What is an umbilical cord granuloma. How is it treated. What are the potential complications. When should you seek medical advice. How to care for a newborn with umbilical cord granuloma.

Understanding Umbilical Cord Granuloma in Newborns

An umbilical cord granuloma is a common condition that can occur in newborns after the umbilical cord stump falls off. It presents as a small mass of pinkish-red tissue at the base of the belly button, often moist and draining fluid. While generally harmless, it’s essential for parents to understand the nature of this condition and how to properly care for it.

What causes umbilical cord granuloma?

Umbilical cord granuloma typically forms when the umbilical cord stump doesn’t heal properly after falling off. Instead of the area drying and closing completely, excess tissue continues to grow, resulting in the granuloma formation. This overgrowth of tissue is the body’s natural response to the healing process, but it can sometimes persist longer than necessary.

How common is umbilical cord granuloma?

While exact statistics vary, umbilical cord granulomas are relatively common in newborns. They occur in approximately 1 out of every 500 to 1,000 newborns. Most cases resolve on their own or with minimal treatment, but it’s important for parents to be aware of this condition and monitor their baby’s umbilical area closely in the first few weeks of life.

Treatment Options for Umbilical Cord Granuloma

When it comes to treating umbilical cord granuloma, there are several options available. The choice of treatment often depends on the size of the granuloma and how long it has been present.

Silver nitrate application

One of the most common treatments for umbilical cord granuloma is the application of silver nitrate. This chemical compound works by drying out the granuloma tissue, causing it to shrink and eventually fall off. The procedure is typically painless for the newborn and can be performed in a doctor’s office.

Is silver nitrate treatment effective?

Silver nitrate treatment is highly effective in most cases of umbilical cord granuloma. Studies have shown success rates of up to 90% with a single application. In some cases, multiple treatments may be necessary to completely resolve the granuloma. It’s important to note that while effective, silver nitrate should only be applied by a healthcare professional to avoid damaging the surrounding healthy skin.

Alternative treatment methods

In rare cases where silver nitrate treatment is not effective or suitable, other methods may be employed:

• Cryotherapy: Using liquid nitrogen to freeze and remove the granuloma tissue
• Surgical ligation: Tying off the granuloma with surgical thread
• Electrocauterization: Using heat to remove the granuloma tissue

These alternative treatments are typically reserved for persistent or larger granulomas that don’t respond to more conservative approaches.

Home Care for Umbilical Cord Granuloma

Proper home care is crucial in managing umbilical cord granuloma and preventing complications. Here are some essential guidelines for parents:

How to clean the affected area?

To clean the area around the granuloma:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after cleaning.
2. Use a clean, moist cloth or cotton swab to gently clean the area.
3. Remove all drainage and clean about an inch around the base of the granuloma.
4. Pat the area dry with a clean cloth and allow it to air-dry completely.

Cleaning the area regularly helps prevent infection and promotes healing.

Diapering considerations

To prevent contamination from urine and stool, it’s important to adjust your diapering technique:

• Roll the diaper down below the belly button until the granuloma heals.
• If necessary, cut a notch in the front of the diaper to create space for the navel area.
• Change diapers frequently to keep the area as dry and clean as possible.

Bathing precautions

Until the granuloma has fully healed, it’s best to avoid submerging your baby in bathwater. Instead, opt for sponge baths or use a damp washcloth to clean your baby. This precaution helps prevent introducing bacteria to the healing area and reduces the risk of infection.

Potential Complications of Umbilical Cord Granuloma

While umbilical cord granulomas are generally benign, there are potential complications that parents should be aware of:

Infection risks

The most common complication associated with umbilical cord granuloma is infection. Signs of infection may include:

• Increased redness or swelling around the granuloma
• Foul-smelling or cloudy discharge
• Fever in the baby
• Irritability or discomfort when the area is touched

If you notice any of these signs, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly.

