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

Consult Now

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 04/07/2025