Question:
Any Info on a leak in the belly button?

I am 6 months post-op and had an open RNY. I have lost 105 pounds and have very little complications. This morning my belly button was itching and I reached down to scratch it and realized it was extremely sore and red on the inside. There was also a large amount of clear puss inside the hole. I pulled back the skin and there was a ring of swollen redness on the inside. What is happening and how can I make it stop? Any hekp would be very much appreciated. Thanks!    — Patrick S. (posted on November 22, 2001)

November 22, 2001
I am not a nurse, but it sounds as if you have an infection of some sort. I think you should call your doctor, but in the meantime, wash the area and pour peroxide on it. Try and keep it clean and see what happens.
   — Dianne K.

November 22, 2001
I'm sorry I don't have a response to your question, but I too have this problem every now, and again. I am pre-op, and I typically try to keep the inside clean and dry (some neosporin too usually), and it goes away in a few days. I'm sure it's not good to not consult my Doctor, but as usual, I just thought of it as a "fat related problem."
   — [Anonymous]

November 22, 2001
This is due to you losing so much weight so quickly. Your belly button is usually set so water and stuff drains out...but losing that much weight so quick has set it off balance. Use neosporin for a few days and it should clear it up. This happens to me too. If it doensnt get better in a few days, your doc can prescribe antibiotics.
   — [Anonymous]

November 22, 2001
If there is a foul odor and you're pretty sure it's not coming from inside, it's probably yeast. Please get it documented by a dermatologist or other doc. One thing that helps yeast in the folds or like this is to wash & dry daily 3X, and treat with an anti-fungal, like Lotrimin or store brand, cream, not gel. Each time, wash & dry & retreat. Then 2X/day and once/day until such a time as the skin tightens or you get your TT. You have to remove the yeast & then keep the area from allowing them a friendly environment again.
   — vitalady

November 23, 2001
Yes, definitely have it looked at ESPECIALLY if you plan to have abdominoplasty performed. By getting these infections documented by your PCP, you increase the chances of insurance approval for your TT. Shelley
   — Shelley.

November 23, 2001
Once you have the infection cleared up, try using Gold Bond Powder in the belly button and between any folds in your skin, This powder keeps the area dry and prevents this from happing again
   — [Anonymous]