Patient's question:
My baby has had some redness and swelling around the umbilicus recently, with a small amount of pus-like discharge that smells a bit foul. I've cleaned it very well. My friend came to see the child and said it might be umbilical inflammation. I also took the child to the hospital for a check-up. How many days does it usually take to treat umbilical inflammation?Doctor's answer:
Acute cellulitis of the periumbilical tissue can progress to abdominal wall cellulitis if the infection spreads, or it may develop into a periumbilical abscess, with the risk of complications such as peritonitis and sepsis. The causative organisms include Staphylococcus aureus. For mild cases, the treatment involves removing local crusts, cleaning with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution and 75% ethanol as needed; adults can use warm saline wet dressings; maintaining dryness of the umbilicus. If the abscess has not localized, topical application of golden ointment or physical therapy can be applied to localize the infection, promote abscess formation, and allow it to rupture outward. After the abscess forms, it should be incised and drained. Generally, it takes about a week to improve, but the specific situation will determine the outcome.