How do you treat an infected umbilical cord stump?

Antibiotic Ointment for Pus:

  1. If any pus is present, use an antibiotic ointment (such as Polysporin).
  2. No prescription is needed.
  3. Put a tiny amount on the belly button.
  4. Do this 2 times per day after the area has been cleaned.
  5. Do this for 2 days. After that, use the antibiotic ointment only if you see more pus.

How do I know if my umbilical stump is infected?

How to identify an umbilical cord infection

  1. red, swollen, warm, or tender skin around the cord.
  2. pus (a yellow-greenish liquid) oozing from the skin around the cord.
  3. a bad smell coming from the cord.
  4. fever.
  5. a fussy, uncomfortable, or very sleepy baby.

How do I clean my baby’s infected belly button?

Clean the Navel:

  1. Clean the navel (belly button) 2 times a day.
  2. Use a wet cotton swab or cloth.
  3. Clean away any dried secretions or pus.
  4. Do this gently to prevent any bleeding.
  5. Caution: Don’t use any rubbing alcohol. Reason: Can interfere with healing.

What causes umbilical stump infection?

What causes omphalitis? The main cause of omphalitis is exposure to any bacteria during delivery, when the umbilical cord is cut after birth or a few days later at home.

What does a normal umbilical stump look like?

Right after birth, an umbilical cord stump usually looks white and shiny and may feel slightly damp. As the stump dries and heals, it may look brown, grey, or even black. This is normal. Usually no problems will develop as long as you keep the area clean and dry.

Is it normal for umbilical cord to have pus?

During the healing process, it’s normal to see a little blood near the stump. Much like a scab, the cord stump might bleed a little when it falls off. However, contact your baby’s doctor if the umbilical area oozes pus, the surrounding skin becomes red and swollen, or the area develops a pink moist bump.

Is umbilical stump supposed to smell?

It is normal for the belly button to look a bit mucky or to have a red spot where the cord used to be. It can also be smelly and have some clear, sticky or brownish ooze that might leave a stain on your baby’s nappy or clothes. This is part of the healing process, which may take up to seven days to mend completely.

Can I put Neosporin in my belly button?

Apply an antibacterial cream Consult a dermatologist before using an over-the-counter antibacterial cream, like Neosporin, as there’s a risk for allergic irritation of the skin and reduced airflow to the piercing site, which may increase risk for infection.

What happens if you pull the umbilical cord?

If the cord stump is pulled off too soon, it could start actively bleeding, meaning every time you wipe away a drop of blood, another drop appears. If the cord stump continues to bleed, call your baby’s provider immediately.

What should belly button look like after stump falls off?

Normal Navel (Belly Button) 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. It’s not normal if the redness spreads on to the belly. It’s normal for the navel to ooze some secretions.

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