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Umbilical granuloma
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Umbilical granuloma
What is an umbilical granuloma?
An umbilical granuloma is a common condition affecting newborn babies and commonly seen in the first few weeks of life.
It is a small, moist, pink or red growth of the tissue at the belly button, after the umbilical cord stump falls off. A yellowish, or sometimes blood-stained liquid (discharge) may sometimes leak out of it too.
What causes an umbilical granuloma?
We are not sure what exactly causes umbilical granuloma, but it is believed to happen when the umbilicus does not heal properly after the umbilical cord has fallen off. It is not caused by anything the parents or caregivers have done. It also does not mean that there is an infection.
Signs and symptoms
A soft, pinkish lump on the belly button. Typically no larger than 1 cm across.
It can sometimes have light discharge or mild bleeding.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is usually based on the appearance of the granuloma and no tests are needed.
Treatment
Most umbilical granulomas are not harmful and can be easily treated. Treatment options salt treatment or topical silver nitrate.
Salt Treatment
An effective home treatment involves:
- Make sure your hands are clean by washing them with soap and water
- Sprinkle a pinch of normal table salt directly onto the granuloma
- Soak a piece of clean gauze or clean cloth in warm warm (not hot) water, squeeze it out slightly and put it over the salt-sprinkled granuloma
- Leave the gauze in place for 10 to 15 minutes
This might be best to do when your baby is asleep.
Do this 2 to 3 times a day for at least 2 days, or as advised by your healthcare provider.
You should notice the size of the granuloma shrink over the next few days and this should result in complete healing. If it has not changed after a week, see your GP or other healthcare provider.
Topical silver nitrate
If the granuloma does not show any response to the salt treatment, then contact your GP. Sometimes topical silver nitrate treatment will be advised.
On occasion, when a granuloma is resistant to other treatments, a minor surgical procedure might be needed.
General umbilical care
Keep the belly button area clean and dry.
Keep nappies folded beneath the belly button to reduce irritation.
When to contact someone
Consult a medical professional if you notice signs of possible infection, including:
- increased redness
- warmth
- swelling
- bad smelling discharge
- your baby has a fever
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Disclaimer
Please note: this is a generic information sheet relating to care at Sheffield Children’s NHS FT. These details may not reflect treatment at other hospitals. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professionals’ instructions. If this resource relates to medicines, please read it alongside the medicine manufacturer’s patient information leaflet. If this information has been translated into another language from English, efforts have been made to maintain accuracy, but there may still be some translation errors. If you are unsure about any of the guidance in this resource or have specific questions about how it relates to your child, always ask your healthcare professional for further advice.
Resource number: NSU22
Resource Type: Article
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