Symptoms of Umbilical Inflammation in Newborns
Some infants may experience inflammation of the umbilical area, a condition that, while rare, can pose serious health risks. Typically, this occurs before the umbilical cord stump falls off. Here are some common symptoms associated with umbilical inflammation:
- Redness or discoloration of the surrounding area.
- Persistent bleeding.
- Foul odor emanating from the umbilical site.
- Pus formation in the umbilical area.
Care for the Newborn’s Umbilical Area
It is essential to care for the newborn’s umbilical stump prior to its separation to prevent infection. Here are some recommended care practices:
- Keep the umbilical stump dry and clean, and ensure that diapers are not in contact with it to avoid moisture and promote ventilation.
- Avoid pulling on the umbilical cord stump, even if it appears to be connected by thin strands.
- Do not use alcohol to clean the area; studies indicate that umbilical stumps exposed to alcohol may take longer to heal than those that are not.
- Refrain from submerging the baby in a bath; instead, a sponge bath is sufficient.
- Dress the baby in clean cotton clothing and avoid tight garments.
- Always wash your hands before changing the baby.
- Clean the area with plain water.
Cleaning the Newborn’s Umbilical Area
It is important to note that after birth, there are no longer any nutritional supplies through the umbilical cord, leading it to dry out and eventually fall off within one to three weeks. This period can extend up to six weeks in some cases. Following the detachment of the stump, a gelatinous residue may remain with three small blood vessels visible. Once the stump has fallen off, the baby can safely take a bath without special attention to the umbilical area. Use a corner of a cloth to gently clean this region without soap. Avoid rubbing the umbilical area if it still looks open or tender; wait until it has completely healed. Moreover, premature infants or those spending time in a special care unit may require additional time before they can bathe safely, so it is crucial to keep their umbilical area dry and clean.