Top 6 Homeopathic Medicines For Belly Button Discharge In Infants, Treatment Of Adults

Belly button infections and discharge though not very common, arise mostly in infants but may be encountered in elders as well. Belly button/navel is a warm, dark and damp area that provides an ideal environment for the germs like bacteria, fungus to grow. These germs, dirt, debris, dead skin cells, sweat, soap residue can get trapped in the belly button and multiply which can result in an infection. A white/yellow/ green discharge with bad odor is the most common complaint in navel infections.

Homeopathic Management

Homeopathy can manage cases with mild to moderate symptoms. Homeopathic medicines help to reduce discharge from the navel by working on the cause behind it. Use of these medicines should be made only after evaluating the cause behind it. Only in cases where there is no serious cause, it is recommended to use these medicines. But in case any serious cause is present like urachal cyst, infection at surgical site, it is strictly advised to take help from conventional mode of treatment. Any homeopathic medicine for managing belly button discharge should be taken under the supervision of a homeopathic physician and self-medication should be avoided.

Homeopathic Medicines For Belly Button Discharge

1. Abrotanum – For Discharge Of Blood And Moisture

It is a natural medicine prepared from fresh leaves and stems of plant Artemisia Abrotanum, commonly called ‘southernwood’. It belongs to family Compositae. This medicine is mainly indicated for belly button discharge in newborns. It is indicated when blood and moisture oozes from the navel. Bloating and distension of abdomen may be present.

2. Natrum Mur – For Yellow Discharge

Natrum Mur is the next well-indicated medicine for managing belly button discharge. It is specifically used when there is yellow discharge from the navel.

3. Calcarea Carb – For Sore Navel With Moist Growths

This medicine is suitable when there is soreness in the navel. Along with this, there are some growths on the navel of infants which are moist.

4. Calcarea Phos – For Bloody Fluid Discharge From Infant’s Navel

It is helpful when there is oozing of bloody fluid from the navel of infants.

5. Nux Moschata – For Sore Ulcerated Navel

This natural medicine is prepared from powdered seeds of a plant Myristica Fragrans,  also called Myristica Officinalis, commonly known as ‘nutmeg’. This plant belongs to family Myristicaceae. This medicine is indicated for cases in which the navel is sore and ulcerated. In cases that require it, there may be pus discharge from the navel.

6. Morgan Bacillus – For Red Navel With Bad Smelling Discharge

Morgan Bacillus, also known as Morgan Pure, is an important medicine for managing redness in the navel region. It oozes discharge with a bad odour.

7. Sulphur – For Eczema Of Belly Button

It is a leading medicine in homeopathy for managing a number of skin issues including eczema of belly button. In cases needing it soreness and itching around the navel is present. This causes a desire for picking the affected area.

What Are The Causes Behind It?

Belly button discharge may occur due to different reasons. Among these, the first reason is a bacterial infection.  Normally many bacteria reside in the belly button and do not cause any problem. If a person doesnot maintain proper hygiene and doesn’t clean the belly button area properly, then there are chances that these bacteria can cause an infection. In such cases, discharge can be seen. It may be yellow or green and has an offensive smell. It can be attended with pain, swelling and scab formation.

Second is a fungal infection. Among various kind of fungi, candida that grows in dark and damp area is the common reason for it.  It can cause infection in persons who don’t keep the navel area clean. In this case, a rash appears in the navel area. It appears red or discoloured. Itching is felt, discharge may ooze out from the rash. The discharge is thick and white in colour.  Next cause is a surgery on the abdomen. Persons who undergo surgery like repair of hernia might get an internal infection that needs to be treated urgently. Another reason is infection in epidermoid cyst (Bumps filled with keratin which is a protein present in the nails, skin and hair). The cyst becomes red with swelling and thick yellow discharge may flow from it. Sometimes, navel discharge may also occur in case of infected sebaceous cyst. These cysts develop when the sebaceous glands that produce oil become clogged from debris. A yellow discharge from the belly button appears along with pain and redness.

Besides, a person who has got belly piercing done may also see a discharge in case it gets infected. Persons having an open wound near the navel area from a trauma or an injury can also suffer from infection in the belly button. Another cause can be eczema (a common skin condition that causes red, inflamed, itchy patches on the skin) and contact dermatitis (a red, itchy rash that results from direct contact with a substance that causes an allergic reaction). Some examples are allergy to nickel that may be present in the buckle of the belt, allergy to soap or body cleanser, etc. In such cases, an itchy rash around the navel occurs.

Last cause is urachal cyst. Urachus is a small tube that connects the bladder of the fetus to the umbilical cord that helps drain urine from the body. The urachus closes before the baby is born but in rare cases, the duct does not close. A fluid-filled bump called cyst may grow on the urachus later in life. This cyst has chances of contracting an infection that may travel up to the navel. Its symptom is fluid discharge from navel that is cloudy or bloody.  Other symptoms include lump in the abdomen, pain in the abdomen, fever and pain while urinating. Mucus and urine can also come out from this opening. It can be a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention.

People who have had a recent abdominal/ umbilicus surgery and those having diabetes are at risk of belly button discharge. Medical research has found a link between high blood sugar and candida infection.