Medically reviewed by Rochelle Collins, DO Thick, brown belly button discharge may happen if you haven't washed your belly ...

Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD If your belly button smells, it's likely a sign of poor hygiene or an infection.

That's right, you can get a yeast infection in your belly button, which can lead to itching and redness, and cause a clear or off-white discharge to leak out, which almost looks like cottage cheese.