A black, hard lump pulled out from the navel... What exactly is its 'identity'?

Belly button stones are usually hard and black in color.

During the process of melanin pigment accumulation and oxidation of substances that form umbilical stones, the stones turn black.

 

At first, it is small in size, but it gradually grows and can sometimes exceed 2cm.

It mainly occurs in elderly people with deep and narrow navel, and is more common in obese individuals.

 

The problem is that if the stone continues to grow and is not removed, it can irritate the skin and eventually cause bleeding.

There is a possibility of infection or other complications occurring. Pus may accumulate.

Cellulitis (an inflammatory disease caused by bacteria invading the tissues beneath the skin)

Such as peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum, the thin membrane covering the organs inside the abdomen)

There is a risk of leading to a fatal complication.

At the hospital, stones are softened using oils, Vaseline, glycerin, etc., before...

A medical forceps can relatively easily remove umbilical stones.

 

However, if the size is large or it is deeply embedded and cannot be removed, a small incision may be made in the surrounding skin.

 

If additional issues such as infection have arisen due to a umbilical hernia, treatment for these is also necessary.

 

To prevent umbilical hernias, maintaining cleanliness of the navel is fundamental.

Wash with water and soap once during shower to prevent foreign substances from accumulating inside the navel.

For people with a deeply recessed navel, it is good to gently clean the inside once a week using a cotton swab.

 

If there is a smell from the navel, it is recommended to clean it every day during showering.

 

Source: © Provided by Health Chosun