Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Foul Smelling Belly Button With White Color Discharge In Infants?

my 9 mos old son woke up this morning & I noticed a foul smelling odor coming from belly button. I tried to clean it, It does appear a little red & may have a little white colored discharge. I checked again this evening before bed, it still smells very bad. I cleaned it again with peroxide. what should i do? does he have some type of infection?
Thu, 16 Oct 2014
Report Abuse
Pediatrician,  's  Response
At times, there can be discharge from the umbilicus though it is unusual. Foul smelling indicates infection which could be managed with topical antibiotic ointment or with systemic antibiotics given orally or intravenously. You have done a good thing by cleaning with peroxide. But I would insist visiting a surgeon to rule out conditions like patent urachus which could have similar manifestations.
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Foul Smelling Belly Button With White Color Discharge In Infants?

At times, there can be discharge from the umbilicus though it is unusual. Foul smelling indicates infection which could be managed with topical antibiotic ointment or with systemic antibiotics given orally or intravenously. You have done a good thing by cleaning with peroxide. But I would insist visiting a surgeon to rule out conditions like patent urachus which could have similar manifestations.