Published on: 5/21/2025
Bumps around the belly button can be caused by an umbilical hernia, skin cysts like epidermal inclusion cysts, or other benign skin conditions. It is important to have these bumps checked by a doctor to determine the exact cause.
There are a few reasons why you might notice bumps around your belly button. One common cause is an umbilical hernia, which happens when a small piece of tissue pushes through the opening in the abdominal muscle near the belly button. This often appears as a soft lump and may not cause any pain. Another possibility is an epidermal inclusion cyst, which is a small bump formed when skin cells and keratin build up under the skin. These cysts can sometimes appear after surgeries like laparoscopy. In addition, other skin conditions or benign growths might also cause bumps around the umbilicus. While these bumps are often harmless, it is important to get them evaluated because, on rare occasions, they could signal other issues that require treatment. Your doctor can examine the area, ask about any related symptoms, and possibly order imaging tests or a biopsy if needed, to make sure you receive the proper diagnosis and care.
(References)
Das A. Umbilical Lesions: A Cluster of Known Unknowns and Unknown Unknowns. Cureus. 2019 Aug 2;11(8):e5309. doi: 10.7759/cureus.5309. PMID: 31592364; PMCID: PMC6773451.
Li C, Robertson A. Umbilical epidermal inclusion cysts, an unusual cause of umbilical mass following laparoscopic surgery: case report. J Surg Case Rep. 2022 Mar 22;2022(3):rjac059. doi: 10.1093/jscr/rjac059. PMID: 35350219; PMCID: PMC8944717.
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