In plain words
Omphalitis is an infection of the umbilical cord stump or the skin around it. The cord usually falls off in the first two to three weeks. While it heals, it can become infected. Signs include redness spreading into the belly, swelling, pus, or a bad smell from the cord. A baby with these signs may also feed less, seem sleepy, or have a fever. Omphalitis is uncommon in hospitals and at home with routine care. It can become serious if it spreads, so a call to the pediatrician is the usual step. Many parents first notice it during daily cord checks. Parents are usually told how to keep the cord clean and dry while it heals.
The deeper version
Omphalitis is a bacterial infection of the umbilical stump and surrounding tissue, most often involving and group A streptococci. Neonatal sepsis can follow. Cord separation normally occurs between days 5 and 15, and up to about three weeks in some babies. The WHO review of cord care (1998) summarized trials comparing dry cord care with antiseptic cleansing, with mixed results across settings. Diagnosis is clinical, with culture when pus is present.
Where it comes up
- Umbilical cord careBaby Basics
- Bathing a newbornBaby Basics
- When to call the pediatrician (and when to go in)Baby Basics
- Fever in a newborn is an emergencyBaby Basics
What mothers here say about omphalitis
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Sources
- World Health Organization — Care of the umbilical cord: a review of the evidence, 1998
- American Academy of Pediatrics — Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5