What is the black thing in my belly button?
Matthew Cannon
Updated on January 10, 2026
Omphaloliths. As dead skin cells and sebum — the oil secreted by your skin — accumulate in your bellybutton, they can form an omphalolith over time. 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.
Can I remove my own navel stone?
Anyone who may have a navel stone should consult a doctor. If they believe that the stone will come out easily with simple softening, they will give the person guidance about doing this safely or remove it themselves. For anyone with symptoms of a navel abscess, it is important to see a doctor.What is the little ball in my belly button?
Umbilical hernia appears as a bulge around the belly button. It occurs when the muscle around the navel does not close completely.Should I clean my belly button?
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.What came out of my belly button?
Dirt, bacteria, fungus, and germs can get trapped inside your belly button and start to multiply, which can cause an infection. If you develop a belly button infection, you might notice white, yellow, brown, or bloody discharge seeping out of it. That discharge might also have an unpleasant smell.What's Inside Your Belly Button?
What do navel stones look like?
Navel stones are usually dark brown or black. They are also dry and hard to the touch. When doctors examine them under the microscope, they can whether the stone is made up of dead skin, hair, sebum, or other debris that has built up in the navel.What is a blackhead stone?
Blackheads and navel stones contain the same substances, but they aren't the same thing. Blackheads form inside hair follicles when a follicle becomes clogged and sebum and keratin build up. They have a dark appearance because the hair follicle is open, exposing the contents to air.Why shouldn't you play with your navel?
There are many risks associated with playing with your navel, but one of the most important is that you can push on your bellybutton and cause an infection. This happens when you introduce bacteria into your body through a wound in the area. To avoid this, make sure to always keep your hands clean and dry!What happens if you touch your belly button too much?
Umbilical granulomaThis is when extra tissue forms around the belly button stump. It puts extra pressure on the belly button, which can cause it to become an outie. Doctors usually treat this with topical applications to remove excess skin.
When I touch my belly button I feel it in my?
As you stick your finger into your belly button, it sends a signal from the deeper fibres that line your inner abdominal cavity to your spinal cord. He added: "Because your spinal cord at that level is also relaying signals from your bladder and urethra, it feels almost the same.Why is my belly button wet?
If your belly button is “leaking” clear or colored discharge or blood, you may have a bacterial, fungal, or yeast infection. Crusty skin, strong odor, itching, and redness are also signs of infection. If discharge and crust stick around after you wash your belly button, you should see your doctor.How do I deep clean my belly button?
Deep-clean an innie with a washcloth or cotton swab.Swab out the inside of your belly button gently with soap and water, and make sure to rinse it well afterward. Don't scrub hard—you could irritate the delicate skin in and around your belly button.