How to manage umbilical granuloma in my 53-day-old son?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
My son is 53 days old. He has developed an umbilical granuloma. I have applied Mupirocin and Neosporin dusting powder, but no change has been noticed.
Will the application of salt be useful? If so, how should I apply that? Someone told me that sometimes a granuloma bleeds after the application of salt.
And I have tried antimicrobial ointments, how many days will it take to take effect?
Please advise.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have seen the picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity).
You are right that the diagnosis is umbilical granuloma. The treatment is to apply copper sulfate crystals over the umbilicus for a couple of minutes and then remove them. If it has not completely healed, this may have to be repeated after two weeks.
The application of rock salt also helps, but it may take longer than the application of copper sulfate and may not be as effective. I do not think copper sulfate will be freely available in the market. If you can get it, please remember to place a small crystal over the umbilicus for about five minutes and then remove it.
Better, you can take the baby to a pediatrician or pediatric surgeon. It might take about four weeks to heal completely. The granuloma appears clean and uninfected, so there is no need for any more antibiotic ointment application.
Please let me know what and how you get it done. And do not worry—as long as no fluid is secreted from the umbilicus, there is nothing to worry about. It heals easily. If you feel urine or stool oozing out of the umbilicus, then you have to take the baby to a pediatric surgeon.
Kind regards.
Patient's Query
Thank you, doctor, for the reply.
Some sticky fluid comes out from it, which crusts around it sometimes. Due to the current situation, I will not be able to contact a surgeon soon. Is it fine if I go to the doctor a week or so later?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
Regarding the sticky fluid, it is quite natural for such skin to ooze, unlike normal skin. But just be sure it is urine. You can try getting copper sulfate crystals from a hardware shop nearby.
If it is not available, the only source is a hospital. The crystal that you place on the baby’s umbilicus should not be bigger than 5 square mm. It should be placed on the raw, oozing skin for about five minutes. The baby will cry at that time, but do not get worried.
Please let me know if you have any doubts.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Related Questions
Placenta Previa and Low-Lying Placenta
Is it all right for a newborn of 4 days to be given a normal bath?
What can be the diagnosis if granulomas are found on pancreas and lungs?
My USG says there are only two vessels in the umbilical cord. Is it worrisome?
Kindly suggest an effective solution for granuloma annulare.
My biopsy report showed granulomatous mastitis. Was the biopsy specimen autolyzed?
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.