What is Omphalitis

Omphalitis is inflammation of the umbilical stump. It is caused by a bacterial infection. It is most often seen in newborns.

Children with omphalitis should be treated right away. The infection can spread to other parts of the body and become life threatening.

What are the causes?

Omphalitis is caused by bacteria that enter the navel. This may happen after:

• The navel area is touched by someone with unclean hands.
• The umbilical cord is cut with an unclean blade.
• The umbilical cord is treated with unclean soap, water, ointment, or solution.

What increases the risk?

Your child is more likely to develop this condition if:

• He or she had a low birth weight.
• The mother had prolonged labor.
• The mother had an infection during labor and delivery.
• A catheter was inserted into the umbilical cord during a medical procedure (umbilical catheterization).
• The baby was delivered at home (home birth).

What are the signs or symptoms?

Early symptoms of this condition include:

• Redness or swelling in the navel area.
• Pus or odor coming from the navel.
• Pain when the navel area is touched. Your child may cry when you touch this area.

More serious symptoms may develop later if the infection spreads. This may include fever, a spreading area of redness, and increased pain.

How is this diagnosed?

This condition may be diagnosed based on:

• Symptoms and a physical exam.
• Blood tests.

How is this treated?

This condition may be treated with:

• Antibiotic medicines. The medicine may be given by mouth or by IV.
• Surgery. This is usually only done in severe cases.

If your child has a severe infection that has spread to the rest of the body, he or she may need treatment in the hospital.

Follow these instructions at home:

• Give over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your child’s health care provider.
• Give your child antibiotic medicine as told by the health care provider. Do not stop giving the antibiotic even if your child starts to feel better.
• Practice good hygiene. Before touching your baby, wash your hands and skin with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Follow directions from your child’s health care provider about how to clean your child’s umbilical cord stump.
• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your child’s health care provider. This is important.

Contact a health care provider if:

• Your child’s symptoms return.
• Your child develops a fever.
• Your child is not feeding well.
• Your child sleeps more than usual or has a lack of energy.

Get help right away if:

• Your baby who is younger than 3 months has a fever of 100°F (38°C) or higher.

Summary

• Omphalitis is inflammation of the umbilical stump.
• The condition is caused by bacteria that enter the navel.
• Omphalitis is treated with antibiotics. In severe cases, surgery is sometimes needed.
• To prevent this condition, practice good hygiene. Before touching your baby, wash your hands and skin with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.