The navel, this vestige left by our umbilical cord at birth, hides many secrets. Far from being a simple anatomical detail, it turns out to be an ideal playground for bacteria. In 2012, Rob Dunn and his team discovered that the human navel is home to a rich microbial ecosystem, similar to a rainforest. Among 60 volunteers, they identified 2,368 bacterial species, many of which were previously unpublished.
While some host up to 107 species, each navel presented unique diversity, with 8 species dominant in more than 70% of subjects. Some bacteria even came from extreme or distant environments. This study highlights the potential of microbes to better understand their role in our health and evolution, although their exact function remains to be clarified.
Why so many bacteria in the navel?
The navel has all the ideal conditions to become a “nest” for bacteria. Hot, humid and often poorly cleaned, it constitutes a perfect refuge for these micro-organisms. Unlike other areas of the body, the belly button is often ignored when showering, giving bacteria time to proliferate.
Additionally, some people have a deeper belly button, which encourages the accumulation of dead cells, sebum and sweat. This natural cocktail nourishes bacteria and allows them to flourish peacefully. But don’t worry: these bacteria are not necessarily bad for you.
Bacteria in the navel: friend or foe?
A protective role for the skin
The majority of bacteria found in the navel are harmless and are even essential for the balance of your skin. They are “commensal” bacteria, meaning they live with us without causing any problems.
These bacteria help to:
- protect your skin from external aggressions by forming a natural barrier.
- maintain the balance of the skin microbiome, essential to avoid infections.
When should you worry?
In the vast majority of cases, there is no problem. But, if you are one of the low probability, watch your belly button. A lack of hygiene can generally lead to bad odors, due to the breakdown of sebum and dead cells.
Although rare in adults, it is possible to suffer from inflammation of the navel called omphalitis. It manifests itself with redness, pain and sometimes infection.
Good to know: Infections are more common in people with a navel piercing.
The navel: a playground for researchers
The American study on navels had some unexpected surprises in store. Some of the bacteria found resembled species found only in very specific environments, such as Japanese forest floors. The most surprising? The people analyzed had never traveled to these regions.
These discoveries show to what extent our body is a true reservoir of biodiversity that is still largely unexplored. This research opens up exciting perspectives for understanding:
- how bacteria colonize our skin.
- the link between our skin microbiome and our general health
Should you clean your navel?
Yes, but not just anyhow! Your navel does not require excessive cleaning, but regular maintenance is important to avoid minor inconveniences.
- Wash it gently : Use mild soap and lukewarm water in the shower. If your belly button is deep, a damp cotton swab can help gently clean the nooks and crannies.
- Dry well : After showering, dry your navel carefully with a clean towel. Humidity encourages the proliferation of bacteria.
- Avoid irritating products : Perfumed gels or harsh lotions are not necessary and can irritate the skin.
- For piercings : If you have a piercing, clean it regularly with a mild antiseptic to prevent infections.
Ultimately, your navel is a microcosm in its own right, populated by hundreds of often beneficial bacteria. As long as you maintain good hygiene, these microorganisms pose no danger to your health.
The next time you look in the mirror (even though you’re not the world’s navel) think about it: that little dip on your stomach is much more than a birth scar.
NAMELY
For some ombiphiles, the navel is an erotic area that is a source of excitement, while others find it unbearable to touch, feeling an unpleasant sensation as if their nerves were being played with. Oddly enough, these sensations are only triggered when you touch the bottom of the navel, and not its walls.
