Internal Bleeding Near My Bellybutton
At 18 years old, I've been sporting a belly button piercing for about three years without any issues. However, I've recently noticed a swelling located deeper within my belly button, separate from my piercing. The bump resembles a blister filled with blood, and it's been bleeding quite a bit, causing some discomfort. Unfortunately, the bleeding seems unrelenting at the moment.
Answers (1)
8/28/2025, 2:32:21 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing a concerning issue with swelling and bleeding near your belly button, which could indicate a few different things such as a possible infection, a hematoma (a localized collection of blood), or a more severe condition. It's essential to address this promptly, especially since you're mentioning unrelenting bleeding.
Key Points:
- The swelling and bleeding you’re experiencing could be caused by irritation, an infection, or something more serious.
- Managing this situation carefully is important to prevent further complications.
Explanation:
Belly button piercings can sometimes lead to complications such as infections or keloids. The bluish blister-like bump filled with blood sounds like it could potentially be a hematoma, particularly if it has developed after any trauma. It’s essential to monitor the symptoms closely, especially since you are experiencing persistent bleeding.
Next Steps:
- Control Bleeding: Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze at the site for 10-15 minutes to help stop the bleeding. Avoid using excessive force.
- Keep It Clean: Gently clean the area around your belly button with a mild soap and water, then pat dry to prevent infection.
- Avoid Irritants: Refrain from touching the area with unclean hands and avoid using alcohol or strong antiseptics that could irritate the skin further.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the size of the bump, the amount of bleeding, and any changes in symptoms such as increased pain, fever, or discharge.
- Rest and Avoid Strain: Minimize physical activity that could aggravate the area until it heals.
If the bleeding does not stop within a short period, becomes profuse, you notice increasing swelling or redness, or if you start experiencing symptoms like fever or severe discomfort, please seek emergency assistance immediately.
Taking these steps can help manage your current situation while prioritizing your safety. If you have further questions or need more information, feel free to ask!
Related Questions
Concern About Rash on My Baby's Arm
Hello everyone, I'm seeking some guidance regarding a health issue. My 6-month-old baby girl has recently developed a rash on one of her arms, which appeared around a day ago. Unfortunately, it seems to be worsening, although it's still localized to just that one arm. We did just move from a chillier area to somewhere warmer, which might be pertinent to the situation. The rash has a bumpy texture and features a pale center. It resembles a pimple but is not filled with pus. Upon applying pressure to it, the area turns white (a process known as blanching). Thankfully, she does not have a fever and is on the mend from a cold she experienced last week. Aside from this, she is in good spirits, acting like her usual self, and she is being exclusively breastfed. We've arranged for a doctor's visit for tomorrow, yet I can't help but wonder if this requires more immediate attention before then?
Concerns About a Lump in the Throat
I’m an 18-year-old female and recently returned home after a hospital stay due to a C. diff infection, for which I’m currently on vancomycin. During my last two days in the hospital, I discovered a lump on my throat that has a yellowish center (I’ve got pictures of it). I’ve also experienced some pressure on the side of the lump near my ear, accompanied by sneezing that I initially attributed to allergies. I haven’t noticed any swollen lymph nodes externally, and while there’s no significant pain, there is some mild irritation. Swallowing isn’t an issue, but at night, I often feel like something is stuck in my throat. I’m not sure how to share the photo, but I’m genuinely anxious and worried that this could be cancer.
Is It Possible I Have Ringworm or Was My Diagnosis Incorrect?
Hello everyone! I previously posted this inquiry in another forum but didn’t receive any responses, so I’m hoping to get some insights here. I apologize if my explanation is unclear, but I will do my best to clarify my situation. I’m a 23-year-old woman weighing 135 pounds, and my only prior skin condition has been hives, which I doubt is what I’m dealing with now. For the last few weeks, I have experienced itchy, red patches on my neck. The first flare-up, marked as #1, was an oval-shaped, red, and itchy area that lasted for about a week and a half before fading. I don’t have any images from that incident. Shortly after, another irritation appeared, labeled as #2. This patch has also been red and itchy but has noticeably started to diminish after more than a week. Initially, I treated it with Vaseline, assuming it was eczema (a condition I’ve never had before), until I noticed a third patch (#3) develop just two days later. During my recent doctor’s visit, he suggested that it likely wasn’t eczema since it was slightly raised. He only considered the possibility of ringworm after I brought it up. I received a prescription cream to apply, but his lack of confidence in the diagnosis made me doubt if it is truly ringworm. I haven’t had close contact with any known cases (the only person I’ve been around is my partner, who shows no symptoms and hasn’t previously had it). Additionally, I’ve refrained from scratching the areas, knowing that this could promote the spread of the condition. I’ve referenced certain spots as numbers in the first image, which I’m unable to upload directly but will share in the comments if possible. The second image captures the #2 spot before the emergence of the third one. The third image shows me wearing a tan shirt from yesterday (8/27), and the last one is a closer view of the #3 area with the #2 spot visible as well. The final picture, taken this morning, shows the treated area post-cream application. My primary concerns are: 1. Is it normal for ringworm to lessen in appearance over time? 2. Can it occur without a noticeable ring? 3. Does this resemble ringworm? I appreciate any thoughts or insights you may have! Thank you!
Concerns About C-Section Scar One Week Postpartum
I’m a 25-year-old woman weighing 160 pounds, and I have no underlying health concerns. I underwent a C-section on August 19, 2025, marking my second such delivery; my first occurred just a year prior due to the baby being in a breech position. Thankfully, my pregnancies have been uncomplicated. However, today I discovered some blood oozing from the left side of my incision, which also seems to be more sensitive and painful than the rest. I still have the adhesive strips in place, which I was informed would naturally detach over time. Strangely, I don’t have a follow-up appointment scheduled for two weeks; instead, I’ll be seeing my doctor in six weeks. These appointments were arranged during my initial prenatal visit at UCSD, a university hospital where booking slots can be challenging. I’m unsure whether I should head to the emergency room or urgent care, or if I should attempt to make an appointment with my OB-GYN, even though they may just redirect me to their urgent care due to the lack of availability for regular appointments.
Tennis Elbow: Understanding Acute Tendonitis
M46, 174 cm, Caucasian, diagnosed with ADHD. Three and a half weeks ago, while lifting a child, I experienced a slight sensation on the outside of my elbow, but there was no discomfort at that moment. However, the following day, I woke up with significant pain characteristic of tennis elbow—pain radiating from the bony protrusion on the outer part of my elbow along the top muscles of my forearm, according to a diagnosis from my GP. I was advised to rest the affected area, which has proven to be quite a challenge. Unfortunately, there has been no noticeable improvement over the past three and a half weeks. Is this a common occurrence? Would it be beneficial for me to consider acupuncture or other treatments? The only relief I’ve found, albeit minimal, has come from massage and anti-inflammatory medications.