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What Causes Belly Button Bleeding?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Also known as navel bleeding, belly button bleeding can be caused by several issues, with an infection being the most common. In some cases, the bleeding may be triggered by injuries sustained during the course of an accident. The course of treatment used to treat belly button bleeding will depend on the underlying cause, the severity of the situation, and what is required to stop the bleeding and expedite the healing process.

The incidence of belly button bleeding often follows earlier symptoms that indicate the development of an infection. Typically, the first sign of an infection may be some swelling and discoloration of the skin around the belly button. From there, discharge of some type may occur. As the infection progresses, small ruptures in the navel will allow blood to seep into the discharge. The degree of blood may range from a little spotting to a steady flow, depending on the progress of the infection.

Belly button bleeding may be triggered by injuries sustained during an accident.
Belly button bleeding may be triggered by injuries sustained during an accident.

There is also the possibility of belly button bleeding developing as the result of some sort of accident or trauma involving the abdominal area. Just as there may be bruising to the muscles in the abdomen as well as damage to surrounding blood vessels, the navel may also be compromised to the point that there is some seepage of blood. Trauma to the abdomen associated with surgical procedures may also trigger some bleeding in and around the belly button during the course of recovery.

Belly button bleeding may occur following surgical procedures.
Belly button bleeding may occur following surgical procedures.

In cases in which belly button bleeding is caused by the presence of an infection, the use of medication to deal with the infection is often necessary. Depending on the severity of the problem, oral antibiotics may be sufficient. With more advanced situations, the use of intravenous antibiotics may be required. In addition to medication, keeping the belly button clean and dry will also promote healing and gradually reduce the level of bleeding.

Swelling and discoloration of the belly button will usually precede bleeding as a sign of infection.
Swelling and discoloration of the belly button will usually precede bleeding as a sign of infection.

While belly button bleeding can be a cause for alarm, the condition can be treated with relative ease. An examination by a qualified physician will help to identify the root cause for the problem. When an infection is involved, the physician can identify the type and severity of the problem, determine the right type and dosage of medication to use for treatment, and monitor the progress of the healing. Seeking medical attention when the bleeding is first noticed, even if no other symptoms are present, will help to prevent the infection from spreading and causing additional issues that complicate the healing process.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including TheHealthBoard, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

indemnifyme

@sunnySkys - I've always been a little scared of piercings anywhere but the ears, and your story doesn't do anything to help that. However, I'm glad your tale had a happy ending.

I've actually had belly button bleeding too. When I was younger, my friend's cat scratched me right near my belly button. It ended up getting infected and bleeding a lot.

sunnySkys
The only time I've ever had belly button bleeding was when I had my naval pierced when I was younger. After it was pierced, the site of the piercing bled. Then, it ended up getting infected and bleeding some more.

It got all swollen, and started leaking pus and blood. It was pretty scary. I ended up having to go to the doctor, who gave me antibiotics and drained the pus from my piercing. I actually didn't have to take it out though. It ended up healing up fine, and I still have it.

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    • Belly button bleeding may be triggered by injuries sustained during an accident.
      By: lupoalb68
      Belly button bleeding may be triggered by injuries sustained during an accident.
    • Belly button bleeding may occur following surgical procedures.
      By: Kot63
      Belly button bleeding may occur following surgical procedures.
    • Swelling and discoloration of the belly button will usually precede bleeding as a sign of infection.
      By: krivinis
      Swelling and discoloration of the belly button will usually precede bleeding as a sign of infection.
    • Some acute cases of belly button bleeding require antibiotics to be injected into an intravenous line.
      By: tawesit
      Some acute cases of belly button bleeding require antibiotics to be injected into an intravenous line.
    • Trauma, such as a punch to the abdomen, may cause belly button bleeding.
      By: danilobiancalana
      Trauma, such as a punch to the abdomen, may cause belly button bleeding.