Persistent bleeding

While some minor bleeding can occur, persistent or heavy bleeding from the granuloma is not normal and may indicate a more serious issue. If you notice ongoing bleeding, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Delayed healing

In some cases, umbilical cord granulomas may persist longer than expected, even with treatment. This delayed healing can be frustrating for parents and may require additional medical interventions. If the granuloma doesn’t show signs of improvement within the timeframe given by your healthcare provider, a follow-up appointment may be necessary.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Knowing when to contact your healthcare provider is crucial in managing umbilical cord granuloma. Be alert for the following situations:

What are the red flags to watch for?

Contact your child’s healthcare provider immediately if you observe:

• Fever in your baby
• Signs of infection around the granuloma (increased redness, swelling, or unusual discharge)
• Bleeding from the granuloma
• Your baby crying or showing signs of pain when the area is touched
• Development of a rash, pimples, or blisters around the navel
• Any other symptoms that concern you or if your baby seems unwell

Follow-up care importance

Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is essential to monitor the healing progress of the umbilical cord granuloma. These check-ups allow for timely adjustments to the treatment plan if needed and help ensure that the granuloma is resolving as expected.

Monitoring Your Baby’s Temperature

Fever can be a sign of infection, making it crucial to accurately monitor your baby’s temperature when dealing with umbilical cord granuloma.

Which thermometer to use?

Digital thermometers are the recommended choice for checking a baby’s temperature. The most appropriate method depends on your child’s age:

• For children under 3 years: Rectal temperature is most accurate
• For children 3 months and older: Forehead (temporal) thermometers are suitable
• For babies 6 months and older: Ear (tympanic) thermometers can be used
• Armpit (axillary) temperatures are least reliable but can be used as an initial check
• Oral thermometers should only be used for children 4 years and older

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and your healthcare provider’s recommendations when using any type of thermometer.

How to interpret temperature readings?

Understanding what constitutes a fever in infants is crucial:

• Rectal temperature of 100.4째F (38째C) or higher is considered a fever in infants
• For older children, a temperature of 101째F (38.3째C) or higher is typically considered a fever

If your baby develops a fever while healing from umbilical cord granuloma, contact your healthcare provider for guidance, as this could indicate an infection requiring prompt attention.

Long-Term Outlook and Prevention

Understanding the long-term outlook for babies with umbilical cord granuloma can help alleviate parental concerns and guide preventive measures.

What is the prognosis for umbilical cord granuloma?

The prognosis for umbilical cord granuloma is generally excellent. With proper care and treatment, most granulomas resolve completely without leaving any lasting effects. In the majority of cases, once the granuloma has healed, the belly button area returns to normal appearance and function.

Can umbilical cord granuloma be prevented?

While it’s not always possible to prevent umbilical cord granuloma, there are steps that may reduce the risk:

• Proper umbilical cord care after birth, following your healthcare provider’s instructions
• Keeping the umbilical area clean and dry
• Avoiding the use of alcohol or other harsh substances on the umbilical stump
• Allowing the umbilical cord stump to fall off naturally, without pulling or manipulating it

By following these preventive measures and maintaining good hygiene practices, you can promote healthy healing of your baby’s umbilical area and potentially reduce the risk of granuloma formation.

Long-term effects on the belly button

Parents often wonder about the long-term effects of umbilical cord granuloma on their child’s belly button appearance. In most cases, once the granuloma has fully healed, there are no lasting visual effects. The belly button typically develops a normal appearance, and the child is not at increased risk for future umbilical issues.

However, in rare cases where more extensive treatment was required, such as surgical removal, there might be a slight difference in the belly button’s appearance. This is generally cosmetic and does not affect the child’s health or function.

Emotional Support and Coping Strategies for Parents

Dealing with any health issue in a newborn can be stressful for parents. It’s important to address the emotional aspects of managing umbilical cord granuloma.

How to manage anxiety about your baby’s condition?

