Umbilical granuloma is a common and treatable condition in newborns and infants. Though usually harmless, it can sometimes lead to persistent discharge or infection, requiring prompt attention. Parents may notice associated symptoms like foul-smelling urine, child fever, or even signs of urinary tract infection (UTI), which can indicate a need for deeper evaluation by a pediatric urologist in Nagpur or a specialized pediatric urology clinic.
What is Umbilical Granuloma?
- An umbilical granuloma is a small, moist, red lump of tissue that can form in a newborn’s belly button after the umbilical cord stump falls off.
- It’s a result of extra healing tissue and is the most common cause of persistent umbilical discharge in infants.
- While typically benign, it can occasionally become infected or signal deeper issues if symptoms persist.
Signs and Symptoms of Umbilical Granuloma
- Persistent yellowish or blood-tinged discharge from the belly button
- A small pink or red lump at the center of the umbilicus
- Mild irritation or redness of surrounding skin
- Occasional odor or foul-smelling discharge
- Signs of secondary infection:
- Child fever
- Increased swelling, redness, or pus
- Irritability or discomfort in the baby
If the discharge has a foul smell, or the infant shows signs of infection, it’s essential to assess for possible links to systemic or urinary infections like pediatric UTI, especially in vulnerable babies.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Delayed separation of the umbilical stump
- Inadequate drying or hygiene of the umbilical area
- Excessive granulation tissue during healing
- Secondary infection due to poor air exposure or trapped moisture
- Possible underlying anomalies in rare cases, such as urachal remnants or urinary tract abnormalities
In select cases, a persistent granuloma may occur alongside symptoms like daytime wetting, child urinary incontinence, or dysuria, warranting further evaluation by a pediatric nephrology or urology expert.
Is It Linked to Pediatric Urology Problems?
Directly, umbilical granuloma is a localized skin and tissue condition. However, signs such as:
- Recurrent infections
- Foul-smelling urine
- Child fever with umbilical discharge
- Bedwetting in older children with a history of umbilical granuloma
may indicate an underlying urachal sinus, urachal cyst, or a rare communication between the bladder and the umbilicus, which must be ruled out by a pediatric urologist.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
- Physical examination is often sufficient to confirm umbilical granuloma
- If infection is suspected, the pediatrician may order:
- Complete blood count
- Urine culture (to check for UTI)
- Ultrasound of the abdomen and urinary tract if symptoms persist or worsen
- Evaluation at a pediatric urology clinic may be needed if there’s concern for structural anomalies
Treatment Options
Topical Treatment
- Application of topical silver nitrate is the standard, painless, and quick treatment
- Silver nitrate cauterizes the excess tissue and promotes proper healing
- Usually requires 1–2 sessions done by a pediatrician or pediatric urologist
Salt Treatment (Home Care under Guidance)
- Applying a small pinch of table salt to the granuloma (under medical supervision) for drying effect
- Covered for 30 minutes and washed gently
- Often effective in early-stage cases
Surgical Removal (Rarely Needed)
- If the granuloma does not respond to conservative methods
- Or if imaging reveals a urachal remnant, umbilical polyp, or communication with the bladder
- Referral to a pediatric urologist or pediatric surgery unit is essential
Post-Treatment Care
- Keep the area clean and dry
- Avoid moisture trapping from tight diapers
- Monitor for signs of infection such as swelling, redness, or foul-smelling discharge
- Follow up with your pediatric nephrologist or urologist if urinary symptoms like bedwetting, incontinence, or painful urination appear later
When to See a Pediatric Urologist?
Immediate consultation with a pediatric urologist in Nagpur is recommended if:
- The umbilical area continues to leak discharge despite treatment
- Your child also has recurrent UTIs, foul-smelling urine, or child fever
- There are signs of urinary tract anomalies, nephrolithiasis, or voiding dysfunction
A multidisciplinary approach combining pediatric urology and nephrology ensures safe management in complex or recurrent cases.
While most umbilical granulomas are harmless and easy to treat, parents should not ignore persistent discharge, redness, or foul-smelling urine in infants. Early care ensures fast healing and rules out rare but serious urological complications.
If your child shows any signs of urinary distress along with umbilical symptoms, consult a specialized pediatric urology clinic like that of Dr. Sadashiv Bhole to ensure complete and accurate treatment.
