Navel Discharge
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Discharge from the navel is a pathology, since in normal condition, the umbilical ring covering the inverted scar in place of the dropped umbilical cord should be completely dry and not cause any discomfort.
Despite the fact that in the area of the navel there is only muscle tissue and skin, unpleasant discharge from the navel indicates the presence of inflammation.
[Causes of discharge from the navel
Surgeons refer to the following causes of discharge from the navel: inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the umbilical cavity (omphalitis), thrombophlebitis of the umbilical vein, navel fistulae, endometriosis of the navel, inflammation of the urachus cyst.
Discharge from the navel in the newborn of the first month of life in most clinical cases is a symptom of omphalitis - simple, phlegmonous or, very rarely, necrotic. The causative agent of the inflammatory process in the umbilical wound of infants is staphylococcus or streptococcus.
Thrombophlebitis of the umbilical vein and associated with the newborn can be diagnosed in the case when the baby - during resuscitation procedures for asphyxia - was catheterized umbilical vessels. Thrombophlebitis of the umbilical vein is one of the complications of this manipulation.
Infectious inflammation of the skin of the navel (omphalitis) in adults also has a bacterial or fungal etiology. And discharge from the navel during pregnancy may occur just because of omphalitis. Discharge from the navel in women and men is possible as a result of the acquired paraumbilical fistula, which is formed at the site of the exposed suppuration when the umbilical hernia is injured.
One of the reasons for such discharge is urachus cyst, a congenital anomaly that occurs during fetal development. This pathology is due to the fact that the urinary duct of the fetus (urachus) is not completely overgrown, but doctors have not yet found out why this is happening. Moreover, this malformation may not show itself for a long time and manifest itself only with age.
In addition, the discharge from the navel in women may appear due to endometriosis of the navel, when the inner mucous membrane of the uterus (endometrium) grows into the tissue of the peritoneum in the umbilical region.
Symptoms of discharge from the navel
Symptoms of discharge from the navel depend on the cause of the pathology. Characteristic features with simple omphalitis (which is also called a moist navel) are serous discharge and smell from the navel, as well as hyperemia and swelling of the skin surrounding the navel. Phlegmonous omphalitis is characterized not only by purulent discharge from the navel, but also by a rise in temperature — locally and throughout the body. At the same time, a scab forms above the inflammatory focus, under which pus accumulates, and patients with palpation of the area adjacent to the inflammation complain of pain.
The necrotic form of this disease, according to surgeons, is a rare, but extremely dangerous phenomenon. In case of necrotic omphalitis, the skin near the navel becomes purple or bluish, and open ulcerations may appear. Body temperature rises to + 39.5 ° С. The inflammatory process goes deep, that is, captures the peritoneum and can cause acute purulent inflammation of the abdominal wall (phlegmon). And it can get to the internal organs, which is fraught with blood infection (sepsis).
When inflammation of the umbilical wound in newborns, serous-purulent or purulent discharges are possible, dilated vessels are visible on the abdominal wall. In case of general intoxication, the baby may be anxious or become lethargic, it is not good to suck the breast and often to regurgitate.
During thrombophlebitis of the umbilical vein in newborns, the skin near the navel reddens, a fibrous cord appears over the navel, the abdominal wall is constantly tense, and when the abdomen is stroked, bleeding from the navel appears.
First, transparent, and then white discharge from the navel are marked with a fistula. The skin near the navel can also be inflamed, and blood can appear in the secretions. The anterior abdominal wall is tense and painful.
With endometriosis of the navel in women, bleeding from the navel and pulling pains appear before, during or immediately after the completion of menstruation.
If the discharge from the navel is caused by inflammation of the urachus cyst, the accompanying symptoms are pains of varying intensity in the abdomen (acute on palpation), bowel problems and problems with urination
Who to contact?
Diagnosis of discharge from navel
To date, the diagnosis of discharge from the navel is carried out mainly on the patient's examination data, the determination of the pathogen of inflammation by bacteriological examination of secretions (smear from the navel) and a general blood test.
If the discharge from the navel is not associated with omphalitis, a urinalysis test, x-ray or ultrasound (US) examination of the abdominal organs and small pelvis is indicated.
Treatment of discharge from the navel
Treatment of discharge from the navel depends on their cause. In local therapy of simple omphalitis (both in newborns and adults), the navel is treated with antiseptic preparations such as iodine alcohol solution (10%), brilliant green alcohol solution (2%), hydrogen peroxide solution (3%), potassium permanganate solution (5%), silver nitrate solution (2%).
The following ointments are also recommended:
- Sintomitsina liniment (Sintomitsin emulsion) - applied to the navel, the usual dressing is applied on top (it is possible with compress paper) - 3-4 times a day.
- Polymyxin-M sulfate is applied with a thin layer on the affected area after removing the pus - 1-2 times a day.
- Baneocin (Bacitracin + Neomycin) - applied 2-4 times during the day. Redness, dry skin, skin rashes and itching may occur at the site of application. Pregnant use is not recommended.
- Ointment and cream Bactroban (Mupiprotsin) - during the day applied three times, the treatment is 7-10 days. The ointment is not used to treat children under 2 months, and the cream is not used for children up to a year.
Treatment in case of phlegmonous or necrotic omphalitis is carried out in a hospital - with antibiotic injections. In severe situations, resorted to surgical intervention with the establishment of drainage for the withdrawal of pus.
But the umbilical umbilical fistula treated only surgically - excision and suturing. In most cases, surgeons also treat urachus cysts, since the available conservative methods of treatment of this pathology, as a rule, do not give the desired effect.
Prevention of discharge from the navel
Since unpleasant discharge is most often the result of an inflammatory process, prevention of discharge from the navel is in their prevention.
The most effective of these is personal hygiene. That is, regular washing in the shower should not bypass the umbilical cavity. At the same time it is necessary to carefully remove water from the navel. And if the navel is deep enough, then it is recommended to treat it once a week with alcoholic tincture of calendula, furatsillinom or chlorhexidine. To discharge from the navel did not have to be treated.