Belly Button Pain
Important Facts to Know about Belly Button Pain
It is uncomfortable and unmistakable; right around the area of the belly button, pain from some unknown cause is emanating. There could be several reasons for the discomfort that is symptomatic of other disorders.
Doctors are often stumped when confronted with this symptom. Test after test is often ordered; blood tests, colonoscopies, stool samples and more, usually all coming back with the same findings: normal. Yet the person experiencing the pain knows unequivocally that something is causing the pain. Generally, by the time a doctor can be seen about the problem, the pain has stopped, making the correct diagnosis even more difficult. However, there are certain conditions that do exhibit belly button pain as a symptom.
Pain during Pregnancy
Sometimes described as a sharp, shooting pain and also as a constant tight pain, doctors are generally not concerned about this type of discomfort in pregnant women. It is always important to report any pain and discomfort to your doctor, especially when you are pregnant, so it is advisable to document the occurrences and the durations and provide the doctor with those details. Because of the growing fetus, the surrounding tissues, muscles and skin must expand to accommodate the baby. It may be the uterus itself pressing upon the round ligament of the belly button, or it could be the stretching of the ligament that the body is unaccustomed to experiencing; either way, the result will usually be discomfort or pain. It may subside with time, or it may continue to occur occasionally. In some cases, the pain felt could be the result of a hernia caused by the pressure of the expanding body. A hernia is usually not treated, as the body will mend the condition on its own after the pregnancy has been completed.
Pain with Discharge
When pain around the belly button area is accompanied by a discharge, there is usually an infection of some type present.
●Bacteria. The infection could be in the skin around the belly button; bacteria can enter into a scratch or minor skin abrasion, resulting in an infection. If the belly button has been pierced, the area is more susceptible to infections. Being sure to always keep the area clean and dry to avoid infections will help. If an infection should occur, refrain from scratching the area and see a doctor as soon as possible.
●Fungal Growth. An area that is generally covered, the belly button can retain a moist atmosphere that is also conducive for a fungal growth. Symptoms of a fungus infection can include redness, itchiness and a discharge. A doctor must be seen to accurately diagnose the problem in order to treat the infection. Avoid scratching the area and keep it dry to help the healing process.
●Yeast Growth. A common yeast infection, Candida, is often the reason behind a sore, oozing belly button. The warm, moist area of the belly button provides the perfect breeding ground, which will need a doctor’s attention to remedy.
Any belly button pain must be brought to the attention of a medical profession; in rare cases, it can be indicative of a much more serious issue. Consulting a doctor will have your belly button pain free and back to normal in no time.