Question:
has anyone had redness and irritation around navel?

a little redness under the breast    — MissThankful (posted on December 31, 2003)

December 30, 2003
Does the navel drain? It could be a fistula. Do your clothes rub it without you realizing it? As for that and the redness under your breast, it could be the start of a yeast infection. In both cases I would go to my pcp and have it documented for posible plastic surgery requirements.
   — Tawnda C.

December 30, 2003
I would put some hydrogen peroxide in or around my navel. But if you have any doubts or concerns ask your doc. I've found there is little that HP won't help! ;)
   — Danmark

December 30, 2003
I've had some soreness lately in the navel. Since it's a huge crater but is hanging down so it doesn't get air like it used to, I have gone to using a q-tip to remove the moisture and then use another one to put some vaseline in there. That seems to be doing it. There wasn't infection or anything just too much moisture that could not get out. <p>I've used Vagisil powder for years to dry up moisture between skin folds and it works pretty well. If there is an infection or serious rash there also then I would use some over-the-counter triple antibiotic ointment first and then put the powder over it. The big thing is to get this documented with your doctor for insurance purposes and possibly covering PS when the time comes.
   — zoedogcbr

December 30, 2003
Diana: Tawnda gave you exactly the recommendation I was going to. Go to the doctor and get this documented. Go every time you have anything like this until you decide whether or not you want plastic surgery once you're at or close to goal. It's my understanding that having reconstructive surgery is getting more and more difficult to have approved by insurance companies. I assume because more people are losing such large amounts of weight as WLS has become more popular and it's starting to cost the insurance company so much more money than in the past. It will become (again, I'm assuming) just like WLS where they start adding more requirements. I believe the redness is just some kind of rash that isn't anything to worry about, but I'm not a doctor so don't go by me. :o) Do use this opportunity to get documentation just in case you want reconstruction later. Happy New Year to you and everyone here. Sherry
   — sherry hedgecock

January 1, 2004
I've lost 120 and have a huge hernia just above the navel. This has caused lack of air getting to the navel. I have to be very careful to dry this area completly after a shower bacause I do get yeast infections in the navel. See your doctor each time, then they can prescribe something for it. This will also be in your records when the time comes for a tummy tuck. this yeast infection is red, itchy and damp and most of all smelly.
   — jocelyn