Belly is often one of the most “talked about” body parts. A lot has been spoken on it, from reducing belly fat to the transformation of belly during pregnancy. However, the most prominent portion of the belly, the belly button, is often ignored. In fact, there is so little information about this body part and most of us have been cleaning it the wrong way for years.

Who wouldn’t want a belly button as flawless as this?

You wouldn’t want this to happen:

One look at a dirty belly button is all it takes for you to shudder, jump in the shower, and start scrubbing. According to a research, the belly button has more than 67 various types of bacteria in it. So even if it looks clean, IT IS NOT.

“Health providers have removed ‘growths’ from belly buttons that turned out to be a mix of bacteria, dirt, sweat, soap, lotions, and lint,” says one of the dermatologists. Imagine going for what you think is skin cancer and it ends up being years of dirt. That’s great news, but very embarrassing.

Have you ever wondered whether your method of cleaning the belly button is actually right?

How are you supposed to get it clean?

Your belly button should be cleaned just like all the other parts of the body; otherwise, the area can develop gnarly smells and infections, often paired with red, itchy, and scabby skin – especially if you have a navel piercing. Also, while rare, stone-like masses called omphalitis can grow to fill up the entire belly button and become infected, inflamed, and ulcerated.

Simply showering will remove some germs, lint, and others. There’s no extra cosmetic or soap required. Showering keeps it pretty clean and infection-free.

# Innie

If you have an “innie,” you should also dig in once a week with a cotton swab that has soap and water or rubbing alcohol on it works wonders as well.

# Outtie

And again, no creams, oils, and lotions. If you have an “outtie” (whether you were born with it or developed it from a stretched pregnancy belly), a soapy washcloth once a week should do the job.

In case even this doesn’t work out…

Unfortunately, if your belly button is already out of control (i.e., you can’t get rid of the smell or infection by cleaning it yourself), you may need to visit your primary care doc or dermatologist immediately. They will dig in with the proper process and equipment.

Are you ready for the beach season?

Just a bit of showering and your belly button is good to flaunt!