It’s natural to feel anxious when your baby has a health concern. Here are some strategies to help manage these feelings:

• Educate yourself about umbilical cord granuloma from reliable sources
• Communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your concerns
• Join support groups or online forums for parents dealing with similar issues
• Practice self-care and stress-reduction techniques
• Remember that most cases of umbilical cord granuloma resolve without complications

Involving partners and family members in care

Sharing the responsibility of caring for a baby with umbilical cord granuloma can help reduce stress and ensure consistent care. Consider the following:

• Teach partners or family members the proper cleaning technique
• Share the task of diaper changes and bathing
• Attend medical appointments together when possible
• Communicate openly about any concerns or observations

By involving others in the care process, you can create a supportive environment that benefits both you and your baby.

Balancing concern with normalcy

While it’s important to be vigilant about your baby’s health, it’s equally crucial to maintain a sense of normalcy. Remember that umbilical cord granuloma is a common and typically benign condition. Continue to enjoy bonding with your baby, celebrate milestones, and focus on the joys of parenthood while managing this temporary health concern.

By maintaining a balanced perspective, you can provide the best care for your baby while preserving your own emotional well-being during this challenging time.

Umbilical Cord Granuloma (Newborn)

The umbilical cord connects the unborn baby to the mother in the uterus. After birth, the cord is no longer needed. It is clamped and then cut. This leaves a small stump.

In most cases, the umbilical cord stump dries up and falls off the newborn in the first few weeks of life. But sometimes after the stump falls off a granuloma forms. This is a small mass or stalk of pinkish-red tissue. The granuloma may be moist and drain fluid. The area around it may be slightly inflamed or infected.

Granulomas may be treated with silver nitrate. This chemical dries the granuloma. It is not painful to the newborn. In rare cases, the granuloma may need to be removed with a procedure. For instance, liquid nitrogen may be put on the granuloma to freeze the tissue. Or the granuloma may be tied off with thread used for stitches (sutures). Your provider will give you more information if these procedures are needed.

Home care

Medicines

A granuloma itself does not need any prescribed medicines.  The healthcare provider may prescribe medicine if the granuloma looks infected. If so, follow the provider’s instructions for giving this medicine to your child.

General care

• Wash your hands well before and after you clean the area around the granuloma. This will help prevent infection.

• Care for the area around the granuloma as directed. Use a clean, moist cloth or cotton swab. Be sure to remove all drainage and clean an inch around the base. Pat the area with a clean cloth and let it air-dry. 

• Roll your child’s diapers down below the belly button (navel) until the granuloma has healed. This helps prevent contamination from urine and stool. If needed, cut a notch in the front of the diapers to make a space for the belly button.

• Don’t put your baby in bathwater until the granuloma has healed. Instead, bathe your baby with a sponge or damp washcloth.

• Watch for signs of infection. See “When to call your child’s healthcare provider” below.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your child’s healthcare provider as advised. Let the provider know if you have other questions or concerns.

When to get medical advice

Call your child’s healthcare provider right away if any of these occur:

• Your child has a fever (see “Fever and children” below).

• Your child’s granuloma does not heal in the timeframe given by the provider.

• Your child has signs of infection around the granuloma, such as increased redness, swelling, or cloudy or bad-smelling drainage.  

• There is bleeding from the granuloma.

• Your child cries or seems to be in pain when you touch the area around the cord and belly button.

• Your child develops a rash, pimples, or blisters around the navel.

• Your child seems ill or has any other symptoms that concern you.

Fever and children

Use a digital thermometer to check your child’s temperature. Don’t use a mercury thermometer. There are different kinds and uses of digital thermometers. They include:

• 
  Rectal. For children younger than 3 years, a rectal temperature is the most accurate.

• 
  Forehead (temporal). This works for children age 3 months and older. If a child under 3 months old has signs of illness, this can be used for a first pass. The provider may want to confirm with a rectal temperature.

