Concerns About Belly Button Bumps and Loose Stools: What to Know

There are small bumps in the navel and loose stools resembling diarrhea?

Hello, doctor.
I apologize for the disturbance.
Last week, after cleaning my navel (which I really dislike doing, so I rarely clean it), I noticed two small dark skin-colored bumps at the lower edge of my navel, one about 1mm in size and the other even smaller.
I initially thought they were dirt, but they wouldn't come off with a cotton swab, and I slightly scraped the skin, resulting in a small red spot.
Recently, I've been worried after seeing information about Marie's nodules and related conditions, as I don't pay much attention to my navel and don't recall these bumps from memory.

Currently, I am living abroad and visited a doctor in early September for suspected hernia.
At that time, the doctor arranged for an abdominal ultrasound, which showed no abnormalities except for an ovarian cyst.
In the last month or two, I've been under a lot of work stress and often feel that my bowel movements are not smooth, mostly having soft stools that break apart in water, and sometimes unformed soft stools, accompanied by a sensation of diarrhea.
The color appears to be earthy yellow or brown, and there is no visible bleeding, but sometimes I feel a slight pain near the tailbone inside the anus, which does not affect my daily life.
I've been sitting for long periods at work and haven't exercised in the last two months.

I usually control my diet, having only a latte for breakfast, about 50 grams of oatmeal soaked in water for lunch, and a normal dinner.
In the last two weeks, I have lost about 1 kilogram, with a BMI of 20.
I have a regular bowel movement once a day, usually after drinking my first cup of water in the morning.
Sometimes, after finishing my bowel movement, I feel like I haven't completely emptied my bowels, as if my intestines are still peristalsing and I have the urge to push, but I don't continue to have a bowel movement.
This sensation disappears afterward, but I still feel a slight blockage, as if there is retained stool.
I'm unsure if this is related to my dietary habits causing the soft stools or diarrhea (during the day, I only consume a latte and oatmeal).
I usually drink about 1000-1200cc of water daily.
About two years ago, when I returned to Taiwan, I had a gastroscopy that showed severe gastroesophageal reflux, and I haven't taken any medication in the last three months.

I would like to ask for your advice on whether I need to seek medical examination.
I apologize for the lengthy description and for any inconvenience caused.
My daily bowel movements are not ideal, and I am quite troubled and worried.

Ruì kě, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/11/03

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

It is likely just irritable bowel syndrome, which is unrelated to the navel.
If you are concerned, you can check for occult blood in the stool.

Reply Date: 2020/11/03

More Info

It sounds like you're experiencing a combination of gastrointestinal symptoms and concerns about some skin changes around your belly button. Let's break down your concerns and provide some guidance.

Belly Button Bumps
The small bumps you noticed at the lower edge of your belly button could be a few different things. They might be sebaceous cysts, which are common and usually harmless. These cysts can occur when a hair follicle becomes clogged with oil and dead skin cells. If you attempted to clean them and caused slight irritation, that could explain the redness and minor bleeding.
However, your mention of "Mary's nodules" (likely referring to a specific type of skin condition) raises a valid concern. While it’s essential to be vigilant about any changes in your skin, especially if they persist or change in appearance, the best course of action is to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide a proper examination and possibly a biopsy if necessary to rule out any serious conditions.

Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Regarding your gastrointestinal symptoms, it seems you are experiencing loose stools and a sensation of incomplete evacuation. This could be related to several factors, including dietary habits, stress, and possibly underlying gastrointestinal conditions.

1. Dietary Factors: Your current diet, which includes a lot of oats and limited variety, might not be providing enough fiber or nutrients to maintain healthy bowel movements. While oats are beneficial, incorporating a wider range of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help improve stool consistency.
2. Hydration: You mentioned drinking only 1000-1200cc of water daily. Adequate hydration is crucial for digestive health. Insufficient fluid intake can lead to softer stools and a feeling of incomplete evacuation. Aim for at least 2 liters of water daily, adjusting based on your activity level and climate.

3. Stress: You noted increased work stress, which can significantly impact gut health. Stress can lead to changes in gut motility, resulting in symptoms like diarrhea or a feeling of urgency. Consider stress management techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or regular physical activity, which can also help improve your overall gastrointestinal function.

4. Bowel Movements: The sensation of incomplete evacuation can be frustrating. It might be beneficial to assess your bowel habits. If you find yourself straining or feeling discomfort, it could indicate an underlying issue like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or even hemorrhoids, especially given your history of anal discomfort.

When to Seek Medical Attention
Given your symptoms, especially the combination of skin changes and gastrointestinal issues, it would be wise to consult a healthcare provider. They can perform a thorough examination, possibly including imaging or endoscopy if necessary, to rule out any serious conditions.
In summary, while your symptoms may not indicate a severe issue, they warrant further investigation to ensure your health and peace of mind. Regular check-ups and open communication with your healthcare provider are essential for maintaining good health, especially when experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms.

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