Belly button fungus or fungal infections of the navel are certainly one on the spectrum of unusual diseases that you can get. The belly button or in fact umbilicus is simply the scar that was left from birth when there was an umbilical cord attached between you and your mother. It is also roughly your center of gravity. Most people don't really think about their belly button very often; unless they are ticklish perhaps.....or if they are getting their belly button pierced, and indeed it is unusual to get a fungal infection in your navel, but that doesn't mean it isn't possible. See, most people really only check their feet for fungal infection because athletes foot is so common, but your belly button can be a breeding ground for infection and fungi and because so few of us look at our belly buttons regularly, mild infections or growths can go unnoticed for a long time. Luckily, it isn't usually difficult to get rid of fugal infections, and with a few precautions, you can keep your belly button in tip top condition.

Well, usually, mild cases will present with very few symptoms initially - perhaps a mild discoloration, or red itchy skin in or around your navel. Sometimes you can get a white fungus like growth or something that looks similar in appearance to athletes foot (in fact it can be the same fungus infecting your navel!) More severe symptoms include pain and discharge or oozing of puss or blood. It's definitely a good idea to visit your doctor if you are experiencing and pain or unusual discharge, but often for milder cases, it is simple enough to treat yourself. Candida is often an infection in the navel area and is a yeast infection that can be fairly stubborn to clear up.

Why does the belly get fungal growth? Well it can be dark, warm and moist - insufficient drying when you get out of the shower, coupled with fluf collecting there from clothes can keep the belly button damp which is a prime territory for fungus.

The good news is that once diagnosed, belly button fungus is easy to treat. If you have milder signs and symptoms, wash out your belly button with some warm water and salt, make sure you dry the area carefully and keep it dry and clean. Always a good idea to visit your doctor (especially in more serious cases and if you have any oozing or discharge) with a course of antibiotics or anti-fungal creams.

One of the keys to getting rid of fungi and keeping them away is to make sure you wash and dry your belly button carefully every day. Some men who have a lot of navel hair may find it useful to shave a little bit off to help keep the area dry and clean. A small handheld fan can be useful to dry out the belly button properly. Fungal infections can also be a sign of a compromised immune system so it's always a good idea to order yourself some vitamin C and ecinacea to give yourself a little boost if you find yourself suffering.