Omphalitis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the skin in the navel area. The first signs usually appear in the second week of a child's life with symptoms of catarrhal omphalitis.
Primary and secondary omphalitis
The cause of primary omphalitis is early infection of the umbilical wound. The development of a secondary is possible in the presence of infections against the background of congenital anomalies. These include an incomplete umbilical, yolk or urinary fistula. Secondary omphalitis appears at a later date and requires long-term treatment.
Depending on the nature of the inflammatory process, it can be catarrhal and purulent. Weeping navel - the popular name for catarrhal omphalitis occurs in the case of delayed epithelialization of the umbilical wound. Outwardly, the disease is determined by a weeping umbilical wound, the release of a clear liquid, and the covering of the bottom of the wound with crusts. Often, these crusts become bloody. There is swelling and redness of the umbilical ring. The general condition of the baby does not change, the body temperature remains normal, however, the lack of measures can lead to the spread of the inflammatory process to the adjacent tissues.
Preventive measures and treatment at this stage of the disease include treating the wound with 3% hydrogen peroxide solution or 5% potassium permanganate solution. The procedure is performed at least 3-4 times a day. In the process of processing, the appeared crusts must be removed.
Purulent omphalitis
With purulent omphalitis, the inflammatory process extends to the umbilical vessels and subcutaneous fat, symptoms of intoxication appear. Often, purulent omphalitis occurs as a complication of catarrhal omphalitis.
The skin around the navel becomes bright red, there is swelling and expansion of the venous network of the anterior abdominal wall. The baby's navel turns into a plaque ulcer. Pressure provokes the release of a purulent mass. As a result of the fact that the underlying tissues are involved in the inflammatory process, the umbilical region rises above the abdominal wall.
The baby's condition is assessed as serious. He suckles the breast or nipple poorly, there is no weight gain, is lethargic, often spits up, and his body temperature rises. Lack of the necessary treatment often leads to the development of sepsis.
The formation of red stripes indicates the attachment of lymphangitis - lesions of the umbilical vessels. A sharp deterioration in well-being leads to a complete refusal to eat, colossal weight loss and a rise in temperature up to 39 degrees.
Treatment should be comprehensive and consist of drugs for treating the navel and antibiotic therapy.
