Question
What could be the reasons if a newborn’s umbilical cord hasn’t fallen off after 21 days?
Answer
A newborn’s umbilical cord usually detaches itself within 7 to 10 days after being tied off. If it hasn’t fallen off after 21 days, possible reasons may include improper cleaning of the cord root or the presence of a potential infection. In such cases, it is suggested to clean the surrounding skin with 75% alcohol daily and apply a 1-2% gentian violet solution to the umbilical cord area until it falls off. Moreover, parents should also be attentive to any other discomfort symptoms in their child, such as vomiting or red spots on the skin, which could be indicators of newborn diseases and should prompt immediate medical attention.