Superficial Infection of the cord or naval

• Reassurance: A cloudy discharge from the navel is usually a mild infection from normal skin bacteria. Usually home treatment can clear it up quickly.
• Alcohol: Clean the navel with rubbing alcohol 4 times per day. Use a cotton swab to clean away the dried pus or debris. Be vigorous about it. The umbilical area does not have any sensation, so the alcohol won't sting. If the cord is still present, clean underneath it by lifting it and bending it to each side. If the cord has fallen off, pour some alcohol into the depression and remove it after 2 or 3 minutes. (Reason: it takes that long to kill the bacteria.)
• Antibiotic Ointment: If a little pus is present, apply an antibiotic ointment (OTC) 4 times per day after each cleansing. Bacitracin or Polysporin ointment will do.
• Diapers: Keep the umbilical area dry to help healing. To provide air exposure, keep the diaper folded down below the cord area.
• Dryness: Avoid tub baths until the area is healed.
• Call Your Doctor If:
  • Develops a red streak
  • Fever occurs
  • Navel is not completely dry and clean after 3 days using this treatment
  • Your baby begins to look sick or develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms