Pinch of salt: A modified technique to treat umbilical granuloma

Abstract

Background Umbilical granuloma is an overgrowth of granulation tissue following the separation of umbilical cord. Treatment options for this common entity are limited and have side effects such as chemical burns. In this study, we present a novel modification of the salt application method to treat infants with umbilical granuloma. Methods Seventeen infants were recruited in our study after institutional ethics committee approval and consent from the parents. The area of application was cleaned, and common table salt was carefully applied over the lesion. The granuloma was then occluded with surgical adhesive tape for 24 hours. Cases were followed up the next day to remove the occlusive tape and for assessment of improvement. Results All seventeen cases responded well to this approach with complete resolution of lesions at 24 hours. Small clotlike shrunken tissue was found at the site of granuloma, which was easily scraped off during gentle cleansing. No major complication or recurrence was noted in 3 months of follow‐up. Conclusion Complete resolution of umbilical granuloma can be achieved with a single, clinic‐based application of salt under occlusion for 24 hours. Salt causes shrinkage of granuloma inside occluded hyperosmolar chamber by desiccant effect. The salient features of this method include ease of application, low cost of treatment, accurate one‐time physician‐controlled application, and complete and rapid resolution without complication.

Effect of Guideline Education on Knowledge and Performance of Mothers regarding Using of Cook Salt for Management of Infants with Granuloma Umbilical

“…However, this effect is not so powerful as to cause damage to normal surrounding keratinized skin when applied for short duration. Sunshi et al,(2018) (8) it was in accordance with a study conducted by Hossain., et al (18) and Saleh .A(2016 ) (19) showed excellent response to the common salt over umbilical granuloma with no adverse effects. Salt therapy is associated with minor complications and less recovery time and total costs, compared with silver nitrate.…”

<p>The Outcome of Salt Treatment for Umbilical Granuloma: A Systematic Review</p>

“…20,23 Though there are limited recommendations of salt to treat granuloma in the literature, literature which showed how effective, easy to use and complete regression with no/reversible mild side effects of salt treatment are few in number. 8,14,22,24 Haftu et al, 22 and studies conducted by Farhat et al, 5 Bagdad, 25 Faranoush et al, 24 and Saleh et al 26 demonstrated a 100% cure rate of salt treatment with no adverse effect and no recurrence in the subsequent follow-up of the infants. Studies done by Hossain et al show excellent response in 91.7% of infants with a clinical diagnosis of umbilical granuloma and treated with cooking salt.…”

Management of umbilical granuloma in infants: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials

“…In addition to the RCTs, many observational studies involving approximately 1000 infants have reported a high level of success (>90%) with the use of common salt, which is also associated with lower cost and complication rates. [16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23] Therefore, common salt could be used as the first option to treat infants with umbilical granuloma. Many centres in the UK recommend the use of common salt twice daily for two days as the first-line therapy of umbilical granulomas.…”