Umbilical granulomas commonly occur in the neonatal period. In normal circumstances, the umbilical stump falls off when the umbilical fibromuscular ring closes, 1 – 2 weeks after birth. Partial epithelialization over the stump may result in an overgrowth of granulation tissue. Thought to be due to a subclinical infection, the granuloma may range in size from 1 – 10 mm in diameter. Due to a propensity to infection potentially leading to omphalitis and necrotizing fasciitis, an umbilical granuloma should be treated.
Silver nitrate is often advocated as the first-line treatment for umbilical granulomas. However, along with its antiseptic effect, it is caustic and could damage healthy tissue adjacent to the umbilicus. A systematic review demonstrated that salt treatment was effective in most of 10 studies with no adverse effects.1
Topical application of common salt for umbilical granulomas is simple, effective and inexpensive.2,3
As published in NZ Doctor and Research Review
