Antibiotic Ointment for Pus:
- If any pus is present, use an antibiotic ointment (such as Polysporin).
- No prescription is needed.
- Put a tiny amount on the belly button.
- Do this 2 times per day after the area has been cleaned.
- Do this for 2 days. After that, use the antibiotic ointment only if you see more pus.
Signs of an Infected Umbilical Cord Stump
A smelly yellow discharge from the stump area. A reddening of the skin around the stump. Swelling of the navel area. Your baby crying when you touch the stump, indicating it is tender or sore.
The main cause of omphalitis is exposure to any bacteria during delivery, when the umbilical cord is cut after birth or a few days later at home.
To treat an infection
Keep the skin of your belly button clean and dry. Use an antifungal powder or cream to clear up a yeast infection. For a bacterial infection, your doctor might recommend using an antibiotic ointment. Some infections may require oral antibiotic treatment, incision and drainage of the cyst, or both.
If the cord smells bad or seems infected, you can smear a little antibiotic ointment (such as Neosporin®) around and on the base of the cord. You can clean the cord as often as needed, perhaps 3 or 4 times a day.
Apply an antibacterial cream
Consult a dermatologist before using an over-the-counter antibacterial cream, like Neosporin, as there’s a risk for allergic irritation of the skin and reduced airflow to the piercing site, which may increase risk for infection.
Normal Navel (Belly Button)
After the cord has fallen off, the navel will gradually heal. It’s normal for the center to look red at the point of separation. It’s not normal if the redness spreads on to the belly. It’s normal for the navel to ooze some secretions.
Some general symptoms of an infection in the belly button include:
- redness or skin discoloration in or around the belly button.
- itching or swelling of the affected skin.
- a tender mass that bleeds or releases a foul-smelling discharge.
- fever or chills.
- nausea or vomiting.
If your belly button is “leaking” clear or colored discharge or blood, you may have a bacterial, fungal, or yeast infection. Crusty skin, strong odor, itching, and redness are also signs of infection. If discharge and crust stick around after you wash your belly button, you should see your doctor.
How can you prevent Omphalitis?
The WHO recommends topical application of chlorhexidine to the umbilical cord stump during the first week of life for neonates born at home where hygienic conditions are poor or neonatal mortality is high (>30 deaths per live births).
When should I worry about my baby’s umbilical hernia?
Call the doctor if your child still has the hernia after turning 5 years old. Call right away if: The hernia gets larger, seems swollen, or is hard. The hernia sticks out when your child is sleeping, calm, or lying down and you can’t push it back in.
Is a little pus normal after umbilical cord falls off?
You might notice a yellow, sticky fluid that oozes out. This is normal. It sometimes happens when the cord comes off. It’s not pus, and it’s not an infection.