What causes yellow discharge in the umbilical cord, and what should be done about it?
Yellowish discharge in the umbilical cord area may be caused by factors such as umbilical infection, umbilical trauma, umbilical eczema, umbilical hernia, or urachal cyst. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to avoid delayed treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Umbilical infection: Redness, swelling, pain, and exudate around the umbilical cord may indicate an infection. It is important to keep the umbilical area clean and dry, gently cleaning the area daily with warm water or saline solution. If symptoms are severe, a doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics.
2. Umbilical trauma: This refers to discharge resulting from injury to the umbilical cord or surrounding skin. If the injury is severe or signs of infection appear, prompt medical care is advised for wound debridement and appropriate antibiotic treatment. Regular monitoring of the umbilical area afterward can help prevent complications and enable early detection of problems.
3. Umbilical eczema: This inflammatory skin condition is caused by moisture, heat, friction, and other irritants. Treatment includes keeping the umbilical area clean and dry and gently cleansing it daily with warm water or saline solution.
4. Umbilical hernia: An umbilical hernia occurs when fatty tissue or part of the intestine protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles near the navel. It commonly occurs in infants and usually does not require specific treatment, as it typically resolves spontaneously between 6 months and 1 year of age. However, close observation is necessary.
5. Urachal cyst: A urachal cyst is a congenital condition characterized by the formation of a cyst at the umbilicus. Small cysts often do not require treatment and may resolve on their own as the infant grows. However, if the cyst is large or shows signs of infection, surgical removal may be recommended.
Patients experiencing these symptoms should seek timely medical evaluation to ensure prompt recovery.