Patient's question:
NoDoctor's answer:
The care of a newborn's umbilicus primarily involves maintaining local dryness and cleanliness. Avoid covering the umbilicus with wet clothes or diapers, and do not use dirty hands or dirty cloths to clean it. If there is discharge, you can use a sterile cotton swab dipped in 75% alcohol to clean the umbilical cord stump for disinfection. When cleaning, lift the umbilical cord stump from the umbilical pit and wipe it in a spiral motion outward, avoiding back-and-forth scrubbing to prevent introducing bacteria from the surrounding skin into the umbilical pit.After the umbilical cord falls off, a scab forms in the umbilical pit. As it naturally falls off, some dampness or milky liquid may seep out. You can use a sterile cotton swab dipped in 75% alcohol to clean it, or first apply 2% iodine, then follow with 75% alcohol on the umbilical pit and surrounding skin. Avoid using gentian violet or umbilical cord powder, as this may hinder observation of any signs of infection.
If you notice granulation tissue, purulent discharge, redness, swelling, or a foul odor in the umbilical pit, it indicates infection. Seek medical attention promptly to prevent sepsis.