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Cotton in belly button
Cotton is getting struck deep in belly button. Though maintain hygiene. Tried washing with mild soap, but Cotton is still there. No sign of infection, but in past had infection. Please suggest how I can remove the cotton from belly button. Can hydrogen peroxide be used or any natural way to clean cotton and dirt. Please suggest
Answers (24)
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Wear lint free clothes
It is normal for lint to get accumulated in navel,
Next Steps
wear lint free clothes
Health Tips
don't overdo it
if infected consult a physician or a practitioner
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Take a glass of milk daily.
Thanks.
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Can help you with the next course of action and treatment plan. Kindly consult via whatsapp at nine zero two nine six zero zero four seven zero.
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Hi 👋
You’re right to be cautious — the belly button (navel) is a small cavity where lint, sweat, and cotton fibers easily collect, and if not cleared correctly, it can lead to infection or abscess formation. Since you’ve had an infection there in the past, it’s wise to manage this carefully.
Why this happens
Cotton or lint from clothing gets trapped in the deep folds of the navel, especially if the belly button is deep or hairy.
Natural body oils and dead skin hold it in place, making it difficult to remove just by washing.
Scratching or poking can injure the skin and trigger infection.
Safe steps to remove the cotton (do this gently)
1. Warm saline soak:
Mix 1 tsp salt in a glass of warm water.
Soak a clean cotton ball in it and hold it over your belly button for 10–15 minutes — this softens the trapped cotton.
2. Use gentle irrigation:
After soaking, gently flush the area using a syringe or dropper with clean lukewarm water or saline.
Avoid inserting ear buds or metal objects — they can push debris deeper.
3. Hydrogen peroxide (only if needed):
You may use a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide if the cotton is tightly stuck — it helps loosen fibers by bubbling.
After 2–3 minutes, rinse thoroughly with clean water and pat dry with a soft towel.
4. Dry and protect:
Apply a few drops of antiseptic solution (like Betadine or Savlon) if there was minor irritation.
Keep the area completely dry afterward to prevent bacterial growth.
Don’t do this:
Don’t dig or scrape with sharp tools.
Don’t apply creams or oils afterward — moisture keeps the area prone to infection.
Avoid tight synthetic clothing until fully clear.
When to seek review:
If you notice pain, redness, foul smell, pus, or swelling, that means early infection — which needs short-course antibiotics and professional cleaning (usually a 5-minute OPD procedure).
Summary:
Warm saline soak → gentle rinse → antiseptic drying.
Hydrogen peroxide can help if used carefully, but never insert anything deep.
Keep the area dry and lint-free going forward.
If you’d like, I can guide you step-by-step with a photo review — to check whether the cotton is superficial or needs safe removal under light cleaning. I can also help you choose the right antiseptic and antibiotic if any mild infection starts.
Message me on WhatsApp at nine three two six zero two zero five three six — I’ll personally review your case and tell you exactly how to clear it safely at home without causing irritation or injury.
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Kindly try taking it out on your own or visit a gen surgeon nearby
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Dont use hydrogen peroxide
Use oil to clean
Dont poke in the belly button
Just put oil
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Proper cleaning of the area is required. Daily while taking bath, clean those areas. If there is constant accumulation of dirt or cotton in that area, further infection can occur.
To prevent that make sure frequent cleansing is required.
Next Steps
Proper Hygiene
Health Tips
After bathing water should not remain in that area
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If you are not successful in removing cotton , consult a physician in your area,as hydrogen peroxide is unlikely to clear
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Just take it with clean hand
Next Steps
no intervention needed
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Belly button is not so deep. Cotton should come out. Either it's embedded or its not cotton. Kindly share pics and kindly consult with me on 94 two six eight six 78 nine six.
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Don’t use hydrogen peroxide..,
Soap wash and rinse .,
Next Steps
Kindly consult me on Practo for further queries
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It is not cotton. Its a sebum.
No need to use H2O2.
Keep cleaning once a week with regular soap.
Next Steps
If more hairs around belly button, try not to pick one.
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Better consult a doctor physically.
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If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to to message me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for a free detailed discussion
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Need few more details
Kindly connect.
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Avoid hudrogen peroxide
Use normal water spray it ober cotton then remobe it as it soaked water
Then use soap water to clean it daily
Nothing to worry
Next Steps
Use oint BNC if any skin iritation there or redness
Health Tips
Avoid tight cloth and dnt rub over area
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You can use glycerin to soak cotton. N than remove.
ADVISE
GO TO GEN RAL SURGEON.
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Don't worry
Next Steps
Use mild shampoo to clean the area
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Dr. Gaurav Jaiswal
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhansi
Avoid fried and spicy food
Water intake more
Do connect and consult
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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Dr. Nazia Begum M.G
General Physician
15 yrs exp
Belgaum
Visit nearby general surgeon
Do not try to remove your self
Apply betadine lotion
Consult online will guide you further
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Dr. Anubha Singh
General Physician
4 yrs exp
Jhansi
If you require assistance or have any health concerns, feel free to reach out for a consultation. Your well-being is my priority, and i'm here to support you on your health journey.
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