Umbilical Cord Smells A Sign Of Infection Or Is Normal
Hello, doc want to ask, my baby is 8 days old, her umbilical cord smells normal or is a sign of infection, yes, thank you
1 Answer:
Hello Weni,
Thank you for the question.
After birth, the baby's umbilical cord will generally shrink and disassociate itself within 3 to 10 days because it no longer functions. After detaching from the body, the umbilical cord attachment can dry out and no longer have dangerous complications, as long as it is treated properly.
The unpleasant odor from the baby's umbilical cord is most likely indeed indicating an infection. It could also be, this unpleasant odor arises because of the accumulation of dirt and dead skin cells around the umbilical cord.
It's best not to panic. As long as it does not appear swollen, bleeding, wet, pus, or other dangerous complaints, often this condition can be treated at home, namely by:
Clean your baby's umbilical cord with sterile gauze moistened with NaCl liquid or running water, no need to use alcohol, soap, antiseptic liquid, or other chemicals. Do not rub excessively, just gently wiped and cleaned the dirt.
Do not wear baby diapers or clothes that are too tight, so the umbilical cord is not rubbed excessively
Each will hold the baby, make it a habit to wash your hands first with soap
Do not carelessly give an ointment or other ingredients on the baby's umbilical cord without doctor's advice
However, if up to 1-3 days your baby's complaint does not also improve, or if you find the umbilical cord is swollen, bleeding, wet, even festering, it's better to check it directly to the doctor or pediatrician huh ..
I hope this helps.
