how did you treat an infected umbilical stump?

[foxcub]

My baby is 7 weeks old and his naval has become smelly and slightly red. My GP has given him anti bacterial cream, but I think he may need something stronger. I want to avoid oral anti biotics as we have a candida problem when using ABs.

Anyone used that pweder - is it called silver nitrate? DD had an infected stump and we were given a powder which worked a treat but I can't remember the name of it...?

they used to sell a powder begininig with Z zurdak(sp) powder or something but i have a feeling they took it off the shelf

My midwife or health visitor gave me a powder which worked a treat, sorry not much help though I cant remember what it was

We just had the fucidinic acid cream (not sure on the spelling) but seemed to work ok, but DS did have a mild case.

I remember DD had the powder, but I was wondering about fucidic acid cream too...

Sterzac powder used to be used but not anymore.

Silver nitrate used to be used for stumps that had not healed.

The antibacterial cream you have been prescribed should do the trick TBH

Try washing it with tea tree oil and salt in water.

Mears - its called "Bactroban (mupirocini) 2% ointment". I'd never heard of it before, which is probably why I'm skeptical as to whether it will work!

Anyone else used this cream for LO's infected navals?

It will probably be effective as it treats staphylococcal infections which umbilical stump ones usually are.

Mears - thanx for that - do you work in the field of medicine? You sound as though you have some knowledge of bacterial infections?

No, just a midwife who knows about stumps

mears - why do they not use sterzac anymore?

look here at a paper written by a friend of mine.

Thanks for all your advice. Its is his tummy button rather than the cord (cord dropped off and he's 7 weeks old now) but I guess its all the same issues/bacteria?

Yes, same bacteria issues.

Cord care article was for pickledpants really.

You should see an improvement within 3 days of using ointment.

brill - thanx for the advice Mears - very reassuring