Health Care for Children

Umbilical Granuloma
 
The stump of your baby’s umbilical cord should dry up and fall off within a few weeks of birth. On occasion, the base of the cord forms a growth called a granuloma. Signs: The area around the umbilical cord may be moist and swell slightly. The area may be yellowish and could ooze or bleed a little bit. Treatment: Your pediatrician can treat the growth with silver nitrate to dry it out. If that doesn’t work, it may have to be removed in a minor procedure.

Umbilical Hernia
 
An umbilical hernia is caused by a small hole in the abdominal wall that allows tissue to bulge out when there’s pressure inside the abdomen (when a baby cries or strains, for example). Signs: Your baby’s umbilical cord seems to push outward when he cries. Treatment: Most umbilical hernias heal themselves in the first 12 to 18 months. If your child’s hernia doesn’t heal by the time he enters school, your pediatrician may suggest minor surgery.

Blocked Tear Ducts
 
A harmless condition, blocked tear ducts occur when babies are born with one or both of their tear ducts partially or fully blocked. Tear ducts usually open by the time a baby is 2 weeks old. Signs: Water tearing and/or sticky mucus in the corner of the eye. Treatment: The ducts will usually open without treatment, but your doctor may recommend gently massaging the inner corner of the eye to help them open.