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Question

For the past week, I have had like a small sore in my belly button ------I thought it might be a bite of some kind, but it gets no better---------It does drain and gets crusty--------I have used alcohol and a topical salve , but no results

Submitted: 22 days and 9 hours ago.
Category: Medical
Value: $25
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Gender: male
Age: 73

Already Tried:
alcohol cleaning and neosoporin

Accepted Answer

Hello XXXXXXXXXXXXX:

 

Welcome to Just Answer. My name is XX. XXXX, and I will be helping you this morning.

 

I understand your discomfort from the small belly button sore which drains. Yes, it have started off as a bite of some kind, but now with other complication such as deeper skin infection. Since cleaning with alcohol and application of neosporin did not significantly help, then we have to try other management approach.

 

First, if the area is sore with some drainage we have to consider infection eventhough it may have started out as a bite. Now to address such infection (cellulitis), one would think that neosporin should have help. However, if there is a hidden abscess or encapsulated deeper infection, then neosporin will not get to it completely. So, better exploration and drainage may be needed.

 

First, I would suggest that you start with hot/warm towel clean of the area, at least two times daily in addition to a broader topical antibiotics. A more effective topical antibiotic with broader coverage of most skin bacteria causing organisms is Bactroban. This is only available by prescription. May be your doctor can prescribe that for you in addition to taking a good look at the sore lesion and make sure that it is drained properly, without any hidden abscess. If you are experiencing itch in the area, it is likely from the irritated skin, and properly addressing the issues as suggested above will stop it.

 

Thank you for allowing me to share my thoughts on your problem. I hope this information is helpful to you. If you agree please click ACCEPT.

 

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Expert: Dr. Stan
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 10/29/2009

Medical Physician and Surgeon

Johns Hopkins Fellowship Trained, Certified and Licensed Medical Physician and Surgeon

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