Can neonatal omphalitis with suppuration heal on its own?

Generally, if the severity of neonatal omphalitis with suppuration is mild, it can usually heal on its own. However, if the infection is severe, spontaneous healing is unlikely. If any discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a formal hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the neonatal omphalitis with suppuration is relatively mild, presenting only with slight redness and swelling around the navel, minimal purulent discharge, and the infant has a good immune system, the condition may resolve spontaneously by maintaining cleanliness and dryness of the umbilical area and enhancing routine care. This is because mild infections may not have deeply involved the periumbilical tissues, and with appropriate care, the infant's own immune system may be able to eliminate the bacteria and resolve the inflammation.

If the neonatal omphalitis with suppuration is more severe, characterized by significant redness and swelling of the umbilical area, abundant purulent discharge, or even systemic symptoms such as fever and lethargy, spontaneous healing is uncommon. This is because severe infections may have spread to the surrounding umbilical tissues or even systemically, requiring prompt local treatment. Without intervention, the inflammation may worsen, potentially leading to severe complications such as sepsis.

Regularly and gently clean the baby's umbilical area using normal saline or povidone-iodine disinfectant solution, and keep the area dry to reduce the risk of bacterial infection and promote wound healing.