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    Umbilical Granuloma

    Updated at February 19th, 2022

    Definition

    • A small red growth found in the navel after the cord falls off
    • The navel is also called the belly button or umbilicus

    Health Information

    Symptoms

    • Small round growth in center of navel after the cord falls off.
    • It’s red and can be on a stalk. Covered with clear mucus.
    • Not dry like normal skin.
    • If the navel heals slowly, this is usually the cause.

    Cause

    • A low grade infection of the navel
    • Occurs in 1 out of 500 newborns

    Care Advice

    1. Overview:
      • After the cord has fallen off, the navel will gradually heal.
      • It’s normal for the center to look red at the point of separation. After a week, the navel will be covered by skin cells. The redness should go away.
      • It’s abnormal if the center red area starts to grow like a berry.
      • That’s called a granuloma and it needs treatment.
      • The treatment is easy and can be done in your doctor’s office.
      • Here is some care advice that should help.
    2. Silver Nitrate Treatment of Granuloma:
      • Granulomas need to be treated by putting on a chemical called silver nitrate.
      • This can be done in your doctor’s office.
      • This chemical should turn the pink tissue to gray or black. This will dry up and shrink the granuloma.
      • Any chemical stains of the surrounding skin will eventually heal over.
      • Leave it exposed to the air. Do not cover it.
      • Do not apply any alcohol. Reason: It may remove the silver nitrate.
      • Clean off any discharge with a wet cotton swab.
    3. Normal Navel Care:
      • Keep the navel (belly button) clean and dry.
      • Clean the area once per day with warm water and a clean cloth.
      • Remove any dried or sticky secretions. It’s normal for the navel to ooze some secretions.
      • Do this gently to prevent any bleeding.
      • Caution: Don’t use any rubbing alcohol. Reason: can interfere with healing.
    4. Bathing:
      • After the cord falls off, continue sponge baths for a few more days.
      • Help the belly button area dry up.
      • Then, tub baths will be fine.
    5. Diapers:
      • Keep the navel dry to help healing.
      • To provide air contact, keep the diaper folded down below the navel.
    6. What to Expect:
      • With treatment, the granuloma usually will shrink and go away within 1 week.
      • Repeat treatment may be needed if the granuloma continues to grow.

    Call Your Doctor If

    • Develops a red streak or redness that spreads off the belly button
    • Fever occurs
    • Cloudy discharge occurs
    • You think your child needs to be seen
    • Your baby starts to look or act abnormal

    Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP

    Copyright 2000-2020 Schmitt Pediatric Guidelines LLC

    Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. The information contained in this handout should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. Listing of any resources does not imply an endorsement.

    #AAP