Patient's question:
My baby has had some redness and swelling around the umbilicus in recent days, with a small amount of pus-like discharge that smells a bit foul. I've cleaned it very thoroughly. My friend came to see the child and said it might be umbilical inflammation. Could you please tell me what are the symptoms of neonatal umbilical inflammation?Doctor's answer:
The initial symptoms include cord separation and delayed wound healing after discharge. Sometimes the cord may become red and swollen. The central concave area of the umbilicus may show a small amount of granulation tissue or a small amount of mucoid or purulent discharge. In severe cases, symptoms such as redness, fever, and pain may indicate cellulitis. When the infection is more severe, there may be significant redness and swelling around the umbilicus, along with a large amount of purulent discharge. Gentle pressure around the umbilicus may cause pus to ooze from the central concave area of the cord, with a foul odor. Generally, systemic symptoms are mild. If the infection spreads to the adjacent peritoneum, causing peritonitis, the patient often exhibits varying degrees of fever and an increased white blood cell count.