• 
  Ear (tympanic). Ear temperatures are accurate after 6 months of age, but not before.

• 
  Armpit (axillary). This is the least reliable but may be used for a first pass to check a child of any age with signs of illness. The provider may want to confirm with a rectal temperature.

• 
  Mouth (oral). Don’t use a thermometer in your child’s mouth until he or she is at least 4 years old.

Use the rectal thermometer with care. Follow the product maker’s directions for correct use. Insert it gently. Label it and make sure it’s not used in the mouth. It may pass on germs from the stool. If you don’t feel OK using a rectal thermometer, ask the healthcare provider what type to use instead. When you talk with any healthcare provider about your child’s fever, tell him or her which type you used.

Below are guidelines to know if your young child has a fever. Your child’s healthcare provider may give you different numbers for your child. Follow your provider’s specific instructions.

Fever readings for a baby under 3 months old:

• First, ask your child’s healthcare provider how you should take the temperature.

• Rectal or forehead: 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

• Armpit: 99°F (37. 2°C) or higher

Fever readings for a child age 3 months to 36 months (3 years):

• Rectal, forehead, or ear: 102°F (38.9°C) or higher

• Armpit: 101°F (38.3°C) or higher

Call the healthcare provider in these cases:

• Repeated temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher in a child of any age

• Fever of 100.4° F (38° C) or higher in baby younger than 3 months

• Fever that lasts more than 24 hours in a child under age 2

• Fever that lasts for 3 days in a child age 2 or older

© 2000-2022 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

Was this helpful?

Yes
No

Tell us more.

Check all that apply.

 
Wrong topic—not what I was looking for.

 
It was hard to understand.

 
It didn’t answer any of my questions.

 
I still don’t know what to do next.

 
Other.

NEXT ▶

Last question: How confident are you filling out medical forms by yourself?

Not at all
A little
Somewhat
Quite a bit
Extremely

Thank You!

Umbilical Granulomas: Causes, Treatments, and Prevention

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

In this Article

• Causes of Umbilical Granulomas
• Impact of Umbilical Granulomas on Health
• Treating Umbilical Granulomas
• Preventing Umbilical Granuloma Infections
• When to Go to the Doctor

‌An umbilical granuloma is a small red bump of tissue that can form in a newborn’s belly button during the first several weeks after they’re born. Many babies will develop a granuloma and have no problems. However, some umbilical granulomas can become infected. In rare cases, adults can also form painful umbilical granulomas. Here’s what you need to know about how they can affect your health.

Umbilical granulomas are a type of scar tissue that forms in the belly button. Most umbilical granulomas form when the belly button is healing after the umbilical cord falls off. They look like small red lumps in your child’s navel. Unlike the rest of their skin, the granuloma will be a little shiny and covered in a clear discharge.

After the umbilical cord is cut, a small stump remains on your baby’s stomach. Typically, the stump will fall off on its own and heal without a problem. However, in rare cases, an umbilical granuloma will form where the stump fell off. Only about 1 in 500 babies will develop an umbilical granuloma.

Rarely, an adult may develop an umbilical granuloma. These lumps are caused by trauma to the bully button. One of the most common causes of an adult umbilical granuloma is navel piercing. While granulomas in babies are not painful, they may be painful for adults.

Granulomas are relatively minor complications. However, they do require treatment because they won’t resolve on their own. Most granulomas will continue to slowly grow until they’re treated. These lumps can easily become infected.‌

An infected granuloma is a critical health problem. Since granulomas are connected to the umbilical opening, infection can spread quickly. If you believe your child has an infected granuloma, reach out for medical care right away to keep the infection from getting worse.

In most cases, treating granulomas is simple. Your child’s pediatrician will probably be able to treat and remove the lump in their office. Granuloma treatments include:

Silver nitrate: Umbilical granulomas in babies don’t have nerve endings, so they can be treated with a small amount of silver nitrate. The doctor will place the silver nitrate on the granuloma, and it will burn off the tissue. Your baby will not feel any pain during the process. Adults may need a topical anesthetic to numb the area before the same treatment.

