Question
My baby was born less than a month ago, and recently, the baby has been crying a lot. However, there is no fever or cold, only some redness and swelling around the navel, with some pus-like fluid. I suspect it might be umbilical inflammation, but this condition has a small wound. I want to ask if a baby with umbilical inflammation will cry and distress?
Answer
Umbilical inflammation in newborns occurs when the umbilical cord is cut improperly or not handled correctly after birth, leading to infections by Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, or Streptococcus hemolyticus, etc., in the umbilical area. Umbilical inflammation refers to the presence of mucus, purulent discharge, and an odor or redness around the umbilical fossa. Mild cases may only show abnormality around the umbilicus with normal body temperature and appetite. Severe cases may present with fever and reduced milk intake. Therefore, crying and distress are normal reactions.