Yeast infection in belly button area is not an uncommon problem and may possibly affect both children, adults, the elderly, and even infants. Although a yeast infection can possibly affect various areas of the body, such as genitals, skin folds, and toes, belly button yeast infection is frequently spotted.

This yeast infection—known also as candidiasis, is triggered by the dark, moist, and damp environment of the belly button, which is a perfect environment for the yeast to grow. The fact that human’s navel is categorized as a skin fold also elevates its risk of having a yeast infection.

Care for yeast-infected belly button

Once the signs and symptoms of yeast infection are visible in the belly button area, it is important to perform an immediate treatment before the causing yeast multiply, causing a worse problem. Paying attention to the main trigger, there are some practices and medications that can be used for caring yeast infection in your belly button.

• Practicing a good hygiene to get rid of infesting yeast

A good hygiene is essential for all body parts health, including a yeast-infected belly button. Make sure you keep the area clean and dry. It is necessary to wash the area with mild anti-bacterial soap during shower and pat it dries afterward. You can continue with a dab of antibacterial cream applied thinly. However, avoid greasy ointment as it may block the skin pores, causing even worse infection.

• Do not aggravate the infected navel with tight clothing

While having a belly button infection, it is important to pay attention to what you are wearing. Avoid tight clothes and pants that are unbreathable, as it may accumulate sweat and dirt in the infection area. They also trigger more itching that may tempt you to pick at the site. Instead, wear cotton clothing that is breathable and absorbs sweat well.

• Pay attention to your diet

Certain substances in the foods you consume may accommodate yeast growth. If you are having a belly button yeast infection thus, it is important to cut off sugar consumption. Avoid foods that are high in sugar for faster healing.

Remedies for belly button yeast infection

Most belly button yeast infection is not harmful, as long as it is treated properly and immediately. One can always perform a self-care at home concerning this infection by performing above self-care practices. Some remedies, in addition, can also be taken for promoting faster healing. Choose ones that are natural to avoid irritation in the delicate area of the navel.

• Plain Yogurts

Probiotics producing lactic acid give a significant effect in combating yeast and fungi causing infection to the belly button. You can dip a cotton ball into a plain, unsweetened yogurt containing living probiotics. Dab the cotton ball into the infected belly button and leave it for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing it with warm water. Make sure you pat the area dry afterward and repeat the treatment twice to three times a day.

• Apple Cider Vinegar

This natural apple fermentation is highly beneficial for getting rid of yeast infesting the damp area of the body, as it contains antimicrobial substances. The vinegar acidic culture also inhibits yeast from spreading and multiplying fast. You can apply this vinegar topically onto the infection site after diluting it into a glass of warm water. Sip a cotton ball in the mixture and dab it into an infected navel and leave it for 30 minutes, or you can take a teaspoon of this mixture and soak the infected belly button in the solution for 30 minutes before rinsing it with warm water. Repeat the treatment twice a day.

• Black tea

Tea is not only a great antioxidant but also an effective fungi killer as it contains tannins that are responsible for this. A damp black tea bag is also beneficial in improving the condition of an infected navel by minimizing swelling and itching sensation.

To kill the yeast, soak a black tea bag in warm water for 10 minutes and refrigerate it afterward for 20 minutes. Place the damp tea bag over the infected area to give a soothing effect. Tea also contains a natural antibiotic that is beneficial for killing the yeast and clear up the infection.

Repeat this simple remedy three times a day to improve the condition and promote faster healing. You can also soak an infected belly button with a teaspoon of water used for soaking the tea bag for getting rid of yeast growing on the inner side of the navel.

• Garlic

Garlic is another effective natural antibiotic that may act as an antifungal for getting rid yeast infestation inside the navel area. You can crush some cloves of garlic and put it into a saucepan containing a glass of water. Boil the mixture and strain to get the water. Leave it to cool down and dip a cotton ball into the mixture. Place the cotton ball into the belly button and leave it for 15 minutes.

Afterward, rinse with warm water and pat dry the area. This will inhibit the yeast from growing and thus, improve the belly button problem. As a natural antibiotic, garlic also helps getting rid of foul odor caused by yeast infestation in the belly button area.