Let’s be honest, not many of people consider washing their bellybuttons a part of their personal hygiene routine. A 2012 study showed that the average bellybutton contains 67 different types of bacteria, which can lead to health problems.
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Belly Button Jewels
A doctor has been explaining on TikTok why belly buttons need to be cleaned regularly. Dr. Karan Rajan’s video was in response to a TikTokker who shared how she ‘dug’ out gunk from her partner’s bellybutton, which he had apparently never cleaned.
It turns out, the goop she discovered in the crevices of her partner’s bellybutton has a name - belly jewel. According to Dr Rajan:
All flesh holes can build up with sweat, dead skin cells, oils, clothing fabric, bacteria and forbidden cheese. If not washed out on a regular basis, this material can accumulate and harden into an omphalolith - a belly button stone.
Also known as a navel stone, they’re made of the same materials that form blackheads. The surface of a navel stone will turn black from oxidation.
Belly button stones come in a wide array of colours, it's usually black but can be a light brown.
Unlike blackheads which can be pressured out, belly button stones are typically removed with tweezers.
Apart from this, one can develop yeast infections in their bellybuttons as their dark and moist nature, make them fertile breeding grounds for bacteria.
How To Clean Your Bellybutton
Whether your bellybutton is protruding (outie) or inward (innie), there are easy you can clean it effectively. For those with an inside navel, it is recommended to use clean cotton buds to clean them before and after showering.
Outie bellybuttons should be cleaned with a wash cloth while showering and properly dried and moisturized.
Dr Rajan’s video, which has been viewed close to 300,000 times, got some viewers worried with one writing:
Well, I could’ve went the rest of my life and never had known about this. I think I have seen everything in TikTok now.
Others admitted they would start paying closer attention to their navels starting immediately. Another wrote:
Not me cleaning my belly button straight after watching this
