Practice good belly-button hygiene to avoid infections.
When it comes to matters of personal hygiene, having a clean belly button isn't necessarily the first thing most people consider, but they should: keeping the navel clean and dry can prevent skin problems, such as yeast infections, that affect the area. The University of Virginia Health System's website warns that a yeast-infected navel may develop a rash or pimples, cause burning and itching or ooze a clear-colored fluid. You can prevent problems by paying a little extra attention to your belly button the next time you're in the shower.
Instructions
1. Cleanse the area around your navel with a gentle, antibacterial soap. "Innie" belly buttons may require the use of a cotton swab to thoroughly remove built-up dirt, dead skin cells and oil.
2. Towel-dry your belly button. Be sure not to leave it damp since candida (yeast) thrives in moist conditions.
3. Dip a cotton swab into astringent. Sweep it softly around the outside of your navel. Use another cotton swab to clean the inside of your belly button with astringent. Let the area air-dry.
Tags: belly button, cotton swab, your belly, your belly button, your navel