Patient's question:
When my mother-in-law was bathing the baby, she tried a few times to get the umbilicus wet, which led to inflammation and some swelling. There were also pus bumps, and it hasn't healed in several days. I'm quite worried that it won't get better. Will the umbilical inflammation and pus bumps absorb on their own?Doctor's answer:
Inflammatory infections causing small bumps are usually not a problem and can be treated locally with Bacitracin ointment or erythromycin ointment for anti-inflammatory effects. Alternatively, after softening, the skin can be pierced to drain the pus, and then cleaned with povidone-iodine solution for anti-inflammation, which can then return to normal. Avoid frequent touching. If it is large, it is still necessary to go to the hospital for incision and drainage.Navel inflammation first manifests as redness and swelling of the umbilical cord and surrounding tissues, along with viscous or purulent discharge and a foul odor. If not treated promptly, it can lead to abdominal wall cellulitis, abscesses, and necrosis. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream through unclosed umbilical vessels, causing sepsis. It cannot heal on its own.