Why does my navel smell?

According to Marie Claire, belly button odor is typically caused by bacterial or fungal infections. These sometimes develop due to belly button rings, poor hygiene and high-waisted, tight clothes. Dirt and moisture often become trapped in the navel, and infections develop.

Belly buttons normally accumulate large amounts of bacteria, The Atlantic reports. A 2012 North Carolina research study examined the navels of 60 individuals and discovered a total of 2,368 different types of bacteria. Over a thousand of these had possibly never been scientifically identified before.

The Atlantic indicates that belly buttons should be cleaned with soap and water. Any residual accumulation should be gently dislodged.