Yeast infections can crop up in many places, including yourbelly button.

A belly button yeast infection is afungal infectionthat affects the skin around your navel.

Belly button yeast infections cause a bright red, itchy rash.

A woman applying cream to her skin

Boy_Anupong / Getty Images

The medical name for this infection isCandidiasis.

It happens when yeast that usually lives on your skin grows out of control.

This article discusses the symptoms of belly button yeast infection, its causes, and treatment options.

William Truswell, MD

It might itch or burn.

You may also notice:

Typically, belly button yeast infections dont cause a strong odor.

However, you may observe a slight musty smell.

However, these infections are treated differently.

It’s important to see a healthcare professional who can accurately diagnose you.

What Causes a Belly Button Yeast Infection?

Like the rest of your skin, your belly button naturally has yeast.

This isnt usually a problem.

Yeast tends to overgrow in warm, moist environments.

Are Belly Button Yeast Infections Contagious?

A Word From Verywell

Belly buttons can present with the medical problem of a yeast infection.

When the area becomes red, itchy, and possibly odorous, it is time to take action.

How Is a Belly Button Yeast Infection Diagnosed?

Healthcare providers typically diagnose a belly button yeast infection by asking about your symptoms and looking at your navel.

They may scrape off a skin sample to examine under a microscope or place it in aculture.

This can help confirm that you have a yeast infection.

What Is Intertrigo?

Intertrigois a skin condition that happens when the folds of the skin rub together.

It commonly leads to a fungal infection, such as a belly button yeast infection.

How Is a Belly Button Yeast Infection Treated?

They are applied directly to the skin in and around your navel.

Often, these infections will heal on their own if you keep the area dry and clean.

However, many people respond well to antifungal medication.

Your infection should start to clear up within two weeks of taking the treatment.

Will it Come Back?

Belly button yeast infections often recur, particularly if you don’t clean the area.

People with weakened immune systems are more likely to experience infections that come back.

Showering with soap and water should be enough to keep your belly button clean.

Dont apply lotions or creams to your belly button; these products can invite fungal growth.

Losing weight may also aid in slowing the growth of yeast.

Additionally, if you have diabetes, keeping blood sugar levels under control can prevent yeast buildup.

Its typically red, itchy, and sometimes painful.

There are several over-the-counter and prescription treatments that are available as topical and oral medications.

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Know the symptoms and remedies.

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