Common Salt, An Effective Remedy for Management of Umbilical Granuloma- An Observational Study

Abstract

Introduction: Usually, the residual umbilical stump separates by 7-15 days postpartum and the umbilical ring closes with epithelisation. In few infants, the umbilicus ring does not get epithealialised completely it forms an umbilical polyp and disappears in 2-3 weeks. Umbilical polyp requires medical attention if it persists beyond 3 weeks. Application of common salt for management of umbilical granuloma is one of the known modality of treatment owing to its hygroscopic action, though literature is sparse on the topic. Aim: To observe the effect of common salt on umbilical granuloma. Materials and Methods: Common salt application for management of umbilical granuloma is a standard modality at the study Institute. This was a retrospective observational study from January 2015 to December 2018. All data on infants of diagnosed umbilical granuloma, managed with application of salt, were evaluated. A total of 76 cases were managed during this period. Detailed demographic and clinical data was retrieved and collected in structured proforma from the electronic and manual record system. Descriptive statistical analysis was done. Results: In all cases, the granuloma healed within a span of two weeks. Number of salt application ranged from 8 to 24 applications. Total time for which salt remained in contact of umbilicus ranged from 8 to 24 hours. The number of sessions of salt application from presentation of patient to cure ranged from 8 to 24; median for sessions of salt application for complete cure was 12. Median for 25 quartile and 75 quartile was 12. Parents did not report any behavioural changes, sleep disturbances, or irritability in the infants after the application. No other complication or recurrence was noted in follow-up of 1 year. Conclusion: Common salt can be an effective modality to treat umbilical granuloma.

Keywords

• chemical cauterisation
• persistent discharge
• umbilical polyp