necessary to carefully remove water from the navel. And if the navel is deep enough, it is recommended to treat it with an alcohol tincture of calendula, furacilin or chlorhexidine once a week. So that the discharge from the navel does not have to be treated.