Question
The umbilical cord opening is red, and it seems to have oil-like discharge inside, but there is no pain. What is going on? Do I need to go to the hospital? If so, how long will it take to recover?
Answer
Based on the description, this could be a sign of umbilical erythema, which usually comes with redness and swelling around the umbilical cord and discharge. It’s advised to maintain good hygiene around the umbilical cord, regularly clean and disinfect the area, and avoid picking at the umbilical cord. If abdominal pain or other discomforts occur, seek medical attention immediately and undergo antibiotic treatment. Additionally, adopting a healthy lifestyle can help prevent infections. The duration of treatment depends on the severity of the infection and the response to treatment, typically requiring a few days to a week for recovery.