Even the most hygienic person may have one area on their body that they consistently forget to clean. Many dermatologists report that the belly button is one of the dirtiest parts of the human body. Though the belly button is often ignored, it is important to regularly wash your belly button.
Why Should You Clean Your Belly Button Regularly?
Belly buttons are prone to collecting lint, lotion, sweat, dirt, and a variety of bacteria throughout daily life. Unfortunately, a quick scrub in the shower is not enough to thoroughly clean your belly button. Researchers have discovered bacteria in belly buttons that were completely unknown to science, because of the unique conditions of the belly button. If you do not regularly wash your belly button, scary levels of buildup can result.
There have been many cases where a patient went to the doctor because they had a concerning growth on their stomach, but it just turned out to be dirt and grime from their belly button. While your belly button may look clean after a shower, there can still be a surprising amount of foreign substances within it.
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How Can You Properly Clean Your Belly Button?
If you have an outie, it is fairly easy to clean your belly button with a warm, soapy washcloth. However, if you have an innie, the cleaning process can be slightly more complex. There are two different methods which can be equally effective.
Salt Water — Make a solution with a teaspoon of table salt and a cup of warm water. Using your finger or a washcloth, gently rub this solution around the inside of your belly button. After a short time, rinse the area with unsalted water and dry it gently. This method is particularly effective if you have noticed an unusual odor coming from your belly button.
Rubbing Alcohol — Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol, and gently swab rub inside of your belly button. Repeat this step until your belly button is clean, rinse the area with water, and dry it.
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By regularly taking time to specifically clean your belly button, you can avoid any unsightly buildup or unusual odors. A typical shower is not enough to ensure that all of the bacteria and another grime within your belly button is thoroughly removed. Cleaning your belly button properly should be done at least once a week, but it will only take a minute or two of your time. With these methods, you can feel confident that you are completely clean.
