Question

My baby has water leaking from their belly button. The doctor said it’s umbilical inflammation. Blood tests show normal results. An ultrasound says the umbilical cord is closed. The baby has been given two days of intravenous fluids and a cloth has been applied. There’s a bit of pus, but it seems less than before. How long does it take for neonatal umbilical inflammation to heal?

Answer

Neonatal umbilical inflammation can be treated with alcohol disinfection. In addition to alcohol, 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and 2% gentian violet can be used for disinfection of infant umbilical inflammation. If there is local swelling and pus, immediate treatment at a hospital is required. If fungal infection occurs, not only regional treatment is needed but also the administration of antibiotics. Severe cases require hospital treatment. It is usually best to avoid urine and feces from contaminating the umbilical cord, as this can have a certain impact on the treatment.