How to Care for Your Baby with an Umbilical Granuloma

This guide will explain what an umbilical granuloma is, its causes, symptoms, and how to care for your baby with an umbilical granuloma at home.

umbilical

What is an Umbilical Granuloma?

An umbilical granuloma is a small, red bump that can show up in your baby’s belly button a few weeks after birth. It is common and usually does not cause any serious problems.

What causes an Umbilical Granuloma?

  • The exact cause is unclear, but it may happen if the belly button doesn’t’t heal properly after the umbilical cord falls off, especially if it takes longer than two weeks.
  • Umbilical granuloma is not caused by anything you did and it is not related to other health problems.

What are the symptoms of an Umbilical Granuloma?

Signs of an umbilical granuloma include:

  • A small, red bump in the belly button
  • A moist or wet discharge from the area
  • Sometimes, a small amount of bleeding

How is Umbilical Granuloma Diagnosed?

Your baby’s doctor can easily diagnose an umbilical granuloma by examining your baby and reviewing their medical history.

How is Umbilical Granuloma Treated?

The first step in treatment is often a “salt treatment,” which is a safe and easy process you can do at home following the instructions below:

Salt treatment:

  1. Clean the belly button area with a cotton ball and warm water.
  2. Apply a pinch of table salt to the granuloma.
  3. Cover the area with dry gauze or a bandage for 30 minutes.
  4. Clean the area again with warm water.
  5. Repeat this twice a day for five days.

What if salt treatment does not work?

  • If the granuloma does not improve after five days of salt treatment or if the granuloma becomes bigger, your doctor may use the “silver nitrate treatment” to help the granuloma heal.
  • This procedure is quick and painless. Your doctor will discuss with you and explain if your child needs this procedure.

What should I expect after the silver nitrate treatment?

  • Within 2-3 days, the granuloma should shrink in size and start to gradually dry up. It usually disappears within a week.
  • In rare cases, the granuloma may need to be removed through minor surgery.

Home Care Advice:

  • Keep the belly button area clean and dry.
  • Wash the belly button with soap and warm water if it gets dirty.
  • Fold the top of your baby’s diaper to keep the belly button exposed to air.
  • Keep the diaper area clean and dry.

When should I seek medical advice?

Seek medical advice in the following cases:

  • If the granuloma continues to grow a week after treatment
  • If your child has swelling, redness, a bad smell, red streaks or pus discharge from the belly button.
  • If your child has a fever over 38°C.
  • If you notice unusual tiredness or irritability in your child.