Umbilical Granuloma
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
An umbilical granuloma is scar tissue on your baby's umbilicus (belly button). This tissue may be left behind on his or her belly button after the umbilical cord falls off.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- Your baby has a large amount of foul-smelling yellow, brown, or bloody drainage from his or her belly button.
- Your baby cries when you touch his or her belly button or the skin around it.
Call your baby's doctor if:
- Your baby has a fever.
- Your baby has redness or swelling around the belly button.
- Your baby is not eating well.
- Your baby spits up large amounts frequently.
- Your baby goes 1 or more days without having a bowel movement, which is unusual for your baby.
- You have questions or concerns about your baby's condition or care.
Medicines:
- A cream or ointment may help the tissue dry out and fall off.
- Give your child's medicine as directed. Contact your child's healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not working as expected. Tell the provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs your child takes. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why they are taken. Bring the list or the medicines in their containers to follow-up visits. Carry your child's medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Care for your baby:
- Change your baby's diaper frequently. This will decrease moisture and help the granuloma heal. Keep the diaper below the belly button to prevent urine from soaking the area.
- Sponge bathe your baby. This will keep the granuloma dry and help it fall off faster. It will also prevent the granuloma from getting infected. Do not give your baby a bath or soak his or her belly button in water.
- Apply rubbing alcohol to the granuloma as directed. This may help the tissue dry out and fall off. Ask your healthcare provider where to buy rubbing alcohol and how often to apply it.
- Apply cream or ointment to the granuloma as directed.
- Wash your hands and put on gloves.
- Place gauze over the skin around your baby's belly button. This will prevent burns or damage to his or her healthy skin.
- Apply the medicine as directed.
- Remove your gloves, throw them away, and wash your hands.
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Follow up with your baby's doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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