Liquid nitrogen: If silver nitrate isn’t an option, then liquid nitrogen can also be used. The liquid is very cold and freezes the lump immediately. After it’s frozen, the granuloma tissue dissolves away.‌

Suture thread ties: In some cases, your doctor may tie off the granuloma with suture thread. This cuts off blood flow to the lump. Over time, it will dry up and shrivel until it disappears.

Salt: Another way to dry out the granuloma is by using salt. Since granulomas are covered in clear mucus, the salt dries them out and causes them to shrivel away. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to apply salt to the granuloma safely.‌

Surgery: In rare cases, an umbilical granuloma may need to be surgically removed. This is most common for infected granulomas, because surgical removal is the quickest treatment. If your baby’s granuloma is infected, surgery will help stop the spread of infection and help them recover more quickly.

Since granulomas are a type of scar tissue, they’re difficult to prevent. However, if your baby develops a granuloma, you can often prevent infections.

The best way to prevent infections is to protect your baby’s belly button and keep the area clean. Gently wiping the area down with warm soap and water can prevent drainage and bacteria from building up. Your child’s doctor may have other recommendations, as well. Always follow their instructions for taking care of your baby’s navel.

All granulomas should be treated by a doctor. However, if a granuloma gets infected, it needs to be treated immediately. Your baby may need antibiotics to prevent the infection from getting worse. Signs your baby needs to go to the doctor right away include:

• ‌A fever of more than 100. 4 degrees Fahrenheit
• ‌A rash around the belly button
• ‌The granuloma is bleeding
• ‌The belly button is draining a bad-smelling liquid
• ‌The area around the granuloma is swollen or red
• ‌Your baby seems to be in pain when you touch their belly button

Top Picks

How and with what to treat the navel of a newborn: treatment of the umbilical wound

The expression “navel of the earth” did not appear by chance, because in the first weeks after the birth of a baby, it is the navel that becomes the center of attention of a young mother. There is a simple explanation for this: this place on the body is very susceptible to injury and infection. Therefore, it is very important to carefully monitor the healing process and treat the wound in a timely manner.

HOW THE UMBILIC WOUND IS FORMED

When a baby is born, the umbilical cord is immediately fixed with a special clamp and tightly bandaged near the future navel. Only after that it is cut off. An incision is made between the ligation site and the clamp. The remaining small area dries up and disappears on its own, and an umbilical wound appears in this place and later the navel itself. If all hygiene rules and doctor’s recommendations are followed, complete healing occurs approximately 2 weeks after birth. If the newborn is seen by a health visitor from a local clinic, she can help with the first home treatment and show how to continue to do this for parents.

MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS

Treatment of the umbilical wound in a newborn is primarily aimed at protecting against inflammation and infection. To do this, follow a few simple rules.

1. Air baths and free access of air to the umbilical cord is one of the main conditions for wound healing. The main danger is the constant wearing of a diaper. This is a hygiene product that makes life much easier for parents, but closes the navel and often rubs it. To avoid problems, you should either buy diapers with special slots, or make holes yourself.

2. Humidity is an ideal environment for bacteria and infection to develop. Therefore, the navel should always remain dry (of course, with the exception of bathing). Parents need to constantly monitor the cleanliness and dryness of diapers and undershirts, if necessary, immediately change them to new ones. By the way, after washing, the baby’s things should be carefully ironed.

3. Many mothers are afraid to bathe a baby with an unhealed navel. But water procedures are not just allowed, but are an integral part of hygiene (unless the doctor has given other instructions on this matter).

4. More recently, doctors advised treating the umbilical wound with brilliant green and hydrogen peroxide. However, recent studies have shown that there is a need for this procedure only if a crust has formed after the umbilical residue falls off. In this case, it is worth treating the wound once a day. First, drop a little hydrogen peroxide into the navel, remove the softened crusts with a cotton swab or disc, and gently blot the umbilical cavity with a cotton swab dipped in brilliant green.

