Question
I have been experiencing a smelly navel for over a year now. Every time I touch it, I feel like there’s something foreign inside, and the smell is unpleasant. Even after washing it, the smell returns soon afterward. Why does the navel produce such an odor in this situation?
Answer
The navel naturally has a certain smell because it is connected to the abdominal cavity. Before birth, the fetus receives nutrition from the mother through the umbilical cord. After birth, the umbilical cord naturally closes. In the absence of any special circumstances, if the navel is frequently rubbed with hands or other objects, it may cause local discomfort or produce an unpleasant odor. However, this is not a serious illness; maintaining good hygiene habits can prevent such odor problems.