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Treating your baby's umbilical granuloma
- 0-1 Years
- Common illnesses
An umbilical granuloma is a piece of tissue that stays on your baby's belly button after the umbilical cord has fallen off. It usually looks like a soft pink or red lump. It may leak a little.
An umbilical granuloma increases the risk of an umbilical infection. This can lead to your baby feeling unwell.
Treating an umbilical granuloma
An umbilical granuloma can be treated simply and safely at home.
Follow these steps:
- Put a small pinch of table salt or cooking salt on the granuloma.
- Cover the salted granuloma with a gauze.
- Leave for 10 minutes. You may want to tuck the gauze into your baby's nappy to keep it in place.
- Remove gauze after 10 minutes.
- Using warm water, gently rinse the salt away.
- Apply a new piece of gauze onto the granuloma.
You will need apply the salt treatment twice a day for at least 3 days. Continue the treatment until the granuloma heals.
The granuloma will get smaller. It will become dry and the umbilicus will heal. It may also change colour.
Try to keep your baby's belly button clean and try. Let the air get to it by rolling back the top of your baby's nappy.
When to seek advice
See your GP or call NHS 111 if:
- the belly button becomes red
- the belly button has a discharge
- the belly button has a strong or offensive smell
- the skin is hot to touch around the belly button
- it has not healed after 7 days of treatment
It can be harder to tell if your baby or toddler is seriously ill. Remember to trust your instincts. Read more about if your baby or toddler is seriously ill.
Last reviewed: 1 November, 2024
