Therapeutic effect of common salt on umbilical granuloma in infants

Abstract

Background: Umbilical granuloma is the most general umbilical difficulty in neonates and young infants. It is commonly noted by the parents owing to persistent drainage or moisture involving the umbilicus, after the cord has dried and separated. If umbilical granuloma remains untreated, it could ooze and present with persisting irritation for several months. Many treatment modalities are available for umbilical granuloma such as chemical cauterization with silver nitrate or copper sulphate, electrocauterization, cryocauterization, granuloma ligation, and surgical excision. Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of common salt (table or cooking salt) on umbilical granuloma in infants. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 50 infants with umbilical granuloma. Parents of these 50 infants were instructed on the treatment regimen and administration to the infant at their home. The treatment consisted of application of common salt on the lesion twice a day, washing 30 min later, and repeating the procedure for 5 days. Result: All 50 infants with umbilical granuloma showed complete resolution after the 5-day course of common salt treatment. Conclusion: The use of common salt in treating umbilical granuloma is simple, cost-effective, curative, and safe. It is easily administered and can be performed by parents at home.