5. Bathing is important, but don’t do it too often. Hygiene procedures are needed by the baby on average once a day. The less often you disturb the wound, the faster it will heal.

6. Since the care of the umbilical wound requires constant air access, it cannot be covered with a plaster or bandage. For speedy healing, the skin needs to breathe.

7. Be sure to call your doctor if you notice that the skin around your navel is red and swollen. It is also necessary to contact a specialist if unpleasant purulent discharge appears inside the navel. Another reason for concern is the long healing of the umbilical wound (normally, this process usually takes 10-14 days, a maximum of 3 weeks).

Following this simple procedure for treating an umbilical wound can help protect your baby from infection and speed up the healing process.

Newborn navel care

What procedures are required to be carried out with the navel of a newborn will be described in this article by the pediatrician of the DocDeti clinic Alexandra Zhukovskaya.

Do I need to treat the navel with green? Glue a patch with a coin to the umbilical hernia? Should I sprinkle salt on a healed belly button with a granuloma?

After birth, the umbilical cord is cut with a sterile instrument and a plastic clip is applied to it. The rest of the umbilical cord will dry up, turn black and fall off without further intervention in about 2 weeks.

What kind of belly button care is required?

“Dry cord management” is accepted worldwide:

1. Before touching an unhealed navel, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water.

2. It is not recommended to touch the navel even with clean hands.

3. The navel should be open in the air, for this, turn up the diaper or use diapers that have a cutout.

4. Avoid getting wet. If urine/feces gets on the navel, rinse gently with water and pat dry with a clean towel.

5. Postpone bathing until the umbilical cord falls off. Before that, wipe the baby with a damp sponge or wash only the face and wash the ass.

6. No need to interfere with the normal microflora to do its job: DO NOT smear the navel with brilliant green, peroxide, alcohol antiseptics.

This approach is safe and effective – this has been proven by large scientific studies.

If all of the above hygiene measures are observed, then antiseptics will only increase the healing time by disrupting natural processes.

Because of the green, in addition, you can not notice the redness and skip the inflammation.

In the case when the birth did not take place in the maternity hospital and the umbilical cord was cut with a non-sterile instrument, a doctor’s consultation will be required. Usually in such situations it is recommended to treat the navel with chlorhexidine.

The rest of the umbilical cord fell off, what’s next?

• After that, at the bottom of the navel, a mucous viscous discharge will be visible (without redness, unpleasant odor, swelling). It usually takes 1-2 days to dry.

• If ​​there are bloody crusts, then you do not need to pick them out, they will fall off on their own.

In what situations should you be concerned?

1. The umbilical cord has not fallen off after 2-3 weeks.

2. The navel bleeds, as if the wound is fresh (does not just leave a mark, as with an accidental touch).

3. The navel is red and swollen.

4. A purulent discharge with a pungent odor is seen in the navel.

If you suspect that the navel has become inflamed, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor. Omphalitis – inflammation of the navel – is a very serious thing, but with timely treatment they can cope with it.

Let’s move on to the umbilical hernia, which is a hole in the muscular frame of the abdomen at the site of the former umbilical cord. Every fifth newborn has an umbilical hernia.

A patch with a coin, a bandage, a bandage – do not accelerate the overgrowth of the hernial opening.

Often passes on its own by 1-1.5 years (in extreme cases, by 4 years).

It happens that in place of the fallen off umbilical cord there is a “mushroom” / “pimple” with a smooth surface – this is called an umbilical granuloma.

It occurs when the connective tissues “overdone”, healing the wound.

It is treated using a simple and affordable method: pour a pinch of salt on the granuloma, cover with a dry cotton pad for half an hour 3 times a day, repeat the steps for 3 days.