Therapeutic Effect of Common Salt (Table/ Cooking Salt) on Umbilical Granuloma in Infants

Abstract

Background: Umbilical granuloma is a common inflammatory reaction which occurs during falling of umbilicus. Some treatments of umbilical granuloma includes cauterization with silvernitrate and coppersulphate, use of alcohol, Cryo and electro cauterization and granuloma ligators.

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of common salt (table/ cooking salt) on umbilical granuloma in infants.

Methods: This was a clinical trail carried out on 48 infants with umbilical granuloma. The parents of 48 infants with umbilical granuloma were given instruction to treat their infants at home. The treatment consisted of application of common salt on the lesion twice a day, washed 30 minutes later and repeated for 3 days.

Results: 44 out of 48 cases had perfect cure after the three day course of treatment.

Conclusion: Our data showed that use of common salt in treating umbilical granuloma is simple, cost effective, curative and safe.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v34i3.10360

BJCH 2010; 34(3): 99-102