Umbilical Cord Drainage/Oozing
Umbilical Cord Drainage/Oozing (incomplete healing of the umbilical area after the cord has fallen off)
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Emergent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?
- Temperature greater than 100.5 F (rectal) or less than 97.5 F (rectal)
- Redness in the skin and/or pustules surrounding the umbilical cord
- Thick, colored drainage is present when area around the cord is touched
- Baby looks and acts sick
| Yes |
No |
Seek Immediate Medical Attention!
These symptoms can be life-threatening. |
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| Most cords fall off between 10-14 days of age
Slight bleeding, a few days before and after the cord falls off, is normal
The base of the area will be moist and sticky until the cord separates
After the cord falls off, then the area dries and heals |
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Urgent Care - Have you identified one or more of the following symptoms?
- Swelling of skin (without redness) around the umbilicus
- Bleeding more than a few drops per diaper change
| Yes |
No |
Contact Your Health Care Provider. |
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Self-Management - You can help in the following ways:
- Watch for signs and symptoms of infection (redness, pain, swelling, thick, colored drainage and/or fever)
- Wash area twice a day with antibacterial soap (Dial, Safeguard, or Lifeboy) until the cord falls off
- Clean 1 or 2 times a day or more with a cotton ball or swab that has been dipped in 70% alcohol
- Do not use ointment or powder
- Do not give tub baths until the cord has fallen off
- Once the cord has fallen off, discontinue the alcohol
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Go Back
Call Your Health Care Provider If: |
| Your child does not get better, new symptoms appear, you are concerned in any way or you have questions. |
