What to do if the umbilical cord of a newborn is infected

We all know that taking care of a newborn is a particularly difficult task. No matter what daily life is, we need to take special care of it. Among them, the care of the newborn's umbilical cord is particularly important, because the newborn's umbilical cord will be cut after birth. However, the umbilical cord will fall off during this period. This period is particularly prone to umbilical cord infection, which will have a certain impact on the fetus. Especially in the hot summer, it is particularly easy to cause umbilical cord infection in newborns. Let's learn about what to do if the umbilical cord of a newborn is infected.

What to do if the umbilical cord of a newborn is infected

1. Chemical burning method: Apply 3% to 5% silver nitrate solution on the small tumor, 2 to 3 times a day. The purpose is to allow the navel to dry quickly, but this solution will make the skin black, so be careful when using it.

2. Electrocautery: This method is used in hospitals or clinics. Electrocautery is used to directly burn the eroded area of ​​the navel. After it becomes dry, it can be removed. It is very effective.

Conclusion Babies are born with poor resistance and are easily invaded and infected by bacteria in the environment. Parents and caregivers must have correct understanding and handling of this issue. The key to dealing with the belly button is to try to maintain two "dry" principles: clean (clean daily) and dry (use pure alcohol).

Nursing

The umbilical cord usually falls off within 6-10 days after birth. But there are differences among individual children, some may take half a month or longer. As long as the umbilical cord area is dry and has no redness, swelling or discharge, you should be fine. Slight redness or discharge indicates a mild infection and can be cured by disinfecting with an alcohol swab every day. If there is redness, swelling, or purulent discharge, seek medical attention. Before the umbilical cord falls off, try not to take a bath in a tub to avoid getting stains on the affected area. Instead, wipe your body with a wrung-out towel. After the umbilical cord falls off, just continue disinfection for 3 days.

Precautions

After the umbilical cord is cut, a wound is formed, which is an important portal for bacteria to invade the baby's body. In mild cases, it can cause omphalitis, and in severe cases, it often leads to sepsis and death. Therefore, the disinfection and care of the umbilical cord is very important:

1. Do not peel off the umbilical cord forcibly before it falls off. If the ligature falls off, it should be re-ligated.

2. The area must be kept clean and dry, especially the diaper should not cover the navel to prevent urine and feces from contaminating the navel wound.

3. Check the gauze regularly for bleeding. If bleeding occurs, re-ligation is required to stop the bleeding.

4. After bathing every day, wipe the exposed navel with a 75% alcohol cotton swab. Wipe from the base of the navel in a spiral motion to the surrounding areas. Do not wipe back and forth to avoid bringing bacteria from the surrounding skin into the base of the navel.

5. Cover with sterilized gauze and secure it; if there is purulent secretion in the navel and the surrounding skin is red, it means the infection is serious and you should wipe it with 75% alcohol for 3 to 4 times. Do not apply gentian violet because it can cause scab on the surface of the navel and prevent the internal secretions from being discharged, thus aggravating the infection and forming pus under the scab.

Notice:

If granulation tissue, purulent secretions, redness, swelling or bad odor is found at the base of the navel, the skin around the navel is red and swollen, or the child has a fever, loses appetite, and is in poor spirits, it indicates an infection and you should see a doctor as soon as possible to prevent sepsis.

The above is an introduction to what to do if the umbilical cord of a newborn is infected. After understanding it, we know that the appearance of such symptoms will have a certain impact on the health of the newborn. In order to avoid such things from happening, we must pay special attention when taking care of newborns in our daily lives, especially when bathing the newborn, we must pay attention to the waterproofing of the umbilical cord, and also remember to disinfect the umbilical cord.