Treating umbilical granuloma with topical clobetasol propionate cream at home is as effective as treating it with topical silver nitrate in the clinic.

Abstract

There is a lack of evidence on the best treatment option for umbilical granuloma. The primary aim of this study was to compare three treatments for umbilical granuloma: standard treatment with topical silver nitrate, clobetasol propionate cream (0.05%) and ethanol wipes. The secondary aim was to evaluate whether the treatment could be successfully administered by a parent at home, rather than in the outpatient clinic. A total of 109 infants were randomised to one of three groups and 94 infants completed the assigned treatment: 30 infants received standard treatment with silver nitrate (99%) in the outpatient clinic, 30 infants had topical clobetasol propionate cream (0.05%) applied at home, and 34 infants received cleansing with ethanol wipes (82%) at home. Silver nitrate and clobetasol propionate cream (0.05%) were significantly superior to ethanol wipes, with shorter healing times and higher resolution rates (p=0.0001). Healing time and resolution rates were identical for silver nitrate and clobetasol propionate cream (0.05%). Mild side effects were occasionally reported, all of which were self-limiting. Treating umbilical granuloma with topical clobetasol propionate cream (0.05%) at home is as effective as treating it with topical silver nitrate (99%) in the clinic.