Finding blood in the navel can be a concerning experience. The umbilicus, commonly known as the belly button, is a remnant structure from the body’s time in the womb. Although bleeding from this area can be alarming, the causes range widely, from minor surface-level issues to less common structural conditions. This article provides an overview of potential causes, but it is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Understanding Superficial Causes
The most frequent reasons for an adult’s belly button to bleed are related to the skin’s surface or poor hygiene. The navel’s unique shape creates a warm, dark, and moist environment, making it a natural trap for debris, lint, sweat, and bacteria. This microclimate fosters the growth of microorganisms, leading to skin infections like omphalitis, which is inflammation of the umbilicus and surrounding tissues.
Omphalitis causes the skin to become red, swollen, and tender, often accompanied by a foul-smelling discharge. Bleeding occurs when the inflamed and irritated skin breaks down or cracks. Fungal infections, such as those caused by yeast, can also thrive in this area, leading to severe itching and flaking that can result in tiny fissures and subsequent bleeding.
Trauma is another common superficial cause, often resulting from everyday activities. Aggressive cleaning with cotton swabs, scratching, or the friction from tight clothing or belts can easily injure the delicate skin. The presence of a belly button piercing also introduces a risk factor, as the site is prone to irritation, allergic reactions, and infection, which can lead to bleeding and discharge. Furthermore, foreign objects like hair tufts or compacted “ompholiths” (which are dried masses of sebum and dead skin cells) can cause chronic irritation and secondary infection, leading to inflammation and bleeding.
Internal and Structural Conditions
While superficial causes are most common, bleeding may also signal a less frequent internal or structural issue. One condition is an umbilical granuloma, which is a small, moist, reddish growth of granulation tissue. In adults, a granuloma may develop secondary to chronic irritation or infection, and its friable tissue bleeds easily when disturbed.
A more complex set of causes involves remnants of embryonic structures that did not fully close. The urachus is a tube that connects the fetal bladder to the umbilical cord. If the urachus fails to close completely, remnants like a urachal cyst or sinus can remain, which are often asymptomatic until they become infected.
An infected urachal cyst can cause abdominal pain and may leak cloudy or bloody fluid through the navel, a symptom that can mimic a severe skin infection. Similarly, a urachal sinus is an open tract near the umbilicus that can also present with infection, abdominal pain, and drainage. Another rare cause is umbilical endometriosis, which involves the presence of endometrial tissue in the navel. This misplaced tissue responds to hormonal cycles, causing the affected area to become inflamed, painful, and sometimes bleed cyclically, often coinciding with menstruation.
Determining When to Seek Medical Care
While minor bleeding from a surface scratch might stop quickly with gentle cleaning, certain symptoms indicate a need for professional medical intervention. Any sign of a spreading infection should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider. Warning signs include escalating pain, increased redness or warmth extending beyond the navel, or the presence of a fever, which may signal a systemic infection.
Persistent bleeding that does not resolve with basic hygiene measures, or heavy bleeding, requires immediate evaluation. If the bleeding is accompanied by a new, noticeable lump or bulge near the navel, or if there is foul-smelling, green, or yellow discharge, a doctor should examine the area. Bleeding that appears to be cyclic or is associated with unexplained symptoms like severe abdominal pain also warrants a medical assessment to rule out internal or structural causes such as endometriosis or an infected urachal remnant. For simple irritation, maintaining good hygiene by gently washing the area with mild soap and water and keeping it dry may be enough.