Belly button infection advice

Hi everyone,

I'm 5 weeks post lap and over the last few days my belly button has become red and inflamed. Tonight it has some puss so it's definitely an infection. I did see my doctor after my lap and she prescribed me some antibiotics but it cleared up. Now it's back, I still have the antibiotics which I'm going to start taking tonight. Can I still shower and keep it clean or do I just leave it and let the antibiotics do the work? I've done really well so far, no pain or problems except this. How long after taking the first antibiotic tablet will it show improvement?

Thanks you X

[Bryonie22]

I'd still shower but dont use any soap near it as it might irritate it and make the infection worse. Also make sure it dries properly (dont rub it, just let it air dry as again, could irritate it)

Take the antibiotics and hopefully you should see improvement over the next couple of days. Make sure you finish the course and if it doesn't get any better by the time you're finishing them, go back to the docs.

(Not a medical professional by the way, just how I'd personally go about it)

[Lee1987]

Hi I had this with my surgeries I cleaned it with warm salt water prior to a shower and left to air dry, I also used a cool hair drier to take away the moisture it helped the infection clear up quicker for me. Hope it gets better

Xxx

[Asiyahc]

Hi there, I also had this around the same time (I think mine was 6 weeks post lap). Sounds strange but I soaked dried camomile -to create a paste- and basically shoved it into my belly button and covered it with a bandage for a few hours every night. I dislike taking medication unless exceptionally necessary, especially antibiotics. Mine cleared up in two days and did not return.

I showered like normal, but did not clean inside the bellybutton with soap - just let water run over the area.

I did however, have to go to the doctors because the pain in my belly button became severe three weeks later, turns out I have a site hernia😔. It’s only small but sometimes it can be painful.

Hope you’re doing well and you find some relief.

[Hidden]

Thanks all for your responses. They are very helpful. It is clearing up a little bit already. X