Will I really get peritonitis if I remove the belly button lint?

 

An environment conducive to bacterial growth

The navel is a residual organ left after the umbilical cord is removed at birth. It has no special function, but if not properly cared for, bacteria can easily proliferate. Unlike the surrounding skin, the tissue in the navel is thin, making it easy for bacteria to inhabit. As bacteria continue to accumulate, an unpleasant odor can develop. However, the likelihood of bacteria in the navel causing serious effects on the human body is low.

Most of the belly button lint naturally comes off during showering. There is no need to remove it artificially, but if there is a strong odor or if the belly button is deep, it can be cleaned using cotton swabs or cotton balls. Do not use fingers, fingernails, sharp objects, or tools that may be contaminated, and avoid applying excessive force; gently wipe only the visible areas.

Some people claim that improperly removing belly button dirt can cause peritonitis, but this is not true. The peritoneum is a thin membrane that surrounds the organs in the abdominal cavity, and inflammation of the peritoneum caused by organ perforation, bacterial proliferation, or systemic infection is called peritonitis. Removing dirt from the belly button is unrelated to peritonitis. Since the fascia firmly covers the peritoneum below the navel, the risk of developing peritonitis from a cut or removing dirt from the belly button is low.

Meanwhile, the pain experienced when touching the navel is not due to the navel itself but is caused by the characteristics of the skin around the navel. The abdomen is composed of the surface skin, subcutaneous fat layer, muscles, and peritoneum. The area around the navel has a thinner structure compared to other areas, making it more sensitive to even minor stimuli. Severe navel pain may also indicate issues with surrounding organs such as the large intestine or small intestine. If the navel protrudes significantly or if severe pain is felt, it could be an umbilical hernia. In such cases, immediate medical examination and treatment are necessary.