Whats going on with my belly button? A few days back, I had an infection there, and now Ive noticed this small, painful lump inside it. When I was cleaning it with Dettol, it started leaking this whitish pus-like stuff. Could it be a cyst, or should I be worried about something else?

Dr Ibrahim Salah

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 2+ Yrs

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The painful lump and pus leakage from your belly button could be a sign of an infected belly button cyst or abscess. *Possible Causes* 1. *Infected belly button cyst*: A cyst can form in the belly button due to trapped dirt, sweat, or bacteria. If infected, it can cause pain, swelling, and pus. 2. *Folliculitis*: An infection of the hair follicle in the belly button area. 3. *Abscess*: A pocket of pus that forms in response to a bacterial infection. *Symptoms* 1. Painful lump or swelling 2. Pus or discharge (white, yellow, or green) 3. Redness and inflammation 4. Foul odor *What to Do* 1. *Seek medical attention*: Consult a doctor or visit an urgent care center for proper evaluation and treatment. 2. *Keep the area clean*: Gently clean the belly button with mild soap and lukewarm water. 3. *Avoid squeezing or popping*: Refrain from squeezing or popping the lump, as this can push bacteria deeper into the skin and lead to further complications. *Treatment* 1. *Antibiotics*: Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. 2. *Drainage*: The doctor may need to drain the abscess or cyst to remove the pus. 3. *Pain management*: Your doctor may recommend pain relief medication to manage discomfort.

Answered 21 days ago