A quirky thing about belly buttons is that they come in all shapes and sizes. They can be flat, or they can protrude. They can be big, or they can be small. Interesting as these quirks are, they aren’t the end all be all of belly buttons. We’d all like to ignore them, but there’s more to these anatomical structures than meets the eye.
As a matter of fact, belly buttons are very important to personal health. The thing about them is that they can serve as sources of infection, leading to both systemic and local health issues. There are remedies to this, of course, but none as interesting as the application of Apple Cider Vinegar. In this article, we discuss why you should apply Apple Cider Vinegar on your belly button.
How does the belly button get infected?
Belly button infections are very common, and they can happen to anyone regardless of how old they are. According to Healthline, Yeast and bacteria are usually the two most common infectious agents. Factors that predispose one to belly button infections include excessive sweating and skin sensitivity. Poor hygiene and skin infections are also troublesome. As well as medical surgeries in that general region.
Following a belly button infection, certain symptoms are sure to develop. The nature of the symptoms could hold clues as to the source of the infection. According to pick a remedy, if the causative organism is Yeast, then the area will probably itch and redden. However, if the causative organism is bacteria, then there might be a discharge of various colors ranging from off-white to yellow.
What can happen when you don’t clean your belly button?
Failing to clean your belly button can obviously lead to an infection. But then, what are some of the complications that can arise from these belly button infections? Let’s take three of these and break them down.
For one, you can develop extreme skin itchiness and irritation. This can vastly affect your quality of life. You can’t exactly raise up your shirt to scratch your belly button at work. According to mayoclinic, you can even damage your skin in intense cases.
Another complication of these belly button infections is abdominal pain. In these instances, it’s an indication that the infection is spreading inside the body. According to Healthline, this could cause other symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Imagine having to run to the bathroom every hour because of just your belly button.
The last complication to consider is septic shock. This is a life-threatening condition that develops once the infection is allowed to run riot within the body. According to Medicine Net, the mortality rate for people in this condition is as high as 50%. As such, you need to make sure you get checked out before things progress to that state.
How to clean your belly button with apple cider vinegar
Although there are so many tools for belly button cleanliness, apple cider vinegar is one of the most effective. According to a study published in Nature Magazine, apple cider vinegar has antimicrobial properties and can easily kill germs. And so, how exactly should you use it to maintain belly button health? According to the alternative daily, it’s a very simple process. You can dip a swab or a bit of cotton wool into the apple cider vinegar. Then, use that to clean and dab the belly button area. Do keep an eye out for cuts or sores. Otherwise, you might be shocked by a sting. You might also want to dilute the apple cider vinegar before using it.
How to test your belly button for cleanliness?
Cleaning your belly button is one thing, but how exactly can you tell how clean it is? Well, you need to employ a technique known as the sniff test. If you detect any odor, it’s probably a sign that you need to clean that area up. Otherwise, you can perform extensive cleaning at least once a week.
Why the belly button is a serious issue?
So, why exactly is the belly button a serious health issue? Well, it has to do with its origins. See, when fetuses gestate inside their mother’s bellies, they are linked to her by an umbilical cord. It is a tube through which they receive blood, nutrients, and oxygen. After being born, a baby has no use for an umbilical cord anymore, and so it is cut off moments after birth. And so, the belly button is a remnant that is leftover from the umbilical cord. And according to WebMD, it’s an area that is quite prone to medical complications.
Other ways to Prevent Belly Button Infections.
To prevent belly button infections, you need to keep that area always clean. Make sure you take regular baths and that you do not neglect that area. Cleaning routinely with apple cider vinegar also helps. You don’t need to let an infection develop first. And also, if you’re someone who sweats a lot or has sensitive skin, then you need to be particular about caring for that area.
Sources:
- https://www.thealternativedaily.com/put-apple-cider-vinegar-belly-button/
- https://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/belly-button-infection/
- https://www.pickaremedy.com/belly-button-infection/
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/ss/slideshow-belly-button-problems
- https://www.healthline.com/health/belly-button-discharge#causes
- https://www.medicinenet.com/belly_button/article.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933