Infected Umbilical Cord

It is possible for the umbilical cords of young infants to become infected. An infected umbilical cord can cause serious problems if it is left untreated.

Fortunately it is very easy for a mother to prevent umbilical cord infections. A careful mother and father can usually prevent umbilical cord infections with a few simple precautions.

Preventing umbilical cord infections

The first and most important step in preventing an infected umbilical cord is to keep the baby clean. Bath the baby everyday and wipe off the umbilical cord and the baby’s bottom every time you clean diapers.

Use a clean diaper or new disposable diaper every time young change the diaper. Never use a dirty diaper and make the diaper never touches the umbilical cord area.

Wiping down the umbilical cord area with a disinfectant such as ammonia or hydrogen peroxide can also prevent infections. In most cases soap and water will work just as well. Do wipe down the umbilical cord area with a disinfectant if it gets really dirty or if you think an infection is developing.

Detecting and treating an infected umbilical cord

The way to detect an infection is to watch the baby and look for signs of infection. These include pus coming from the cord, a really strong odor coming from the cord and redness, warmth or swelling in the cord. The cord can also be infected if the baby starts crying when you touch it.

The best course of action is to call the doctor and ask what to do. The doctor may have bring the baby in or prescribe a course of action. In most cases application of a simple antibiotic will clear up an infected umbilical cord.

You will have to call the doctor because the infection from the umbilical cord spread and make the baby sick. Many years ago babies often died because such infections were left untreated. Never let a baby with an infected umbilical cord go untreated.

In a few cases, an infected growth will appear in the baby’s belly button after the umbilical cord falls off. This is usually a moist button shaped bump that could be infected.

A mother will have to take the baby for the doctor for this as well. The doctor can apply drugs to this growth or simply cut it off with minor surgery. As with an infected umbilical cord this growth will not become a major problem if a mother goes to the doctor.