Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Is an Umbilical Granuloma?

Meshell Powell
Meshell Powell

An umbilical granuloma is a medical term used to describe a portion of skin that remains on the naval of an infant after the umbilical cord falls off. The exact reason that some babies develop an umbilical granuloma while others do not is not clearly understood, and there is no evidence to suggest that there are any hygiene issues involved. Treatment may include the use of special chemicals or a type of surgical thread, depending on the individual situation. Any questions or concerns about an umbilical granuloma or the best treatment option for a particular situation should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.

While there is no known way to prevent an umbilical granuloma from developing, proper hygiene can prevent the likelihood that additional problems, such as infection, will occur. The cord should be carefully cleaned several times per day until it falls off with either water or rubbing alcohol. Some doctors no longer recommend the use of alcohol, although many parents report less problems with the umbilical cord area when using alcohol.

An umbilical cord is a thick, blood-rich cord that connects a baby to its mother during the gestation process.
An umbilical cord is a thick, blood-rich cord that connects a baby to its mother during the gestation process.

When a baby is born, the umbilical cord is cut, leaving a short stump that dries up and falls off a few days after birth. In some cases, this process does not occur normally, and a small stalk of flesh remains after the rest of the umbilical cord has fallen off. A discharge containing mucus tends to ooze from the granuloma until it is medically treated.

Treatment for an umbilical granuloma may include surgery.
Treatment for an umbilical granuloma may include surgery.

A special type of chemical known as silver nitrate is commonly used to burn off the granuloma. There are no nerves in this stalk of flesh, so there is no pain or discomfort to the baby during this procedure. In some cases, liquid nitrogen may be used instead of silver nitrate. Less commonly, surgical thread can be tied to the umbilical granuloma, causing the tissue to painlessly die and fall off.

Careful attention may be paid to hygiene to prevent additional problems stemming from an umbilical granuloma.
Careful attention may be paid to hygiene to prevent additional problems stemming from an umbilical granuloma.

Several treatments may be necessary when using silver nitrate or liquid nitrogen to remove the umbilical granuloma. The surgical thread method is not as popular as it once was due to the possibility of complications. If less invasive methods of treatment are not successful, surgical intervention may become necessary in order to remove the umbilical granuloma. The medical staff will discuss the various treatment options with the parents of the affected child and help to decide on the most appropriate treatment for the individual situation.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • An umbilical cord is a thick, blood-rich cord that connects a baby to its mother during the gestation process.
      By: massimo maghenzani
      An umbilical cord is a thick, blood-rich cord that connects a baby to its mother during the gestation process.
    • Treatment for an umbilical granuloma may include surgery.
      By: Tyler Olson
      Treatment for an umbilical granuloma may include surgery.
    • Careful attention may be paid to hygiene to prevent additional problems stemming from an umbilical granuloma.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Careful attention may be paid to hygiene to prevent additional problems stemming from an umbilical granuloma.
    • The exact reason that some infants develop an umbilical granuloma is not clearly understood.
      By: dacasdo
      The exact reason that some infants develop an umbilical granuloma is not clearly understood.