It is a small mass of red or pink fabric that can form in the area around the navel following a complication in the healing of the umbilical stump. How to recognize it and how to treat it? Can you involve risks to child health?
The umbilical granuloma is a complication In the healing of the umbilical stump, or the part of the cord that remains after clamping at birth and which meets a physiological process for which it dries and detaches completely in the tour of 10-14 daysleaving as the only one scores the navel scar.
The stump and the area around must be kept clean to avoid possible infections. In this article we will see how to avoid this eventuality and, if it presents itself, how to recognize it And what are the most effective treatments.
Umbilical granuloma, what it is and how it is recognized
Exactly, What is and how to recognize umbilical granuloma? In what form does it present itself? It is a small mass of red or pink fabric that can form in the area around the navel. Normally after clamping (i.e. the cut of the cord) remains a stump which, as mentioned, within a maximum of two weeks drys up and falls, while the area around yes healing. In some cases, however, a humid protuberance may occur, due to an excess of scar tissue, accompanied by secretion of liquid and blood. It concerns about one in 500 newborn, and it is the most frequent problem related to the healing of the umbilical stump. From the extent of theinflammation The amount of secretions of light liquid or blood depends.
The Characteristics of umbilical granuloma To be evaluated and to be submitted to the pediatrician are:
- Size. In general, the fabric mass is small (less than one centimeter in diameter), rare are the largest protuberances due to an excess of fabric.
- Color. It is usually red or intense pink, but it can vary like the more or less inflamed areas around the navel.
- Consistencywhich can be soft or tender to the touch.
- Wet or wet or slimy.
- Secretion liquid that can be light or blood -colored.
Why is umbilical granuloma formed?
Unconal granuloma can have different causes, linked to the management of the stump, its healing and also to a predisposition of the child to develop this inflammation. If we were to explain because umbilical granuloma comes We should therefore consider more than one reason, for example:
- An improper manipulation of the umbilical stump, Meaning what When it is not managed correctly after birth: the area around is not clean, the stump is compressed or crushed with too tight and non -breathable clothing (where it should be left uncovered to encourage healing). Another error is the use of unsuitable products (dust, lotions, alcohol), in addition to the excessive frequency of washing; In both cases, you risk irritating the area around the stump and creating an too humid environment where infections easily develop. We specify that there are no solid scientific recommendations on the use of disinfectant sprays based on collagen and hyaluronic acid and alcoholic solutions. In reality, these products are often useless, unless there is the risk of meeting cicatrization and infections problems, as in the most fragile and premature NATO.
- Infections. The bacterial and fungal in the umbilical area could interfere with the healing process and contribute to the formation of granuloma. It does not often happen that one developsLocal infection (Onfalite) or even more extensivewith the risk of sepsis, for this reason it is important to take care of the umbilical stump. The Staphylococcus aureus often associated with skin infections, the Candidasome strains of Pseudomonasthey can cause infection and formation of umbilical granulomas especially in fragile babies, premature and immunocompromess born, which are more at risk.
- Predisposition. Some babies can be more susceptible than others to the formation of umbilical granuloma due to genetic or environmental factors. There are not many studies in this regard but over the years it has been assumed that an immune deficit, in some cases, can cause greater predisposition to infections, which easily develop in a non -healing wound (the stump in fact).
In most cases, observing simple but essential hygiene rules helps prevent or limit the appearance of granuloma. It is good practice to wash your hands with water and soap always, wash the child avoiding immersion in water (there are no contraindications to do it, but mothers and dads must know that it could delay the fall of the stump) and make sure to keep the Area around the stump, in particular by eliminating residues of urine and feces, which can easily contaminate this delicate point.
Arnica Montana extracts seem to have an antifungal, antibacterial and anti -inflammatory action, therefore a positive effect on healing, healing and falling of the umbilical stump, even if there is no significant difference in the born after the 35 weeks treated with the method of Classic washing and care. (1)
The treatment with a dermoprotective powder based on Arnica Montana seems to reduce the cicatrization and drying times of the stump and complications such as the formation of secretions or blood; Regarding this treatment, thepositive and anti-stress effect on parentsalso avoiding the use of unsuitable products and unwanted consequences. (2)
How do you take care of umbilical granuloma?
Unconal granuloma can be treated at home, even if sometimes it can require specific hospital treatments; In both cases always after an evaluation of the pediatrician.
More in detail, there are different types of care for umbilical granuloma. For example:
- Conservative care. Especially in the initial stages, keeping the area clean and dry can favor natural healing. Avoid touching or manipulating granuloma and making sure that the navel is adequately aerated can help prevent irritation and promote healing.
- Medical-surgical treatments. One of the most effective methods is the caustic pencil based on 75%silver nitrate, which in contact with granuloma manages to burn it. The pediatrician can perform this small intervention in the hospital or in the clinic. It is an absolutely painless and effective method already after two to three treatments.
- Home treatment. A well -known and simple method, without unwanted effects, is the use of the common kitchen salt, with compresses at the base of the scar (to understand how to carry out the operation, it is always good to deal with the pediatrician). (3)
- Dust. Upon a prescription, a 3% of salicylate sugar -up to the day to be applied three times a day with dry gauze, used both at home and in the hospital. There are several studies that have evaluated its effectiveness, with a reduction in healing and lifting of the stump.
- Binding. Carried out by the pediatrician, it is a technique that uses a silk wire to tie granuloma to the base, in particular when it appears elongated and narrow. The use of a silk thread, absorbable, makes this method effective, solving the problem in a week.
When to worry about umbilical granuloma? If the problem immediately presents itself in serious form, or continues to persist despite the first care, there is the risk that inflammation extends and complicates in serious infections. In fact, if granuloma is accompanied by blood and/or formation of liquid, fever, swelling, pain, an antibiotic treatment with creams and solutions to be used locally is essential, to prevent the infection from becoming systemic (therefore compromising other organs and fabrics) and lead to more serious consequences.
In cases where the infection persists and granuloma has a larger mass and does not resolve with cauterization, surgical removal can be used. It is not frequent, but when necessary it is an effective and definitive treatment, which leads to a complete healing.
Sometimes, despite being extremely scrupulous, there is no absolute certainty of avoiding this unpleasant problem, the important thing is to always observe all the possible changes and contact the pediatrician for any doubt, advice and confront what are the best choices in limiting and treat umbilical granuloma.
