Baby’s belly button - is this normal?

[wifeandmum4]

My baby has lots of yellow stuff in her belly button, which looks very similar to ear wax both in appearance and colour. I had thought it was the remnants of her cord, but now I’m worried that it could be something else! I’ve tried cleaning it with an ear bud but nothing comes away - and I’m a bit scared that I will hurt her if I rub it too hard.

Does anyone know what it could be? She’s five months old.

Hi OP, nurse here. Can you post a pic?

Is it poo that’s got stuck after a messy nappy? Mine used to get this when she was a bit younger after an explosion 😂

It could be! But when I tried to clean it with a cotton wool bud it didn’t budge. How hard can I rub when cleaning her belly button? I don’t want to hurt her!

I’ll try to get a photo.

@Fast90 photo attached - what do you think?

My daughter has this. I can't remember what it's called but I looked up home treatments and put a think layer of salt held on with a cotton wool pad for 15 mins once for 2 days. It goes black and falls off.

https://www.ruh.nhs.uk/patients/patientsleaflets/paediatrics/UmbilicallGranulomapatienttinfo.pdf

Thank you. Is it definitely an umbilical granuloma then?

Even if it isn't, I guess there can't be any harm in sprinkling a bit of salt over her and seeing if it works!

I can't see it would do any harm. Check with you GP or HV but I don't think an allergy to salt is a thing. Much nicer than the more chemical options they can do. Worked a tray for us. Just use loads. I did it while my daughter was asleep on me. It's growing on top of the skin so doesn't hurt them as I understand it.

Let us know how you get on.

DD is now six months and half of this yellow stuff is still there (some of it came away a couple of weeks ago but the rest won’t budge). I haven’t dared try the salt thing in case I’m doing something wrong! The health visitor said she doesn’t know what it is and I can’t currently see them face to face (helpful). I’m not sure what to do!

Are there any nurses on here who might be able to help?

Following, my son has this

I'm not a nurse but my DD had this when she was a few weeks old. Our GP prescribed a cream that we applied 3 times a day and within a few weeks it had cleared up completely.

Thanks @freckledsloth - do you remember what the issue was? I will ring my GP and see what they think.

You posted and got advice. You didn’t want to try the advice. So now you’re posting again - why? If you get any more advice you won’t try it? So just contact your GP.

So now you’re posting again - why?

Because:

I researched the salt suggestion, looked at images of umbilical granuloma and don’t think that’s what my baby has. So I came on here asking if anyone has any different advice, which one person did and it’s been useful. I didn’t realise I wasn’t allowed to post again if in need of more advice

If you're worried (which you clearly are) phone your GP and ask for advice op. They should at least do a video call or ask you to send a photo even if they won't see you.

I would take baby to pharmacy and ask there. The gp might not be doing face to face for this ( although they should), but pharmacist will see and I am sure will be able to suggest something. Either a cream or ointment, or tell you what they think it is so you can go back to gp, tell them and get something prescribed.

Why didn’t you seek actual medical advice from a doctor/hv/nurse/pharmacist?

Why didn’t you seek actual medical advice from a doctor/hv/nurse/pharmacist?

I did - the HV doesn’t know what it is!

@wifeandmum4 it was umbilical granuloma. I thought it was infected but the GP wasn't worried and gave us the cream. It took a while to clear but gradually got better until it was completely back to normal and it's been fine ever since. I'd contact your GP and say what you think the issue is-bet they'll bring you in for an appointment to confirm either way and sort it from there.

Thanks @freckledsloth - so perhaps the PP was right and it is that after all. I will give my GP a call anyway.