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Posted on: 08/28/2007
Question
Belly button will not stop leaking and it is not pierced. What causes this?
Answer
There are a few possible sources of your leaky belly button:
Before a baby is born, the umbilical cord connects the baby to the uterus, providing nutrients. Once the baby is born, the umbilical cord is cut and the remaining stump falls off, leaving the belly button. The arteries and veins in the baby's belly that take the nutrients/blood from the umbilical cord "dry up," and the belly button becomes a blind pouch (i.e. no opening to the abdomen). However, in some people, these vessels do not dry up, and can continue to leak liquid. In other people, there can be connections between the belly button and other areas. While not dangerous, you should see your doctor to determine if this is the cause and what should be done.
Another possibility is that the skin in your belly button may be very irritated and cracked, causing oozing as the skin tries to heal. You should see your doctor to decide if there is a medicine to help you.