Understanding umbilical granuloma in babies: causes, prevention, and treatment

When a baby is born, they still have part of their umbilical cord, which dries out and falls off generally a few days after birth. However, it sometimes happens that an umbilical granuloma appears in this area. In this article, we will explore the causes, prevention, and possible treatments for this condition.

What is an umbilical granuloma?

An umbilical granuloma is a small fleshy mass that can appear on the navel of a newborn after their umbilical cord has fallen off. This abnormality looks like a small reddish, moist nodule that bleeds easily when touched.

Causes of umbilical granuloma

• Infection

A bacterial or fungal infection can lead to the formation of an umbilical granuloma. Bacteria can enter the moist centre of the navel after the umbilical cord falls off and cause inflammation and excessive tissue growth.

• Delayed healing

A slowdown in the healing process of the navel can encourage the formation of an umbilical granuloma. This may be due to factors such as excessive moisture in the navel area or inadequate care of the umbilical cord after birth.

• Fragility of blood vessels

Infants with fragile blood vessels may be more susceptible to developing an umbilical granuloma, as the blood vessels in their navel can bleed more easily and lead to inflammation and excessive tissue growth.

Prevention of umbilical granuloma

• Appropriate care of the umbilical cord

To prevent the development of an umbilical granuloma, it is essential to take good care of the umbilical cord while it dries and falls off. This involves keeping the area clean and dry, avoiding any contact with water or irritating chemical products.

Clean the navel area with a cotton bud soaked in 70% alcohol, twice a day.

Allow it to air dry for a few minutes after each cleaning.

Avoid prolonged baths and diapers that are too tight, which could keep the navel moist.

• Maintaining a clean environment

A clean and hygienic environment is essential to avoid infections that can cause an umbilical granuloma. This includes washing hands regularly before touching the baby, changing their diapers frequently, and disinfecting the objects they come into contact with.

• Medical monitoring

It is important to visit the paediatrician regularly during the first weeks of the newborn's life to monitor the development of their navel. The healthcare professional will be able to detect any signs of infection or complications, such as the formation of an umbilical granuloma, and suggest appropriate treatment if necessary.

Treatment of umbilical granuloma

• Local treatment

In most cases, treating an umbilical granuloma is straightforward and can be carried out at home. This generally involves applying an antiseptic solution to the affected area several times a day until the granuloma disappears. This procedure must be carried out carefully to avoid further injuring the surrounding tissue.

• Medical treatment

If the umbilical granuloma does not disappear after several days of home treatment, the doctor may prescribe another type of treatment. This may include the use of an antibiotic or antifungal ointment, or even cauterisation of the granuloma with liquid nitrogen or a chemical agent.

• Surgery

In the very rare cases where an umbilical granuloma persists despite non-invasive treatments, surgical intervention may be considered. This procedure generally involves the removal of the granuloma and surrounding tissue to prevent regrowth.

In summary

An umbilical granuloma is a relatively common condition in newborns, manifesting as the formation of a reddish, moist nodule on the navel. The main causes include infection, delayed healing, or fragility of blood vessels. Prevention involves appropriate care of the umbilical cord, maintaining a clean environment, and regular medical monitoring. Treatment varies according to the severity of the case, ranging from simple local treatment to surgery in extreme cases.