omphalitis in the neonate
Last reviewed 01/2018
Omphalitis is an inflammation of the umbilicus, most often seen after birth. Any skin pathogen can be the causitive organism.
It is predisposed to by poor hygeine; prevention is good hygeine and the careful folding of nappies to get good exposure of the umbilical stump to the air.
Treatment is with oral or systemic antibiotics; there is a minimal role for topical antibiotics.