Question

Accidentally touched an umbilical hernia and noticed a foul smell afterward. What could cause this situation?

Answer

Umbilical hernias, due to their concave nature, are prone to accumulating water and not drying out, creating an environment suitable for bacterial growth. The initial symptoms of umbilical hernia include redness around the umbilical root or the surface of the wound after it has fallen off, accompanied by white pus-like discharge and surrounding skin swelling. Bacteria may enter the bloodstream through anatomically open umbilical vessels, leading to severe consequences such as sepsis. If the umbilical pouch is moist and comes into contact with tap water, immediate local treatment should be conducted. If there are obvious symptoms of umbilical hernia, such as pus-like discharge, immediate medical attention is required. In general, one should ensure adequate rest and avoid eating spicy and stimulating foods.